Western belt buckles are one of the most popular fashion accessories in the world today. When you wear steel around your waist, you are proclaiming yourself as a tough and rugged person. This look is accentuated by the use of leather. However, one should not go overboard with the western look. It is best to mix a touch of the west with other styles to get it right.

It is not compulsory for western belt buckles to be decorated with antique designs. Even simple inscriptions make them look classy. For those who have their own view of the Wild West, one can make use of customizations to get the design that one wants.

The belt buckle originated in Greece and Rome. It was a part of the Teutonic warrior’s uniform as well. It was treated with care by metal smiths. This is evident from the rich designs made on the buckles.

The animal motifs found in Scythian-Sarmatian arts were imported by the Germanic invaders and displayed on their belts and buckles. The animals on the buckles were entwined in mortal combat. The tomb of Childeric I who was the king of the Franks is a good example of such a buckle. The king died in AD 481/482. The Sutton Hoo ship burial excavations gave several gold buckles with interconnected patterns and cutaway tongues inscribed on them. This can be seen in the British Museum today. The zenith of the belt and the buckle was during the second half of the 14th century. However, the importance of the accessory fell after the mid 15th century and it never regained its glory again.

The first to wear belt and buckles was the Roman soldier. This is why perhaps western buckles are identified with a macho and rugged person.

A traditional western buckle was made of iron and was plated in silver. These buckles are very heavy. Nowadays, designers are using alloys to retain a heavy look with a light weight.