Women's Plus Size Fashion Belts

Choosing a Plus Size Belt

Overall, belts are a great accessory. They can brighten up otherwise plain-looking clothes, hold up a pair pants that are loose in the waist or they can help make a too-big shirt look like it fits. Belts can be worn with:

• Jeans or khakis
• Dress pants
• Skirts
• Shorts
• Skorts
• Long tunics
• Oversized tank tops or t-shirt
• Dresses

However, the key here to determine what kind of belt works great not only with your outfit, but with your body type:

• Sashes -- These scarf-like belts are worn loosely at or slightly above the hips. They look great with a long shirt or dress. Women with "pear-shaped" bodies should avoid this style of belt as it will add more bulk to your mid-section and hips.
• Thin leather belts -- For the most part, this style looks great with jeans or other pants that have belt loops. However, if you tend to have a smaller waist, but larger hips, make sure that your pants fit well before trying to hold them up with a belt. Leather belts, or similar thinner styles, will tend to pull on the back loops and cut into your back and hips if the pants aren't the right size.
• Wide buckle belts -- These refer to leather belts (or any material really) that are at least two to three inches wide and have a decorative buckle. These look good sitting right above the hips as the buckle will draw the attention away from the hip area.
• Cinch belts -- Again, not for every plus size woman, this style of belt has either a hook and eye or Velcro closure in the back or front. They range from three inches wide to about eight inches. The thicker belts are also known as corset belts as they are worn like that style of lingerie. They can be made from leather (or it's equivalent) or elastic. Women with small stomach and hip areas would best benefit from these belts.
• Chain belts -- Add a bit of glimmer and flare to a pair of jeans or a long tunic. This style will fit well on almost any body type as the design will draw attention away from your problem areas. Many of these belts come with extensions so they can fit any plus size lady.
• Tie belts -- These are made from leather ties and some sort of embellishment such as shells, coins or discs. They tie in the front and can be worn with or without belt loops.

Where to Find Women's Plus Size Fashion Belts

Now that plus size belts are back in style, finding them won't be too difficult. Your best bet is to go belt shopping with a friend and try on a few different styles and sizes. Take your time and really get some honest opinions from others as to how they look. However, if you must shop online, here are some places to look:

• Strait City Trading Co. sells numerous styles of chain belts with extensions in silver and gold tone.
• Casual Plus has some trendy chain and wide buckle belts for sale. This site caters mainly to plus size teens, but some of the styles are flattering for all women.
• Jessica London offers some cute braided belts, as well leather and tie belts in plus sizes.
• Lane Bryant sells a variety of belts including chain, cinch and wide buckle.
• Because Nice Matters has some great plus size rhinestone belts available in several colors.