Best Ratchet Belts for Men
Need a Great Belt? Ratchet it On Up a Notch!
Wearing a belt is a necessity for men. If you think about it, belts are arguably the most worn part of any man's wardrobe. We change our shirts, our pants, our shoes- we mix up our wardrobe often, but we typically wear one or two belts until they become worn or wrecked. While the use of belts may not have changed too much, the design, materials, and functionality has evolved with new innovative ideas hitting the belt market. With belts evolving constantly there are those who claim to be the best, use the best materials, or have the newest designs. One of the more modern designs in belt manufacturing and design is the no-holes Ratchet Belt system. Ratchet Belts have started to replace the traditional belt hole style most men are used to, offering a more secure fit, hold, and overall belt longevity. Our crew sought out to find some of the very best Ratchet Belts on the market today and identified the top 5 Ratchet Belts for 2019. We researched, tested, and reviewed several belts to come up with the best Ratchet Belts finds on the market.
What exactly is a Ratchet Belt?
Solid question. A Ratchet Belt is a specific style of belt that “ratchets” down to the desired sizing of an individual's waist or tightness preference by using a buckle mechanism that locks into place along the belts embedded track system. In traditional belts, the buckle secures into pre-set holes along the belt. The ratchet system does not use “holes” like traditional belts to secure the belt buckle in place. No holes = a more custom fit.
How they work:
Belt Strap:
There is one primary design to the “belt” or “strap” track system. On the underside of the belt strap is a sewn in notched “track system” that resembles a zipper like look. Rather than zipping up, the corresponding ratchet buckle “catches” onto the track securing the desired position in place. While all ratchet belts use a track system, not all track notches are spaced the same thus giving various sizing positions depending on the manufacturer.
Belt Buckle:
There are two primary design methods for ratchet belt buckles:
Method One: The buckle system uses a magnet on the backside of the buckle that locks a metal peg into a rail of teeth (belt track) that catches the peg. When engaged, the magnet holds the track system and buckle in place holding the desired fit.
Method Two: The buckle system does not use a magnet, rather a spring-loaded mechanism that is constantly engaged. When the buckle tab is moved along the track system, the spring is constantly engaged as each click is registered. The tab is held into place and holds the belt to the desired fit. Many consider this method the strongest of the options.
Onto the Top Belts:
KORE Essentials Evolve Buckle & Belt
Our first belt on the list, and by far our favorite of all that we reviewed, goes to KORE Essentials. We tested and reviewed their Full-Grain leather belt and Stainless Steel “Evolve” buckle and we were instantly hooked. KORE’s Classic Fashion belts feature a Full-Grain leather outer layer and a Top-Grain leather inner layer that is double-stitched for durability. The belt is 1 ⅜” wide and feels like the most substantial and thickest cut belt strap on the market in this category. KORE claims to be the most comfortable men’s belt you’ll ever own. Our opinion: they nailed it. Their belt system has over 40+ sizing points which let you adjust the belt in ¼” increments resulting in over an 800% increase in sizing options over traditional belts with holes. It’s comfortable and stylish all wrapped up in one solid belt.
The KORE Essentials solid stainless steel ratchet buckle was impressive right out of the box. It feels durable and strong and has a good weighted feel in your hand and while wearing the belt strap. We initially were concerned that a buckle this heavy feeling in our hand would weigh the belt down or feel heavy on our waist. This was nowhere near the case- in fact it held in position all day and never sagged or felt “heavy.” One cool added feature is their buckle pops open bottle tops and can be popped off to swap out a different belt strap. Their ratchet buckle is so innovative, KORE holds a total of 8 U.S. patents and 4 Trademarks on their innovations.
Another major aspect we found worth noting is that KORE donates a portion of their monthly sales to St. Judes Children's Hospital to help kids and their families battle cancer. Good work KORE, good work.
Their belts offer fitting for waist sizes starting at 24” up to 44” (XL sizes up to 54”) and 1-3/8” wide. With their 30-day money back guarantee and 1-year warranty it’s worth giving their belts a test drive.
Pros:
Real solid stainless steel buckle
40+ sizing positions (more than other ratchet belts)
Full-Grain Leather with Flex-Core insert for durability
Most buckle face styles
Spring buckle mechanism held tight
1 year warranty
Cons:
Not the cheapest price point of the belts we reviewed
Only makes belts for Men (no women or kids belts)
Belt we Reviewed: Evolve Stainless Steel Buckle & Full-Grain Leather Belt Set
Price: $59.95
Mission Nero Italian Full-Grain Leather Belt
Mission Belts offer both a solid belt and a solid cause. Mission belt gives a dollar from each purchase as a loan to those in undeveloped countries to make their lives better. So when you nab a belt you are also helping others in the process. Our view is that this belt is worth nabbing for that reason and for the quality of the belt alone. This belt has a nice, smooth feel and by initial impressions looked and felt solid. The buckle weight was heavy in our hands, but felt durable and sturdy when worn on the belt strap. When the buckle is attached and worn, both the sturdiness of the belt and the buckle complement each other well. There was no sagging or feeling of being weighed down with such a solid belt.
The underside of the belt is tan leather so it really shows the track system. While not needed it does add a pop to the black belt front face. The belt itself is made of Italian Full-Grain leather that is sourced from the French countryside and vegetable tanned in Italy. Mission sells other ratchet belts made from genuine leather and a synthetic coating. Those belts are nearly half the cost of their Italian belt lines. Their belts can be interchanged with their Ratchet Buckles in corresponding 35mm or 40mm buckle widths.
The belt version tested was the Black Leather with matching Black buckle. For those who like contrast in the belt and buckle, the black on black did not showcase the nice buckle as well because it blended in with the belt. Nonetheless, this belt is a great Ratchet Belt worth wearing.
Pros:
1- year manufacturer warranty
Full-Grain Italian Leather
Smooth Ratchet Buckle engagement
Cons:
Buckle feels like a cheaper alloy
Most expensive belt on the list
Limited buckle face styles
Belt we reviewed: Nero Italian Full-Grain Leather Belt
Price: $75.00
Marino Trellis Belt
The Marino Trellis Belt is an impressive belt considering it’s rather low price point. When we reviewed this belt we assumed it would not hold up against others in quality, durability, and overall style- we were wrong. The Marino line of dress Ratchet Belts are made of high-quality genuine leather wrapped in a fortifying polyurethane. The leather used allows the belt to breathe, repel moisture, and age gracefully.
On the initial reveal of the belt we found the strap to be somewhat lighter than other genuine leather belts on the list and featured a folded over, one seam sewn line down the edge of the belt. The belt measurements start out at 28” waist and go up to 54” waists. The instruction card for sizing was not as clear as other belt instructions but did showcase how to easily adjust for the right belt length.
The ratchet buckle system employed by Marino is a solid, heavy duty buckle. It’s easy to engage, release (by lifting the buckle itself) and runs smooth down the beltline. One aspect we noticed was there was some brushing up against of the belt along the buckle inside components which could wear the strap down over time. Each belt strap measures 1 ¼” wide and the buckle is removable and can be attached to other corresponding sized straps. For the price point and features, this belt is one to take note of.
Pros:
Lowest price of the belts reviewed
Sturdy buckle
Easy ratchet system
Cons:
Cheaper bonded leather (separate pieces glued together)
Limited warranty
Belt we Reviewed: Trellis Belt
Price: $24.00
Slide Belt Classic Black Belt
As their current website banner suggests: these belts are Comin’ in Hot. The Slide Belt Classic belt is an instant classic for those looking to mix up the Ratchet Belt game and go with alternative options such as their Vegan leather belts and Faux leather alternatives. Slide Belt offers both Full and Top Grain leather along with Genuine, Faux, and Canvas belt strap options. We tested their Classic Black Belt (Vegan Free) and were happy with our selection right out of the box.
When we opened the slick black box packaging, we instantly noticed their buckle system. Offering an alternative to other belt buckles we tested, these buckles lift outward as a dual-ratchet lever that is lifted from the end of the buckle face itself. Other belt buckles have a pull tab under the main buckle as opposed to this design. The buckle is sturdy and durable, while maintaining a sleek profile while fastened to the strap.
The belt strap itself was not as substantial as other belts and had less of a durability feel than others we tested. The stitching is nice and the track system is well embedded into the Faux leather. Initial impression was a solid leather alternative however we do not know what extensive use will render. The belt fits up to a 48” waist and the strap measures 1.25” width. The ratchet system adjusts in ¼” increments giving a secure and custom fit.
We really like the variety offered and the ability to mix and match the straps and buckles for a consistent customized look. We also appreciate the effort by Slide Belts to innovate and modernize their belt options with their over 9 iterations until they got it right- and they sure did!
Pros:
No magnet system for better fit
Multiple Leather and Faux Leather options
Mix and Match buckles and straps
12 month warranty
Cons:
Faux leather not as substantial as other belts
Belt seems to shift in buckle at times
Limited buckle face styles
Belt we Reviewed: Classic Black Belt (Faux Leather)
Price: $42.00
Anson Belt and Buckle
Completing our list of top ratchet belts is the Anson Belt and Buckle set. We say “set” because when you go to order a belt from Anson you can pick and choose your belt combination-pretty cool right? We went with the 1 ¼” width strap and the Traditional Buckle design. You can choose between Traditional or Formal buckle options within their belt sets. When we opened the purple packaged box we found the strap, buckle, and a set of how-to-size instructions. The buckle instantly caught our attention as it was more of a lightweight option than the other belts on the list. The belt strap is made of premium Full-Grain leather but felt much lighter and less “sturdy” than others on the list. For some this may be a better choice if you prefer a very lightweight belt set. The strap goes up to 50” pant size so if your waist is bigger than this, Anston does not have another option. While this belt feels lighter than others, the ratchet system is relatively smooth.
Their micro-adjustable design offers 30+ ratchet points that are spaced out one-quarter of an inch apart. The ratchet buckle utilizes an embedded magnet that engages the buckle and track system for locking in the size you want. The release tab is easy to engage giving you the ability to tighten and loosen on the fly. Their buckles are made from over 95% Zinc alloy with 3-4% Aluminum.
Anson sells 2 belt widths and each belt width can be easily mixed up by swapping out corresponding sized buckles. With over twenty-four 1 ¼” buckle options and twenty-one corresponding leather belt strap options, customizing these belts are a belt wearers dream.
Pros:
Good price point
Ratchet System is smooth and sturdy
Plenty of customizable strap/buckle combos
Lifetime warranty (assuming you wear the same belt for life)
Cons:
Lightweight construction may not outlast other ratchet belts
Instructions for sizing has several steps to find exact fit
Not as sturdy of a feel as others we tested
Limited buckle face styles
Belt we Reviewed: 1 ¼” Strap & Classic Buckle
Price: starts at $49.99
While all the ratchet belts we reviewed are better than traditional belts with holes, our personal favorite on this list is KORE Essentials because their overall belts feel better, buckle mechanism is solid, and their style choices are classic yet modern. Searching for the best ratchet belt on the market can be overwhelming with many choices. We know that any ratchet you choose from this list will surely surpass your expectations of your next Ratchet Belt!
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