How to choose a belt

[Deans]

Just got my CHL and now will be needing a belt and I intend to carry IWB. How do you choose a belt for the correct length? Also any othe suggestions will be helpful.

Thanks

Deans

[TLE2]

I can tell you how not to do so. I wear a 34 pant, so I figured I'd get at least +4 belt. A 38 belt is way too big.

I'd choose the holster, the carry position and the weapon, before the belt. Then you'll know how much extra belt you need.

But be prepared to pay at least $75-100 for a good belt. I have cheaper belts from Bianchi, but they are narrower than spec (1.41" vs.1.5") and less stiff than my good belts.

A good gun belt will last practically forever. Spend wisely.

[KC5AV]

If you are talking about an actual gun belt (good for you, if you are), most of the manufacturers will have sizing instructions on their website.

[TDDude]

I wear a Tucker IWB with a Beretta Cougar. I only have to take up one notch when going to my OWB. The difference is not that great. However, there is a difference and if you are used to your pants fitting snug, you will need to go up a waist size.

Just make sure it's a GUN BELT and not some "wompy-jawed" dress belt. A good snug fitting holster with a dress belt may not let your pistol loose in a panic situation.

[TheBrit]

I swear by the 5.11 tactical brand.
I bought 4 inches larger than my waist and it fits great.
Unless you intend to try before you buy then buy bigger than your waist, you can always punch an extra hole in it - you cannot stretch a belt that is too small.

Maybe this is anecdotal, but all my quality belt purchases were 4 inches bigger than my waist. I was told that was the way to size belts, and I always end up in the middle hole on the belt. Your milages may vary.

[boomerang]

Just got my CHL and now will be needing a belt and I intend to carry IWB. How do you choose a belt for the correct length? Also any othe suggestions will be helpful.

Measuring tape.

[carlson1]

A lot of people like The Beltman http://www.thebeltman.net/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; Just make sure your belt is thick enough to hold securely. Check this link out and look at about halfway down on the first page. . . http://www.texaschlforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=30379" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; Some people are terrible at spending $700.00 plus on a firearm and then placing it in a $15.00 holster and a $15.00 belt. Do it right the first time and get a good holster and belt. AND WELCOME TO THE FORUM!

[koolaid]

Definitely follow the manufacturer's sizing instructions for the belt you choose. They are all a little bit different, but most of them will involve putting on an existing belt and measuring a certain portion of that. Some places then want you to add or subtract inches from that number, some want you to measure with your holster on, etc.

It's not something you're going to want to guess at based solely on what size your pants are.

[A-R]

A lot of people like The Beltman http://www.thebeltman.net/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; Just make sure your belt is thick enough to hold securely. Check this link out and look at about halfway down on the first page. . . http://www.texaschlforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=30379" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; Some people are terrible at spending $700.00 plus on a firearm and then placing it in a $15.00 holster and a $15.00 belt. Do it right the first time and get a good holster and belt. AND WELCOME TO THE FORUM!

There is a great photo in the above thread link of a 5.11 leather gun belt supporting a Kahr pistol and holster. Convinved me to go ahead and order a few of the $7.99 clearance 5.11 belts from http://www.lapolicegear.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; .... and I already own a Beltman and a 5.11 "trainer" belt.

To the OP, other posts are correct you should follow manufacturer's suggestions for ordering a belt to right size for IWB carry. If there are no instructions, then get one of those flexible measuring tapes that women use to measure their waists (like in the diet commercials on TV), place your unloaded gun in your holster and slide it inside the waist of your typical pants (jeans, Dockers, whatever), button your pants, then weave the measuring tape through your belt loops and holster loops as if it were a belt. Pull it reasonably tight and measure. That should be very close to the size of belt you need. Round up if needed, and maybe even add an inch or two if you're like me and your weight goes up and down.

I'm a "big ol' boy" and I normally wear a 44 or 46 belt and pants size. My carry belts are size 49 (Beltman) or a 3X (5.11)

[cougartex]

Check Cabela's website, they have their double duty belts on sale.
http://www.cabelas.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Keith B]

Check Cabela's website, they have their double duty belts on sale.
http://www.cabelas.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I just got mine a couple of days ago and am wearing it right now. Great belt for not a lot of money!

[chabouk]

If you are talking about an actual gun belt (good for you, if you are), most of the manufacturers will have sizing instructions on their website.

And most of those don't take into consideration different buckle types.