Belts aren’t usually the most exciting purchase in the world. They’re not a bag, they don’t sparkle like jewellery, they can get overlooked, but they make such a difference to an outfit and give you that little bit extra. Over the last few years I’ve tested a handful of belts – some bought new, some preloved – and I’ve learnt a few things about quality, trends, and when you really shouldn’t ignore your own Luxury for Less rules (yes, I’m looking at you, my Louis Vuitton mistake).

Here’s my round-up:

Celine Triomphe Reversible Belt (Black/Brown)

Preloved from Designer Exchange in 2025: £375

RRP in 2025: £530 (wowzers)
How to wear: I got the 80cm, I wear it on the tightest hole. It’s slightly too big but I will put more belt holes in so it’s a non-issue.

I LOVE that Celine released this belt as a reversible. You get two belts for one which I am a massive fan of (luxury for less people). CAUTION: Do not have the brown leather against new denim jeans - the colour will transfer and stain your belt. I cannot state this enough. Only wear it with the black facing outwards on trousers that will not colour transfer.

The black is almost patent which I love - it has a slight shine to it.

The brown is more matte.

The hardware is hefty and feels better value than the Loewe.

Verdict: If you want this belt get the reversible. I love, love love it! I do not care if it’s seen as ‘over’ by tiktokkers.

Hermès – Constance Reversible Belt (Orange/Almond Tan)

Preloved from Sellier Knightsbridge, in 2023: £357
RRP in 2025: £780
Size: 75cm
How to wear: I wear as a waist belt (add holes at your local Timpsons) and on my hips.

My favourite. Full stop. Reversible, so two belts for one.

I’ve never worn the orange side (maybe one day with a crisp white shirt dress in summer?), but the almond tan side? Perfection. The leather quality is unmatched and the colour is this beautiful honey almond colour, it’s held up beautifully after nearly three years, no tarnish on the buckle. That being said I only started wearing it a lot this last year.

The belt pin is quite shallow and does not secure as well into the belt holes as the Loewe.

For reference, I am a size 8 and I got a size 75cm. I have to be honest, I prefer buying an 80cm and putting additional holes in it. I do not like making expensive purchases and having to worry that it might not fit me if my weight fluctuates.

And yes, I unapologetically love the H buckle. Sue me. It’s aged better than the Double G.

Verdict: Worth every penny. Pure quality (shame about the orange)

Loewe – Reversible Anagram Belt in Smooth Calfskin

Bought new: £375 (2025 price still the same)
Size: 80cm
How to wear: I wear as a waist belt (add holes at your local Timpsons) and on my hips.

I love the idea of a reversible belt, it’s two for one basically (so really it is 1/2 price!) Black on one side, brown on the other, and a neat little Loewe logo buckle.

The buckle is so light I actually thought it was painted plastic when I first unboxed it. I can say with full certainty - money was not spent on that buckle in production. But still, I like it. It’s stylish without being try-hard, and it’s not an overtly obvious logo.

Leather quality is really strong – the holes haven’t stretched, it secures beautifully, no tarnishing (but under a year in).

Verdict: Subtle, practical, stylish. I’d recommend.

Gucci – Leather Belt with Double G Buckle

Bought new in 2018: £270
Now (2025): £410 (ouch)
Size: 80cm (extra holes added)
How to wear: I wear as a waist belt (add holes at your local Timpsons) and on my hips.

This was the belt of Instagram in 2017–2019. And honestly? Worth it. The Double G buckle is super heavy, durable, and feels like money. The leather was thick and gorgeous. In 2018 it felt like great value. The pin secures well in the belt hole.

Yes, it’s been overdone and yes, it feels a bit “been there, done that” but fashion is circular and the GG will be back (it’s been back twice already in the last 7 years). Tarnishing is minimal, but also doesn’t ruin the look even if it is a little tarnished.

Verdict: Best quality of the bunch, even if it’s not in its fashion moment right now.

Saint Laurent – Cassandre Leather Belt

Preloved from Vestiaire in 2025: £183.50
RRP: £370
How to wear: I wear as a waist belt (add holes at your local Timpsons) and on my hips.

I thought I needed a deep chocolate brown belt for autumn. Spoiler: I didn’t. The YSL logo acting as the belt loop is clever and chic, but the leather? Matte, flat, rough, and unfinished. The hardware? Brass, understated to the point of being… meh.

I honestly wish I’d bought the black version. The brown makes the YSL disappear and the belt just looks dull.

If you’re buying YSL, I’d say save up for the LA 66 Buckle belt in lacquered leather (£510 RRP, so probably £350 preloved). Looks more luxe, heavier hardware, actually feels special.

Verdict: Skip the matte brown. Life’s too short for boring belts.

Louis Vuitton – Classic LV Belt

Preloved from Sellier Knightsbridge: £365 + £9.99 shipping
RRP: £375 (oops)
Size: 80cm (extra holes added)

This was my Luxury for Less fail. I paid basically retail on a preloved belt because I assumed the price had gone up into the £500s. Rookie mistake: never assume, always check the website first not after.

That said… I do love it. The leather finish looks luxe and a bit special, it is also more hardwearing than smooth calfskin because its grooved meaning it will hide scuffs well.

The LV logo hardware is much more understated than the Celine Triomphe – not a huge square, but still a little flash of something. It came up a lot narrower than I was expecting - I thought it would be wider. - it is a skinny belt.

Only had it a week so no tarnishing yet. But lesson learnt on not assuming just because it’s preloved its cheaper.

Verdict: Great belt, terrible buying decision.

Dior – Black Smooth Calfskin

Preloved from Vestiaire: £328
RRP: £520
How to wear: Definitely designed to be worn as a waist belt with a dress. But, I do wear it as a hip belt.

My issue: I thought this was a wide, jeans-holding belt. It isn’t. It’s a delicate, narrow belt made from 100% smooth calfskin – far better for belting a crisp white dress, all black outfit, or a tailored city short - more so than keeping your trousers up. The leather is buttery soft, super pliable, not a lot of structure and the buckle is lighter than I expected.

Pretty? Yes. Practical? No.

Verdict: Buy if you want a waist belt. Skip if you want to wear with trousers.

Isabel Marant - Lecce Belt

Preloved from HEWI in 2025: £60

RRP in 2025: £150
How to wear: I made the error in getting a small and as a result it just about fits around my hips. I would 100% suggest getting the medium. Then it could be suited for hips and waist.

I think this belt looks really really good. The colour of the leather and the quality is excellent. It also keeps your jeans up well, it does not come undone.

Verdict: Get the medium because the knotted closure looks better with a long tie.

Final Thoughts

The joy of reversible belts is that you can sometimes swap buckles between straps, which gives you even more versatility. But if I could re-do my purchases?

Wouldn’t buy again: YSL Cassandre in matte brown, Dior thin belt.
Would re-buy: Louis Vuitton (but NEW, not preloved at the same price), Celine and Loewe
Forever love: Hermès Constance.
Next on my list: YSL LA 66 buckle belt in lacquered leather, Celine Vivienne, and the Celine reversible Alix belt.

Belts aren’t the main event in your wardrobe, but they quietly do the work. And when they’re done right – like the Hermès – they make you feel instantly polished, even if you’re just wearing jeans and a white tee.

All My Preloved Belt Reviews (Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Celine, Dior, YSL, Hermes, Isabel Marant & Loewe)