What are the different types of buckles –there are usually many types of buckles which are being used, But first criteria for differentiation is the closure. Closure is about how the buckle is attached to the belt.
4 kinds of closure are as follows:
1. Stitch Closure
Where buckle is stitched to the belt. Buckle and size alteration of a belt is quite not possible. It is fixed. These kinds of closure buckles are usually used with informal/casual – denim or cotton wears. You can also define them as smart wear buckles.
2. Screw Closure
Here the buckle holds the leather strip with one or two screws, depending upon
the pattern. To loosen the belt, have to open the screws with a screwdriver, cut the belt straight to the desired size, make a new hole on the belt with a puncher and insert the screws again.
There is difficulty of punching hole till you own a puncher at home, so best alteration done at the store or with a shoe repair guy. If the buckle has worn out then that can also be changed by following similar process.
These buckled belts can be used for formal and informal occasions.
3. Clamp Closure
Best for changing buckles, sides or altering size of the belt. Totally hassle free and very doable by yourself. The clamp is a toothed claw clamp. With a screwdriver just open the claw clamp, remove the belt, cut the belt straight to the size desired and insert the belt back in the buckle and close the clamp. These buckles look smart and are best worn with formal wears. These kinds of buckles have the largest design variations available in the market.
4. Button Closure
In context to functionality, this kind of buckle closure is quite similar to screw
closure. In this one piece of leather strap goes around the buckle and is held with the buttons. Good and easy to change the buckle but cannot change the size of the belt. Button closure buckles are not much used as the tension of belt and buckle pull loosens the buttons often. Can be worn in all occasions.