Chain Belts: How to Wear the Belt That Works Like Jewellery
Chain Belts: How to Wear the Belt That Works Like Jewellery
The short answer: treat a chain belt as jewellery for the waist. Wear it low on the hips over a slip dress, at the natural waist over a long knit, and loosely over a coat, and match the metal to your earrings. Size it by the line where you will wear it, not by your trouser size. Our pick is the Khaite Tino Snake Chain Belt in Gold, a sleek snake chain in brass plated in 18-karat gold. Shop all designer belts, the wider accessories edit and every Khaite piece at Coveti.
The chain belt is a 1970s idea, and also a 1990s one, and now a 2020s one, because it does something no leather belt can: it adds shine at the waist without bulk. Khaite is the New York label Catherine Holstein founded in 2016. It won the CFDA American Womenswear Designer of the Year award in 2022 and again in 2023, and it is known for reworked wardrobe essentials: cashmere knitwear, denim, leather and a very particular kind of evening dress.
Where to wear a chain belt
| Position | Over | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Low on the hips | Slip dresses, long knits | Relaxed, 1970s |
| Natural waist | Shirt dresses, tailored coats | Defined, polished |
| Over a coat | Wrap coats, long cardigans | Unexpected, evening |
How to size a chain belt
Measure around the body exactly where the belt will sit, then choose the length that matches. Khaite sizes the Tino by length in centimetres, from 70 cm to 100 cm. For a low-slung look, measure your hips; for the waist, your waist.
Our picks
1. Tino Snake Chain Belt in Gold
Designed by Khaite as jewellery for the waist: a sleek snake chain in 18-karat gold-plated brass.
2. Tino Snake Chain Belt in Silver
The same chain in palladium-plated brass, for silver jewellery wearers.
3. Ciro Belt in Black Leather with Antique Gold
A soft nappa lambskin cord with antiqued gold-plated brass hardware that wraps around the waist. One size.
What to wear with a chain belt
The gold Tino over the Scarlett Dress in Scarlet, low on the hips. The silver over the Juniper Sweater in Charcoal and the Inez Skirt in Black Crepe for the office. Match it with the Staple Drop Earring in Gold and see our gold drop earrings guide and the Khaite belts guide.
Frequently asked questions
Are chain belts in style?
Yes. Chain belts are a key accessory for 2026, worn low over dresses and knits rather than tight at the waist.
Gold vs silver chain belt: which should I buy?
Match the metal you wear most in jewellery. Gold warms black, camel and cream; silver suits grey, navy and white.
How do I keep a chain belt from tarnishing?
Store it flat in its pouch, away from perfume and water, and wipe it with a soft dry cloth after wear.
Can you wear a chain belt with jeans?
Yes, through the belt loops of a high-rise jean, letting the end hang. Keep the top simple.
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