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Belting out in style

A Gucci belt or a Christian Dior or an Indian HiDesign can be sported with equal panache along with the one picked up at the flea markets, says HARJEET KAUR ALLAGH

PHOTO: RAJU. V.

TIGHTENING THE BELT You name it and the show-rooms have it

Guys and gals today wouldn't be seen in western clothes without a funky belt to hold up their trousers, literally. In the `70s, the peak of the hippie culture, broad belts were worn over long tops and flared trousers by the `rebellious' youth of that period. Everything comes round full circle, so did this fashion. The broad belts with equally huge buckles are the rage once again, appealing to the fashion-conscious youth of the day.

Men's designer belts come in an impressive array of styles and colours. From traditional business items to contemporary styles meant for painting the town red, luxury belts and off-the-rack ones are available everywhere. Choosing the right stuff from a wide range of choices can be a mind-boggling task. Most apparel manufacturers or designers are coming out with their own brand of belts, thus making it easy for the label-conscious buyers to accessorise their outfit with the right belt. Shahid, an MBA from NIMRA College, says: "I like to wear formal leather belts to work and funky, broad-buckled ones with casual wear."

Belts sold in stores are generally sized to waist measurements. Women's belts run from 22' to 32', while some are adjustable. Men's belts too come in small, medium and large (30' to 44') sizes. . Not so long ago we had belts made from reptile or exotic skins, but thanks to the intervention of animal rights' groups, the inhuman practice stopped. Most of the leather belts are made of faux leather. Prashant, a BBM graduate from Siddhartha College, wears a braided jute belt to grab attention.

Belts of vinyl, jute or fabric are common for men. Buckles are usually made of metal, but they also come in plastic and wood. Vijay, working as associate sales manager in YES Bank, says: "Big-buckled belts are one of my favourites."

Girls have access to a wide range of material and colours in belts. Matching belts made from the same fabric of the dress are further embellished with embroidery and sequins. . Jewelled belts made of silver and gold are for the affluent sections. The market is flooded with a vast range of belts in different hues - polka dotted to flowers or geometric patterns in transparent plastic. Nisha Solanki, a BBM graduate from P.B Siddhartha College, says: "I like to wear jeans and T-shirts and a fancy belt just about adds zing to my outfit." While her friend Archana says: "I like to match my outfits with my belts."Belts come in different styles.Bandolier is worn over the shoulder rather than the waist, a Belt Bag is a belt with an elongated pouch at the buckle, Canvas, webbed or twill belt usually cut to size, Cowboy belt is a leather belt with a broad buckle worn with western casual wear, while Metallic belts made from different metals or an Obi, a cloth sash worn to hold a Japanese kimono in place.

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