Here’s a rule: If the pants you’re wearing have belt loops, you should be wearing a belt. (That’s true times infinity if you’re also tucking in your shirt.) Point being, you should probably have a couple of decent men’s belts in your closet.

In addition to holding your pants up and giving your belt loops something to do, belts can give you fashion cred without you having to look like you’re trying too hard. (Another rule: Your belt should fit, meaning the end shouldn’t be flopping around.) Women notice and appreciate details — it’s why they get annoyed when you don’t notice that they cut off an eighth of an inch off their hair — so if you’re wearing a cool belt, you’ll score points. And we’ve rounded up five men’s belts at several different price points that’ll all score major points.

Banana Republic Embossed Leather Belt ($46)
Even if you have to wear a relatively normal belt due to a dress code at work, you can still stand out. This Italian leather job features zinc hardware and embossing — the pattern on the leather — both of which will catch the eye without raising the boss’s eyebrows. The belt also works equally well with dress pants or jeans. Available in sizes 30-44.

Burton Striper Webbing Belt ($14.95)
Yes, it’ll hold up your snowboarding pants, bro. But the inexpensive webbed belt also looks great with jeans and comes in enough color combinations (green/black, black/yellow, blue/red, black/grey) that you’ll be able to match it the color of your eyes. Why you want to match your belt to the color of your eyes, we have no idea. One size fits all.

Burberry Check Print Belt ($275)
Chicks dig Burberry tartan — and they’ll notice it even if it’s murdered out rather than the more traditional tan, red, and black. And that’s what makes this belt so great — it’s understated enough for business meetings without being boring. Plus, it’s made from PVC with a calfskin leather lining, which means it’ll probably outlast you. Available in sizes 34-44.

Land’s End Military Web Belt ($30)
Although the belt is inspired by the regimentation of the military, it has a casual weekend vibe. Made of durable cotton canvas and coupled with a throwback slide-locking buckle, it’s available in Expedition Green, Khaki, and True Navy. One size fits all.

Blackhawk CQB Emergency Rescue Rigger Belt ($30 and up)
Channel your inner law enforcement professional courtesy of this field-tested belt, which is made with parachute-quality buckles and adaptors and constructed with webbing so strong it can support 7,000 lbs. (Jesus, go on a diet, buddy.) You can even use the V-ring for emergency rappelling. Available in black, tan, olive, and desert brown, and in sizes small through large.

TAGS: Banana Republic, belts, belts for men, Burberry, Burton, pants