The first belts were typically pieces of string worn around the waist to carry pouches, like an ancient fanny pack. Centuries after the bronze age, the men of ancient Roman times would wear belts to carry tools or weapons. They were also used as a form of identification and decorated with silver or bronze. Military girdle bands worn around the waist and designed to keep weapons in place are considered the first belts in history.
In modern times, men started wearing belts in the 1920s as trouser waists fell to a lower line. Belts started to feature as prominent fashion accessories from the 1930s onwards. However, there was a period where belts started to fall wayside. Women would carry their belongings in a purse and men started wearing clothing with pockets. Moreover, during the 1800s clothing styles embraced high cut trousers which made it hard to wear belts.
Though belts were originally intended to serve a functional purpose of keeping one’s pants from falling down, they are often used as fashionable accessories to tie outfits together. To ladies, belts provide curve and definition to their bodies, they add structure to their outfits, separating the top and bottom areas of their outfits whilst helping to specific areas to their figures.
These days, belts are basically used to secure or hold up clothing, such as trousers, shorts and skirts.
