Bælte

Bælte is the Danish term for a belt, a flexible band worn around the waist to secure clothing, hold up trousers, or serve as a fashion accessory. Belts can be purely functional or decorative, or a combination of both, and they come in many styles and materials. A typical belt consists of a strap and a buckle; most belts have holes along the length and a metal or plastic prong that fits into a hole to fasten the belt.

Materials and construction vary widely. Leather has been traditional, but belts are also made from fabric, nylon, canvas, rubber, and metal. Buckles range from polished metal and brass to plastic or decorative frames. Widths vary from slim dress belts of about 1 to 2 centimeters to wide casual belts several centimeters wide. Sizing is usually given as overall length or as the approximate waist measurement the belt will fit; a belt is often worn with the buckle at the first or middle hole for best fit.

Types and uses include dress belts, casual belts, fabric or elastic belts, and utility belts designed to carry tools or equipment. Decorative belts feature unusual buckles or ornamentation and are common in fashion contexts. Some belts are designed for specific purposes, such as safety or work-related use, and may incorporate novelty closures or reinforced sections.

History and style have evolved with clothing: belts appear in ancient cultures and became common with trousers in early modern Europe. In the 20th century, belts became a standard part of Western fashion, used to convey personal style as well as function. Care involves conditioning leather, cleaning fabrics according to material, and storing belts on a hanger or laid flat to preserve shape.