Belts and belt buckles are important accessories in your fashion arsenal. They say that you can actually show a more diverse wardrobe (i.e. more clothes) by using different belts. Even if you only have a few basics, you can create a wide variety of looks with different belts. Belts also add flair and complete your getup. In fact, custom belt buckles are one excellent way to show your individuality. But do you know that belt buckles have a long history.
Holding up an army and more
The term “buckle” comes from the Latin word “buccula”. It refers to the clasp that is used to attach two ends, such as the ends of straps or a belt. The use of buckles started in ancient Greece and Rome. They were used to hold up the Roman helmet, and eventually tunics, harnesses and boots.
This started the tradition of the use of the belt and buckle as part of military attire. Military buckles were used to show an officer’s rank and status, as well as display vital information. Belt buckles have been considered valuable so much so that victorious armies consider these part of the spoils of war.
Fast forward to the 1600s, sailors in the British navy had to deal with the inconvenience of holding up their pants (and other pieces of clothing) with a piece of string threaded through eyelets. This solution was quite inadequate when their clothes were soaked. The string could not provide enough support so that they were left with sagging clothes. An ingenious seaman came up with the belt buckle. When attached to leather belts, these belt buckles were able to provide the needed support, even when their clothes were wet. Add to this is that ease in using the belt, which can be quickly removed, even with wet and shivering hands.
Decorative Belt Buckles
Belt buckles that were used for decorative purposes also had their place in history. The Xiong-nu (Chinese nomadic traders) wore belt buckles as a status symbol. These buckles were elaborately decorated. Meanwhile, decorative buckles bearing animal motifs and other artistic designs were worn by Europeans, especially the Germanic invaders. Proof of this is the filigree-designed rectangular belt buckle that was discovered in the tomb of Childeric I, the king of the Franks whose death was recorded in 481 A.D.
Today, belt buckles are still used for a variety of purposes. It can show membership or affiliation to an organization. It can also proudly display one’s passion, favorite things and hobbies. Some even prefer to make their own belt buckle to show off their individuality. Buckles can also be used to show one’s occupation. Policemen, firemen, blacksmiths, farmers, carpenters, plumbers and rodeo champs are just among the professions that make use of belt buckles to signify their occupation. Rodeo riders are especially known for having customized belt buckles that are aimed to make an impact and show individuality.
The Western belt buckle
Western belt buckles are perhaps the most popular when it comes to custom made belt buckles. It has gained its following due to the fact that the cowboy is very much part of American folklore. The wild, wild west composed of sheriffs and cowboys you see in spaghetti Westerns and movies wore big and extravagant belt buckles – often made with silver or gold.
These western belt buckles, truth to tell, were just how Hollywood depicted cowboys. The cowboys then didn’t use these buckles; rather, they held their pants up using suspenders. However, the bold and brash cowboy belt buckles caught the fancy of an increasing number of people, including celebrities, politicians and rock stars.
Belt Buckles Today
With today’s technology, you can make your own belt buckle. You can choose the size, shape and design that you prefer. But even as you wear it, please remember the journey that the fabulous belt buckle had to take in order to adorn your waist and complete your look.