If a belt order comes back with returns, this is almost always why, and it is entirely preventable.

Measure buckle fold to middle hole

Belt size is the distance from the fold where the buckle attaches to the middle hole of the range. That is the number a manufacturer works to.

It is not the overall length of the strap and it is not the trouser size, and the gap between belt size and trouser size is usually a couple of inches.

Measure over what will be worn

Take the measurement over the clothing the belt will actually be worn with. A belt over a uniform trouser and a belt over a work layer are not the same measurement.

For a duty or work belt worn over other equipment, measure with that equipment in place. It sounds obvious and it is skipped constantly.

Give yourself hole range

Five holes is standard and gives real room either side of the middle. For a gifting programme, where you may not know exact sizes, a wider hole range and a trimmable strap is worth the small extra cost.

Trimmable straps need a buckle that can be removed and refitted, so decide that at quote stage rather than after.

Collect sizes once

For any programme, collect worn measurements once, record them, and reuse them. We hold your list, so the reorder is one line of email.

It converts belt sizing from an annual argument into a spreadsheet.