Best Vegan Belts in 2022 – Buyer’s Guide

best vegan belts

Fashion is overwhelming in itself; no one wants to be restricted by vegan choices. However, thinking that vegan fashion is restricting is so 20th century. We’ve come a long way in terms of variety in vegan options. Now, we have vegan coats, shoes, bags, and belts.

Vegan belts are made from natural and synthetic sources, sparing you the need to wear anything animal-related. They come in all styles and colors, and they’re slowly but steadily taking over the market.

So, we had to make a list of the best vegan belts for men and women, and how to choose them.

List of the Best Vegan Belts for Men

  1. GRIP6 Web Belt for Men
  2. SlideBelts Men’s Classic Belt with Premium Buckle
  3. Mission Belt Men’s Nylon Ratchet Belt
  4. Corkor Vegan Belt for Men

List of the Best Vegan Belts for Women

  1. C4 Classic Belt Equestrian Bits n Pieces Pattern
  2. Earnda Women’s Faux Leather Belt
  3. Corkor Vegan Belt for Women

The Best Vegan Belts for Men in 2021

1. GRIP6 Web Belt for Men

GRIP6 Web Belt Men

Some belts are designed to look good, and that’s it. Other belts have looks and functionality but are built from cruelty. The GRIP6 Web Belt for Men gives you appearance and functionality with vegan materials. What else can we ask for?

Let’s start with the materials. The strips of this belt are made from military-strength nylon webbing that has a breaking strength of 2500 pounds. It can be used for concealed carry. This tight, supple weave makes the belt look high-end and feel expensive. Despite all of this rigidness, the belt still feels so comfortable and lightweight that you’ll forget you’re wearing it.

If you’re tired of flimsy and cheap buckles, so are we. However, this not-so-cheap buckle is designed as a single solid part with a strong friction lock to prevent any discomfort on the sliding belt. It is laser cut from aerospace-grade aluminum for maximum durability and comfort.

If you’re still not sure, remember that it comes with an unlimited lifetime warranty, which shows how much the manufacturer trusts its product.

The fully adjustable hole-free belt comes in a variety of colors; some of them are subtle and neutral, while others are super loud. Our favorite pick for a formal look is the black buckle with the black strap. If you’re feeling brave, pick the red plaid or orange buckle with the black strap.

The one downside to this excellent belt is its price. However, this not-so-affordable price is an investment in a quality product, so it’s not so bad.

Pros:

  • Different color options
  • Minimalist feel
  • Good for concealed carry
  • No-holes sliding belt
  • Unlimited lifetime warranty
  • Durable buckle

Cons:

  • High price

2. SlideBelts Men’s Classic Belt with Premium Buckle

SlideBelts Men's Classic Belt with Premium Buckle

Everyone must have at least one classic belt. It is that one built that matches everything in your closet. In addition, it looks great with formalwear. The SlideBelts Men’s Classic Belt with Premium Buckle offers that classic look we all love with a vegan twist.

While leather belts are popular for a reason, and by a reason, I mean premium look and feel, genuine leather is never worth the suffering it causes. The material of this belt is faux leather that looks exactly like the real deal, except that you don’t have to feel guilty wearing it.

If you’re someone like me who has to worry about belt sizes and how to measure, rest assured that you won’t deal with this drama here. The belt comes with measurements on the back of the strap, and you can cut it with any good pair of household scissors.

This hole-free ratchet belt has a patented design that makes it incredibly fast and easy to use. Just attach the buckle, close the hinged trapdoor, insert the belt tip through the buckle and pull, and you’re good to go.

In addition, the mix-and-match options that this belt provides assure you that you will be able to find what you’re looking for. The different color options in the interchangeable straps and buckles are all that you need.

One thing that I’d like to change about this belt is the longevity of its buckle because it doesn’t last more than a year.

Pros:

  • Different color options
  • Faux leather
  • Patented design
  • Custom sizes
  • Easy-to-use buckle
  • Classic look
  • No-holes ratchet belt

Cons:

  • Buckle breaks after around a year

3. Mission Belt Men’s Nylon Ratchet Belt

Mission Belt Men's Nylon Ratchet Belt

If the name “Mission Belt” rings a bell, it’s because it appeared on Shark Tank & Beyond the Tank. Yes, this is a Shark Tank company, and it brought its A-game to the vegan market with the Mission Belt Men’s Nylon Ratchet Belt.

The straps of this belt are made from nylon, which is durable and rigid yet flexible and comfortable to wear for a prolonged period of time. If you have never tried a nylon belt before, try this one; you won’t regret it.

Like the SlideBelts Men’s Classic Belt, this animal-friendly belt is so easy to trim to fit. It comes in a variety of sizes, but the ability to customize it by making 1/4 inch micro-adjustments is always welcome.

The innovation in this Shark Tank belt is the hole-free ratchet design that spares you the struggle of fixed buckles and holes. This belt has a removable buckle that relies on a quick-release latch for ease of use.

Without a doubt, you’ll find what you’re looking for in terms of style, thanks to the mix-and-match abilities of these buckles and straps. We recommend the gray strap and gold buckle for formalwear and the blue strap and gunmetal buckle for casual outings.

This belt has a disadvantage, which is its price point. However, the positives outweigh the negatives here, as you can see.

Pros:

  • Different color options
  • Durable nylon straps
  • No-holes ratchet belt
  • Quick-release latch
  • Trim to fit

Cons:

  • High price

4. Corkor Vegan Belt for Men

Corkor Vegan Belt for Men

When you try out cork leather, you’d be offended that not more people are wearing it. The durability, affordability, and style that cork leather offers make you forget all about genuine leather. The Corkor Vegan Belt for Men is our cork leather pick.

If you’re looking for a durable, vegan material that doesn’t stretch, you’ll enjoy cork leather. It is so strong and lasts long. In addition, it resists water and abrasion. Yet, it feels very comfortable. Cork also gives the belt a very rustic feel that sets it apart from other belts.

This belt is made from FSC-certified, which ensures the protection of the cork oak forest that Corkor harvests from. They only remove the outer bark of the trees in order not to harm the trees. So, it is both vegan and sustainable. 

With a 2-year warranty, the manufacturer definitely trusts its belts.

The single tongue closure gives it such a classic feel. The buckle, along with the cork strap, makes the belt wearable in a casual or formal setting.

The downside of this belt is that it has no variety in colors. Yes, it comes in two colors, but black and brown don’t really count as variety.

Pros:

  • Affordable price
  • Extremely durable
  • 2-year warranty
  • Unique rustic look
  • Resistant to water and abrasion

Cons:

  • No variety of colors

The Best Vegan Belts for Women in 2022

1. C4 Classic Belt Equestrian Bits n Pieces Pattern

C4 Classic Belt Equestrian Bits n Pieces Pattern

We’ve looked all over the market for a belt that is affordable, stylish, durable, and waterproof. The C4 Classic Belt Equestrian Bits n Pieces Pattern seems to check everything on our list and more.

The C4 wonder is made from high-grade, 1% recyclable thermoplastic. So, it is made from the same material as the tread on a snowmobile. The point is creating a belt that is durable enough for active people such as equestrians, surfers, and kayakers.

Before you ask: yes, it is suitable for kayakers because it’s waterproof, which means that it is dishwasher-safe. Also, the belt is metal-free, which means you can pass security checkpoints with ease, and you won’t have to suffer any metal allergies if you have those.

You know that a manufacturer has faith in its materials when it offers a lifetime guarantee.

Also, before you start fretting over belt sizes, know that the C4 belts can be trimmed to fit you. The straps and buckles are also interchangeable.

One of the best aspects of this belt is the variety of colors and patterns that it offers. The cutest color is the Pony Love, while the black Bits n Pieces strap with the white buckle looks elegant.

Since nothing is perfect, this belt had to have a flaw. The strap is really durable, while the buckle isn’t; so, try to be easy on the buckle.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Metal-free
  • Trim to fit
  • Different color options
  • Lifetime guarantee

Cons:

  • Buckle is not durable

2. Earnda Women’s Faux Leather Belt

Earnda Women's Faux Leather Belt

Leather is really vital, especially in women’s clothing. It can add a lot of luxury, femininity, and boldness to your outfit. What if I told you that there is an incredibly affordable alternative to leather that is still high-quality? The Earnda Women’s Faux Leather Belt is the answer.

If you thought that faux leather wouldn’t last a day because it’s not the real deal, you thought wrong. This faux leather belt is made from high-quality PU leather that is soft, breathable, and wear-resistant. The hand sewing makes it incredibly strong.

On the other hand, it has a gold double o-ring buckle that isn’t too big, but it’s big enough to make a statement. It completes the whole look of the belt and makes it incredibly stylish.

It comes in an excellent selection of colors. For a timeless look, go for the black straps. However, the leopard straps are excellent for some Shania Twain vibes that make you stand out.

It’s not a real downside, but like most leathery products, it takes time to wear in.

Pros:

  • Incredibly affordable
  • Different color options
  • Stylish
  • Strong hand sewing
  • Gold double o-ring buckle

Cons:

  • Takes time to wear in

3. Corkor Vegan Belt for Women

Corkor Vegan Belt for Women

Cork is the unsung hero, underrated artist, and the unpopular kid at school that turns out to be brilliant. If you’re willing to give cork a chance that you won’t regret, consider the Corkor Vegan Belt for Women.

Besides the affordable price that we all appreciate, cork leather offers a lot of quality that goes unnoticed. The sturdiness and durability of this sustainable, FSC-certified cork put animal-based material to shame. It is resistant to water and abrasion; can you say that about genuine leather?

Still, it looks stylish, and the rustic look will make you stand out.

While it comes in three different colors, we kind of hoped it came in more.

Pros:

  • Affordable price
  • Extremely durable
  • Unique rustic look
  • Resistant to abrasion and water
  • 2-year warranty

Cons:

  • Needed more color options

How to Pick a Vegan Belt

Vegan Materials

The most important quality that you should look for in a vegan belt is being, well, vegan. Vegan materials can be natural or synthetic.

Faux Leather

The most popular belt material is animal leather, of course. It pairs with everything, looks expensive, and lasts for long. However, there are natural and synthetic alternatives to leather that don’t cause any harm to animals because fashion doesn’t have to be cruel.

The most common vegan leather belts use upholstery vinyl. They add a bit of fun in your life when you pick the colorful ones. Other synthetic types of leather include microfiber or PU leather and PVC leather.

If you want more sustainable and natural alternatives, consider Pinatex, which is leather made from waste pineapple fibers. Cork leather is also a big thing and recyclable.

Faux Suede

Everybody loves the softness and smoothness of suede, and we all know that Elvis did as well. However, like leather, suede originates from cruelty. The demand for vegan alternatives to animal-based materials gave us many “faux” counterparts, such as faux suede.

Faux suede provides the look and feel of suede at a much lower price point. Faux suede belts are effortlessly stylish.

Nylon

Nylon is a man-made material, so you don’t have to feel the guilt that comes with animal-based materials. It is known for its versatility, maneuverability, reliability, and affordability. 

For these reasons, nylon belts are popular among the police, firefighters, athletes, security guards, utility workers, and electricians.

Cotton and Hemp

Nature keeps on providing, and by nature, we don’t mean animals. Plants such as cotton and hemp can do a great job of replacing most animal-based clothing.

Cotton is strong, breathable, non-allergenic, and insulating. So, it offers far more than any animal-based material. On the other hand, hemp makes one of the most sustainable textiles, as it doesn’t need much water or pesticides to grow. Plus, it grows fast. Also, it protects against UV rays.

Design

Since we’re talking about a fashion item, you have to consider how it looks, unless it will always be covered under your top; in that case, skip this section.

Go for braided and woven belts if you want more casual, laid-back looks. Woven belts are also associated with summer vibes. For formalwear and business-casual, go for faux leather and faux suede. Cotton and hemp belts are versatile and comfortable at all times.

Brown, tan, and black belts are always safe, while bright-colored belts are fashion statements that make you stand out.

Don’t forget to opt for thin belts with formalwear and thick belts for more fun. Also, if you wear a metal buckle, match it with your other accessories and shoes, especially in a formal setting.


Frequently Asked Questions:

Does Vegan Leather Look Cheap?

It depends on many factors. 

All vegan leather is more affordable than genuine leather, but not all vegan leather is the same. Some vegan leather is synthetic, while some are plant-based. In addition, some vegan leather costs more than others. Obviously, they will not be of the same quality.

Is Vegan Leather Just Plastic?

No. While the most common types of leather are plastic, such as PU and PVC, not all vegan leather is plastic. Many types of vegan leather are derived from plant waste, such as apple, pineapple, cork, cactus, corn, mushroom, and palm leather.

How Do You Protect Vegan Leather?

While vegan leather is becoming closer and closer to genuine leather each day, it is still not as durable.

You still should protect it from direct sunlight, harsh cleaning products, and abrasive cloths. Always wipe it gently with mild dish soap and a non-abrasive cloth when it needs cleaning.

Final Thoughts

In the year 2021, there is literally no need for you to keep wearing animal-based clothing. As you can see above, we’ve made a list of the best vegan belts, and we’ll recap it again together.

The best overall belt for men is the GRIP6 Web Belt for Men because it has it all in terms of appearance, functionality, durability, and warranty.

The best faux leather belt for men is the SlideBelts Men’s Classic Belt with Premium Buckle.

On the other hand, the top pick for women is the C4 Classic Belt Equestrian Bits n Pieces Pattern and all that it offers in durability, practicality, warranty, and variety of colors and prints.

If you’re looking for an excellent faux leather belt for men, it is the Earnda Women’s Faux Leather Belt.

Thomas has been vegan for over 5 years and has decided to move to Costa Rica with his family to be closer to nature and live a more minimalistic life. He loves yummy vegan food and sustainable products.