Q: My pet peeve is men who wear pants with no belt. What do you think about this?

A: I may be out of step with the fashion professionals—and even some of my GQ colleagues—on this question, but to me the only legit excuse for going beltless is suicide prevention. If one’s trousers have belt loops, then it behooves one to use them. (I don’t consider jeans trousers, and somehow, in this case, a belt seems preferable but optional.) Belts are one of the most underrated of men’s accessories. It’s not simply about holding the pants up with a strip of black or brown leather; it’s about an opportunity to gird the loins with style. I’ve been very happy to see the return of the ribbon belt, which can be found in multicolor stripes and beautiful monochromes. With the decline in tie wearing, it’s another option for adding some dash to the kit. Empty belt loops are not improved by the wearing of suspenders of any sort. This is not to say that trousers need a belt or suspenders. Side tabs are a good alternative for a clean look, and I have recently discovered— thanks to my wife’s enthusiasm for the designer Martin Margiela—trousers with no form of waist adjustment. I find that this look provides very good incentive for discipline at the table.

August 2003

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