I have belts that are too big and belts that seem too small. I don't know how to buy a belt. Do I buy one that is comfortable on the first hole so that I can adjust as I get smaller or one that fastens comfortably on the second or third hole so that the excess fits into my belt first belt loop?

It may sound crazy but it is a dilemma I have no idea how to solve.

My "solution" has been to only buy very cheap ($1-$5) belts. They pretty much all fall apart before I need to worry about going down a notch.

Thanks Vabs, but do you go for the first hole or the second or third?

Hm, it depends on the belt.
Mostly I use the 2nd hole and tuck the end into my belt loop, but my smaller belts (flimsy, decorative type that don't really hold anything up) I use the first hole.

I have one really substantial leather belt (that's a man's belt, shhh) that I use the 4th hole on.

A man's belt might be what you need, actually. The kind I have has that loop next to the buckle, but it isn't sewn down, so I can slide it all along the belt to keep the end flat if it doesn't reach the next belt loop on my pants. That might solve your problem!

I have been buying belts on the smaller side so I can shrink into them. I just moved from an XL to a Med. Belt and fit on the first hole. It is tight now but will be perfect in about 5 pounds. I also use stretchy type belts. Anything to stretch the use value.

Can you poke holes in your larger belts until you can fit into the smaller belts?

^^ I bought one of these in leather about 30-40lbs ago, and I have to say it's been the best thing in the world cause it has holes going all the way around it; instead of buying a new belt, I just tighten it as necessary and will do so until I can't anymore! Maybe buy something like that so it'll "shrink" with you?

^^ I like....were did you find that?

That picture came from JC Penney but you can find them just about anywhere that sells belts. It's just a simple belt with double grommets; they make them in all kinds of colors besides just black, too.

Thanks. I will be belt shopping next week.