gordels

Gordels are belts or straps used to secure clothing, accessories, or people. In Dutch, the term covers both fashion belts worn around the waist and safety belts designed to restrain occupants or loads. The word can also refer to straps that secure cargo or equipment in various settings.

Fashion gordels are primarily worn around the waist to hold up clothing or serve as a decorative accessory. They come in a wide range of materials, including leather, fabric, synthetic polymers, and metal elements. Fashion belts vary in width, color, and buckle design, and they may feature holes, prongs, or adjustable clasps. They are chosen for fit, style, and fabric coordination, and may be used as a practical waist cinch or as a visual accent in an outfit.

Safety gordels include seatbelts and other restraint systems designed to protect people in vehicles and workplaces. In passenger vehicles, the typical modern belt is a three-point seatbelt that secures the occupant at the pelvis and chest. In aircraft, trains, and protective gear, belts and harnesses may use similar principles to distribute forces across stronger parts of the body. The primary function of safety gordels is to reduce the likelihood of severe injury or ejection during sudden stops or crashes. Wearing seatbelts is legally required in many jurisdictions, with penalties for non-compliance and exemptions for certain medical conditions or ages.

Care and maintenance vary by type. Fashion belts should be kept clean and, for leather belts, conditioned to prevent cracking. They should be stored flat or hung to avoid deformation. Safety belts require inspection for frayed webbing, damaged buckles, and proper retraction; they should be replaced if integrity is compromised. Regular maintenance helps ensure both aesthetic and safety performance.