A
belt is a flexible band, typically made of leather or heavy cloth, and
worn around the waist. Belts are an integral part of every Western
outfit - be it jeans or dresses or trousers. Belts support trousers or
other articles of clothing and serve as style and fashion accessories.
Belts are made of leather, cloth, jute, velvet, velor, silk, plastic,
etc. They are adorned with rhinestones, beads, metal chains, tassels,
studs, rivets and patches. The belts are available in many shades and
styles.
Materials Used
- Leather
- Cloth
- Jute
- Velvet
- Velor
- Silk
- Plastic
- Elastic
Belts: A Necessity or Adornment
Since the Bronze Age, belts have been documented as being used for male
and female clothing. Both males and females used them off and on,
depending on the current fashion. However, it was a rarity in the female
wardrobe and was not used so frequently by them. In the early Middle
ages, belts were used by women to hold together clothing.
In the late 17th century, in Mantua, belts were used by women involved
in the ranching work to hold their clothes together. Trousers were worn
by some women and they were also held together by belts. Belts were an
adornment in this period. During this time, wide and narrow belts were
studded with beads etc. and tasseled. They were wide or narrow and
usually looped inside the belt hoops. Between 1900 and 1910, the skirt
and blouse combination was designed and was adorned with belts. There
were many variations in designs of belts. The belts that were used with
skirts and blouses were either of the same cloth or had a contrasting
design.
Before the 1920's, belts served a decorative purpose, and were usually
associated with the military. Thus, modern day belts are said to have
actually become a fashion necessity in the 1900's.
Types
Fashion
Belts
