What is a solid clasp on a belt called?

Having several belts or belts in our wardrobe, we don’t even think about how ancient this item is. But buckles (hard fasteners) appeared even earlier, before belts.

History of belts and buckles

Initially, thin ribbons cut from tree bark were used for belts. Approximately 2000 BC. e. man was able to clean animal skins. We can see evidence in cuneiform tablets of the Hammurabi dynasty of ancient Babylon.

A belt or sash could do without a buckle, but any belt could not.

At first they were made of leather or bone. In the century bronze they began to make bronze ones, and they were highly valued.

Ancient civilizations of the Sumerians, Assyria to Ancient Egypt, and in Ancient India, as well as China, they did not use belts for clothing. But the buckles from those times have been preserved.

In those days, men and women used various belts; these were the ancient Greeks, Persians, Romans, etc. It was the belt that testified to the status and wealth of the owner.

Wide belt used widely gladiators in ancient Rome. Sometimes it looked more like a corset, covering the stomach. Strips of leather with patterns or metal plaques were attached to such belts. This was all protection in battles.

Buckle is a symbol of status and wealth

Over time, luxurious belts became a demonstration of status and wealth. So on in the 17th century on the Shah of Iran during the coronation there was a luxurious belt woven from gold, in the center there was an emerald (175.5 carats), which was surrounded by about 60 cut diamonds and 145 pink small diamonds.

The belts of kings, emperors and nobility were particularly luxurious. A bronze belt of the ruler of Assyria has been preserved; it is decorated with forging.

Available with original enamel inserts.

A buckle (sometimes a plaque) is a hard fastener on a belt (strap). In the past, belts were strong because the buckles had weight, sometimes being a work of art and the pride of the owner.

You know, even tribal leaders used bronze buckles that were already covered with silver. The poor wore bone buckles.

Archaeologists found bronze and bone models on the territory of the ancient Bulgars (10th century), in some countries the period was earlier.

When Great Byzantium fell, the belts passed from the military to the people.

Interesting Facts

In the chronicles you can read that in the Middle Ages knights wore "chastity belts" They took the key with them. And women of easy virtue were prohibited from wearing any belts.

Bandelier – a wide strip of fabric was tied around the waist, and a saber (sword) was attached to it. When weapons were invented, in the 15th – 16th centuries. a powder flask, a set of cartridges, etc. were added. By the 17th century. every fashionable gentleman was obliged to wear a bandelier, it was already thrown over the shoulder, and then began to decorate spectacular buckles.

It is believed that such slings originated from Hortfessel (buckle strap for decoration). His in the XIV-XV centuries. worn over the left shoulder. Louis XIV introduced the fashion for items with buckles: on shoes and for the first time appearing on hats. And the military began to come up with different buckles with emblems, as insignia of troops and countries.

The fashion of “aristocrats” was fading, but ordinary people remained belts with buckles. The bourgeoisie was the 3rd estate, it was not allowed to wear either belts (this is a privilege of the nobility) or belts with buckles (for common people). Unprecedented heat in Europe in 1893. We immediately remembered belts with buckles, which are much more convenient than suspenders. This is how the convenient strap began to spread throughout the world.

Before the 1st World War, every gentleman was obliged to look according to all the rules of etiquette of that time, which necessarily included a narrow strap with a buckle, a gold pin on a tie, a watch on a leather strap, etc.

At the beginning of the 20th century. minimalism comes, the familiar three-piece men's suits, where the trousers had a belt that replaced suspenders. Black and dark brown belts are becoming classics. For many years there were strict clothing rules, where shoes must be in the same color as the belt.

Later, by the middle of the 20th century. buckles have already appeared everywhere, even without a belt: on sportswear, briefcases, pilots’ headsets, policemen’s belts, even on handbags.

Elvis Presley and other youth idols quickly spread the fashion to jeans. IN 1961 they appeared in Paris, and in 1967 - in Moscow at an exhibition.

Over time, jeans and stylish accessories have become a part of our lives. These are keychains, pens, lighters, organizers, cigarette cases, wallets, etc.

The most expensive belt in the world

Famous fashion brand Gucci created the most expensive belt in the world! Only 2 models were produced with a large platinum buckle inlaid with diamonds (total weight 30 carats).

One buckle weighed 250 g in the shape of the letter G. The selling price was $ 250,000!!!

Types of men's belts

Trouser – 3-3.5 cm, classic made of leatherette or genuine leather with a rectangular (square) buckle. They can be dark: black, blue or maroon. Must match the shoes.

Denim – 3.5-5 cm for casual style, can be made of different materials. Here, buckles can be in the shape of letters, patterns, depict animals, etc. The trend is rivets, stitches, any color: from black to red.

Universal – 2-3.5 cm with a smooth surface, worn with jeans or trousers. Any color scheme.

Women's straps were initially narrow, but now the rules are the same. There is more choice here for buckles, with an emphasis on aesthetics to complement any outfit.

Modern fashion

The image of people today has acquired almost complete freedom, stylists recommend only one thing - harmony in everything:

• Belts for business For a (men's or women's) suit, it is better to choose classic (traditional) colors - black, dark brown or gray.
• With minimalism, a buckle with simple shapes. Decor with ornate shapes, flowers, images of animals, thorns and other elements are features of the casual style. They will be appropriate only at an informal friendly party, at a meeting with friends. They can be worn with jeans or trousers of any kind.
• Spectacular combinations look stylish belt with shoes by color and texture. Ideal if the style of men is maintained buckle – with cufflinks and wristwatches.
• If a man short, stylists recommend avoiding “cutting” any lines, so it is better to choose a belt of the same tone as the trousers, so the transition will be less noticeable.
• For men, the belt should be inserted into the trouser waistband to the left. When fastened, the length of the strap must reach the 2nd loop maximum.

Important! When choosing a belt, you should pay attention to the correct combination of all parts of clothing. For example, an expensive belt cannot be combined with cheap clothes and vice versa. It will immediately be noticeable to those around you.

Care and storage

It must be taken into account that genuine leather will deform over time. In order for the belt to serve for a long time, especially if the ideal straight line is lost, periodically should hang out in the closet or you can roll into a ring, hidden in a box. Other storage methods are completely unacceptable for belts.

Nowadays there is a huge selection of belts and belts for men and women from a variety of materials, models and colors. And a “cool” creative buckle is an effective addition to such a necessary accessory. Always take into account the situation and fashion, then you will always look stylish and elegant. We must remember that freedom is your own style, which suits a certain person, and not everyone.