Initially a decorative accessory, the belt has gradually evolved to become the utilitarian fashion object that we know. Between prehistoric origins and arrival on the podiums, let us tell you the story… of the belt!
What if we told you that the belt has its origins in prehistoric times… Would you believe it? The appearance of this accessory is dated between 2100 BC and 750 BC! Even at that time, women and men "belted" their waists with a piece of leather to hold their clothing in place. It was simply fastened with a knot, without a buckle. From that moment on, the belt gradually developed, worn more or less depending on the era.
In the Middle Ages, for example, the belt was particularly the domain of women, later becoming the essential item for cowboys in the Wild West who used it to carry their weapons.
Since its inception, the function of the belt has constantly been called into question; between the end of the 19th century and World War I, it was primarily a decorative object of the military uniform, beyond its practical aspect (holding the garment). Indeed! By tightening their waist with a belt, fighters create the illusion of being stronger with broadened shoulders and a slimmer torso. Until 1920, the belt was thus purely decorative and reserved for certain professions; it later became the everyday item we know, oscillating between an aesthetic fashion accessory and a utilitarian object.
Since the 1920s, the belt has adorned itself with its finest embellishments to become a sophisticated and unique accessory. At that time, the ornaments also revealed the social status of the wearer: the more valuable they are (precious stones), the higher the social rank. Beyond its aesthetic and practical aspects, the belt has also evolved in terms of its manufacturing. Highly valued for its robustness and authentic charm, leather, particularly cowhide, has always been the preferred material of leatherworkers. The quality of a leather belt is found in the details (stitched finishes rather than glued for better buckle support), and today, the belt is a fully-fledged fashion accessory. Trendy colors, natural or synthetic materials (polyester), buckle sizes: your belt takes the shape you desire. However, be careful to choose the buckle wisely, as it can be crucial in achieving the desired effect for an outfit. A large buckle, for example, is less subtle than a smaller one and can disrupt your silhouette. One last tip to ensure your belt is THE chic detail of your look: choose the right size for your belt. You should be able to close the buckle at the middle hole (often the 3rd of 5 holes), without forcing it!
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*In mainland France, Belgium, and Luxembourg
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