Top 8 Popular Hermès Belts
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Hermès, a brand synonymous with luxury and impeccable craftsmanship, offers a range of belts that are highly sought after by fashion aficionados worldwide.
Parisienne fashion house Hermès started out making harnesses, saddles, and other goods for horses. But a market shift in the 1920s, spurred by cars and the first world war, made company heads rethink their offerings and they began to make belts. In my opinion, it’s good business to anticipate threats in your industry, so good on Hermès for pivoting.
In the ‘20s, Hermès added leather goods to its repertoire, including handbags like the iconic Birkin, and belts. A great belt can make or break my outfit, and not just by holding my pants up. These belts scream style and sophistication, a feeling for which Hermès is synonymous. Of all the belts Hermès has made in nearly a century, I’ve compiled a list of the most popular.
The Constance
The Constance is also known as the “H Buckle” belt, because the buckle features the fashion house’s famous logo. I love this belt because it’s versatile and simple. It comes in multiple colors, and it’s reversible, which is easy to pair with multiple outfits. A unisex belt, the Constance comes in multiple sizes for men and women.
Embed from Getty ImagesHermès has broadened its designs for the Constance with braided leather and patterns, but traditionalists like me appreciate the original simplicity. Anyone who wants to stand out should check out the green malachite version and pair it with muted colors so people will focus on the accessory.
H Belt Buckle
Although the Constance is also called the “H Buckle” belt, I would almost rather buy the H buckle itself. Hermès gives picky customers like myself the option to buy the buckle and a leather strap. This option comes in more colors, patterns, and designs than the Constance. And I can choose from gold or silver and three different styles of the letter “H.” This combo adds a personal touch to my wardrobe.
The Cadenas
A slim silhouette, minimalist buckle, and a padlock make the Cadenas stylish and elegant. But it’s the hefty price tag that makes it a must-have. Made of crocodile leather and gold plating, this belt screams status. But it’s not ostentatious, so I wouldn’t look like I was trying too hard if I wore it. The design is timeless and classic.
Collier de Chien
In the 1920s, many an Hermès customer bought custom collars for their dogs. One customer requested a women’s belt inspired by the collars, and the Collier de Chien belt was born in 1927. It offers a sliding system instead of a traditional buckle, making it fit multiple sizes. I think the design helps make the belt more versatile, because I can wear it anywhere on my waist.
In a nod to the dog collar, there are two small studs on the belt, which I find gives it an edge without making it too goth.
The Kelly
For anyone who wants the sliding buckle system without studs (although I happen to think the studs look cool), Hermès makes the Kelly. This belt is thin, so I can wear it with low-rise jeans and other styles for which a chunky belt wouldn’t match.
Most variations on this belt are plain in black, brown, and white. But there are a few that have colorful tufting to add a little interest to an otherwise plain outfit. This buckle also comes in rose gold, which I prefer to yellow and white gold. Not all Hermès styles have this option.
The Babord
I like the Babord, because it offers a nod to Hermès’ history of designing horse harnesses. Its buckle is a nod to the company’s Chaine d’Ancre bracelet and offers a little something different to any outfit. Like other Hermès belts, this one is reversible. It only comes in two colors, pink and blue. It’s a great summer accessory complementing bright and airy outfits.
H Au Carre Buckle
Another buckle and leather strap combo, the H Au Carre is also perfect for those who appreciate personalizing their style. Its buckle features two interlocking letter H designs, offering a graphically appealing spin on the traditional Hermès H. As a person who values texture, I appreciate that this buckle can be paired with nylon mesh bands. It’s a nice departure from traditional leather. While this is a men’s belt, I will wear it proudly with my favorite pair of jeans.
Chaine Medor
Another buckle/strap combination, Chaine Medor offers a modern spin on the dog collar design made famous by the Collier de Chien. It features two studs that link three circles, which I find to be a refreshing departure from traditional belt buckles. This one also offers the sliding buckle feature, so I can close the belt wherever I want to.
Available in multiple colors and styles, the Chaine Medor is more whimsical than other Hermès belts.
H Cursives
The H Cursives belt buckle is cute and feminine. It’s a great way to rock an Hermès belt without going overboard on the branding. The small, cursive H on the buckle offers a nod to Hermès in a chic and understated way. My favorite combination is the rose gold buckle with a reversible mauve strap, because it’s neutral enough to go with most of my wardrobe. The reverse side is black, so I can wear it with almost any color palette.
H Email
Sometimes metallic belt buckles don’t suit my style and I want to wear something that makes more of a statement, which is where the H Email comes in handy. This one looks like the mini Constance, which is smaller and more understated. But on the H Email, the iconic H comes in bright colors, including red, green, and yellow.
On this belt, the logo is the star, so I can wear it when I want to flaunt my style. The belt itself is also well-made and durable enough to carry me through multiple seasons.
