Belt Size Chart and Waist to Belt Converter
Belt sizes are usually stated as the distance from the buckle fold to the middle hole, in inches (US/UK) or centimetres (EU). The rule most makers follow is to buy a belt 5 cm or 2 inches larger than your trouser waist, so a 32 in waist takes a 34 in belt, and an 82 cm waist takes an 85 or 90 cm belt. Letter-sized belts vary widely: one brand's M is 85 cm, another's is 90 cm.
The most reliable method is to measure a belt you already wear, from where the leather folds around the buckle to the hole you use, or to run a tape through the belt loops of your trousers while wearing them. Add 5 cm if the belt will sit over heavy fabric or a shirt. Belts typically have five holes spaced 2.5 cm apart, so a correctly sized belt fastens on the middle hole with two spare on each side.
Size chart
| Waist (in) | Waist (cm) | Belt size (in) | Belt (cm) | US/Intl | KR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | 66 | 28 | 71 | XS | 85 |
| 28 | 71 | 30 | 76 | XS | 90 |
| 30 | 76 | 32 | 81 | S | 95 |
| 32 | 81 | 34 | 86 | S | 100 |
| 34 | 86 | 36 | 91 | M | 105 |
| 36 | 91 | 38 | 97 | M | 110 |
| 38 | 97 | 40 | 102 | L | 115 |
| 40 | 102 | 42 | 107 | L | 120 |
| 42 | 107 | 44 | 112 | XL | 125 |
| 44 | 112 | 46 | 117 | XL | 130 |
| 46 | 117 | 48 | 122 | XXL | 135 |
Sizes are approximate and vary by brand
Frequently Asked Questions
What belt size should I buy for a 34 inch waist?▾
A 36 in belt, which is 90 cm in EU sizing. If your trousers are labelled 86 cm, buy a 90 or 95 cm belt. Letter sizes: most brands class 90 cm as M or L, so check the brand's cm chart.
How is belt length measured?▾
From the fold where the strap attaches to the buckle to the centre hole, not the total strap length. A belt marked 90 cm is often 100 to 105 cm of leather end to end. Some Asian brands list total length, so check the listing.
What do belt sizes S, M, L mean in cm?▾
Commonly S is 80 to 85 cm, M is 85 to 90 cm, L is 95 to 100 cm, XL is 105 to 110 cm for men's belts. Women's belts run about 5 cm smaller per letter. Always compare to the brand's cm figure.
Can I convert my trouser size directly to belt size?▾
Yes: add 2 inches or 5 cm. A US 30 trouser is a 32 belt, an EU 80 trouser is an 85 belt. If you wear trousers low on the hips, add 4 in or 10 cm instead.
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