Buy belts a few sizes too large – here’s why

When Jil Sander presented its 2025 spring/summer collection last week, one detail stood out more than anything else: extra-long belts. More than every third look included a loose belt end dangling over a short coat, trousers, jeans or midi skirts – all without looking too large. Quite the opposite, in fact. The belts swirled around the models’ legs, swinging in the rhythm of their steps and, together with bobbing fringes on earrings and cuffs, created a well-rounded, dynamic look.

Seeing extra-long belts with one end hanging down isn’t new, of course, but often the result of a lack of options (aka belt loops) rather than a conscious fashion choice. At the most recent Fashion Weeks, however, loose belt ends were a common style element, seen with Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren and Dior, for instance.

It’s a subtle way of adding movement and depth to a look without going for playful, purely decorative accents such as fringing or flounces. Extra-long belts are as casual and charming as boyfriend jeans or dad blazers. They follow the same pattern – take something that doesn’t actually fit and make it your own.

Important styling tip

If you’re going for that extra-long belt look, make sure the end isn’t just dangling down, as that can look sloppy. The trick is tying it into a knot. Thread the dangling end from the bottom up and then pull it back down through the resulting loop. This way, it’ll look like a deliberate style choice.

The best thing about this new trend? There’s no such thing as too long. If you have punch pliers, you can make any belt work for you, so you can make the most of the large selection of belts in second-hand stores.