Belts have been a part of the fashion scene for a long time. If you’re wearing pants, chances are that a belt is holding them up right now. However, what has been the journey of this essential wardrobe item? Did cave dwellers also wear belts?

Just like everything else, belts have also undergone an evolution. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the history and evolution of the belt. After all, there have been so many changes over time that we now have environmentally friendly belts—from leather to decommission fire hoses.

Prehistoric Times

Before using belts for pants, it was the Neanderthals who used utility belts to carry weapons and pelts. They made their belts from softened tree bark. This meant pliable and softer belts.

However, the first belts documented were made with cloth in the Bronze Age. We don’t have any Instagram stories that can prove this, but there are artifact findings showcasing such belts made with bronze elements using round knobs and vertical interlockings.

Medieval Times

Then came the Medieval era when upper-class peasants started using belts as a fashion accessory. At this point in the evolution of the belt, women would make and wear belts made of metal and leather. Lower-class people would carry their possessions and coins in leather belts that had pouches.

The 19th Century

In the 19th century, during the First World War, the military uniform required belts. They were a utilitarian and decorative part of the uniform for the officers. These belts would give them a trim physique and emphasize their chest and shoulders.

The 20th Century

Finally, in the 20th century, belts with loops started becoming common in Western countries. Customized buckles emerged as the evolution of the belt continued. This fashion accessory also became a part of sportswear. The popularity of belts started to fade when people started wearing flappers and dresses.

Soon, belts became indispensable when Christian Dior came out with wasp-waisted outfit designs. Elvis also wore wide, shimmery, and glittery belts, which made this fashion accessory quite mainstream in the 70s. These studded belts were a part of his iconic jumpsuits.

Today

Now, the evolution of the belt has finally brought us to environmentally friendly belts. People now upcycle raw materials to make belts and use them as statement pieces with attention-grabbing details. You can find a variety of belts in fun, neon colors.

Free of Fear is bringing you a unique Textured Belt with a distinct yellow color. Our belt is made from decommissioned fire hoses. We rescue these fire hoses and manufacture our sustainable fashion accessories. You can pair our belts with any outfit.

Reach out to us today for more.