Sunday, February 21, 2010

The Off-Centered Belt

Wearing you belt a little off-centered is one of those insanely easy sprezzatura moves that can add a whole lotta character.  I've noticed the look lately on stylish friends and its prevalence in the Gant by Michael Bastian showing.  Assuming you are comfortable enough with yourself to wave this flag of purposeful sartorial "off-ness" I believe it is great way to switch things up even if you are wearing your day to day "uniform".

To me this move always looks best with a D ring belt, but it can also looks quite fly with a belt buckle as long as it isn't on some "everything's bigger in Texas" type vibe.  As for how far you offset the belt, that is a personal choice.  The Bastian models had it pulled over just before the first belt loop on the right side, but I prefer to go just pass said loop.  It really doesn't matter all that much as long as you like how it looks and, most importantly, feel comfortable.  Ultimately the look is unique and adds a nice streamlined look to the front of your pants.

Like most sprezzatura this is all about not being so obvious. After you wake up, put your pants on and shif your belt you probably should leave it alone for the rest of the day.  If you start fiddling with it in public you are defeating the entire purpose, not to mention, as the day progresses and the belt shifts on it's own it will end up looking cooler anyway.  I always find that sprezzatura works best when you pay attention to the details before you walk out the door, but once you do forget all about it.  That way when someone tells you your belt is off you can look down, act surprised, say "whatever dude" and you won't be totally full of shit.


-L.A.S

16 comments:

  1. The lobster claw belt buckle is serious, just the right size to not seem too gaudy. Great post!

    ReplyDelete
  2. disagree, that belt belongs here: http://www.regretsy.com/category/dead-things

    ReplyDelete
  3. Abercrombie called... they want their style back...

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ryan- If you don't have anything nice to say...haha.

    Don't you still wear A&F ties?

    ReplyDelete
  5. I remember this from first year of college, next post'll be on white belts?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Deweydecimal- I think I know what belts you are talking about and no, I will not be posting on them. Ever.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I think that off-centered belts are okay... but not past the first belt loop... then it looks contrived... because if you put your belt on past your first belt loop then it looks like it was intentional... just my opinion

    ReplyDelete
  8. this is kinda fresh, cant deny...

    ReplyDelete
  9. Enthusiast- Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. It's a slippery slope, but I'm down with it either way.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I feel like at least in the Gant pictures, it's more about the extra texture/layer of the belt tail hanging down from the side.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Teppei- Excellent observations...didn't realize that until you mentioned it.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Erm, emperor's new clothes alert.

    D-rings look right off centre as it's the result of yanking your belt tight.

    Enthusiast hits it - anything past the first the loop is an affectation as it's highly unlikely to occur other than intentionally.

    File along side the half tuck, when it happens it happens. When you attempt it it won't.

    ReplyDelete