What do kids consider "trendy" nowadays? Your child is in need of a new belt. When you've gone clothes and accessory shopping for them before, you've been on the receiving end of complaints like "that's so boring" and "everyone will make fun of me". This time, you're determined to find something that will have them going, "Cool!" instead.

To help you choose something that your child will wear every day instead of tossing it into their closet, never to be seen again, here's a look at some popular belt trends for kids this year.

The Y2K Rhinestone Revival

You might remember the early 2000s, when fashion favored anything that sparkled. That era has returned with full force, and the "Y2K" aesthetic dominates youth fashion blogs and playgrounds alike. This trend draws heavy inspiration from the pop stars of the late 90s and early 2000s who wore low-rise jeans accented by flashy waist accessories.

Visually, these items scream for attention. They feature a standard leather or faux-leather strap, but the material barely shows beneath rows of shimmering rhinestones. Often, the buckle itself boasts even more jewels, sometimes spelling out words or forming shapes like hearts and butterflies. Kids love these because they transform a plain pair of jeans into a costume-worthy outfit instantly. The light catches the stones, which creates a dazzling effect that children find irresistible. If your child gravitates toward bright colors and glitter, this style is for them.

Classic Western Tooling

The American West holds a permanent spot in fashion history, and the "cowpoke" look remains a favorite for children who dream of horses and ranch life. This style traces its roots back to the 1800s, when cowboys needed durable gear that could withstand long days of labor. Leather workers began carving distinct patterns into the straps to add personality to these utilitarian items.

A traditional western belt displays intricate floral or geometric designs carved directly into thick, sturdy leather. The leather usually retains a natural tan, brown, or black dye, which allows the tooling to catch the eye. Large, removable buckles often accompany these straps, featuring motifs like horseshoes, stars, or rodeo scenes. This option works well for kids because the leather softens over time but stays incredibly tough. It pairs flawlessly with denim and plaid shirts and gives any outfit a rugged, outdoorsy feel.

The Canvas D-Ring Utility

Military uniforms originally utilized canvas webbing because leather would rot in tropical climates, and the D-ring friction buckle allowed for infinite adjustability without the need for holes. Skaters and punk rockers adopted this look in the 1990s because the belts were cheap, colorful, and indestructible. Now, they appear everywhere in children's fashion as a comfortable, everyday staple.

These belts utilize a thick, woven cotton or synthetic fabric strap. Instead of a prong that goes through a hole, the fabric loops through two metal rings shaped like the letter 'D'. You pull the strap tight, and friction holds it in place. Because they lack pre-punched holes, your child can adjust canvas D-ring utility belts to their size. With the adjustable fit and the soft material that won’t dig into their waist, these belts keep your child comfy as they move and play.

Braided Leather Huarache Styles

In the 1960s and 70s, bohemian fashion embraced natural textures and handmade craftsmanship. The braided leather belt emerged during this time as a popular accessory that bridged the gap between casual and dressy. The name "Huarache" comes from a specific type of Mexican sandal that uses a similar complex weave.

This design consists of strips of leather interwoven to create a textured, flexible strap. The prong of the buckle can usually slip through any part of the braid, which eliminates the need for specific belt holes. This feature proves incredibly useful for children, as it allows for micro-adjustments in size. The texture adds visual interest to school uniforms or church outfits without looking too flashy. They usually come in earth tones like mahogany, cognac, or sand.

The Chain Link Accessory

Grunge and high-fashion collided in the 90s to bring the chain belt into the spotlight. Originally made famous by luxury houses like Chanel in the 80s, the grunge movement adopted a tougher, industrial version a decade later. Today, kids wear these less for holding up pants and more for adding "edge" to an outfit.

This item consists entirely of metal links, often with a clasp that hooks onto any link for an adjustable fit. Some versions drape loosely over the hips, while others fit snugly through belt loops. They might feature charms dangling from the chain, such as stars, moons, or little animals. It adds a metallic "clink" sound when the child walks, which they often find entertaining. This trend pairs mostly with skirts or over oversized t-shirts.

Oversized Logo Buckles

Streetwear culture, which emerged from the skate and hip-hop scenes of New York and Los Angeles, places high value on brand recognition. This influence trickled down to children's fashion, where big, bold logos serve as a status symbol and a graphic statement.

The defining feature of this trend involves the buckle itself. Instead of a square metal frame, the buckle takes the shape of a word or a giant letter. The strap usually remains plain to let the buckle take center stage. You’ll see words like "BOY," "GIRL," "LOVE," or famous sports brand logos cast in heavy metal or colorful enamel. It gives an outfit a sporty, confident vibe. Kids enjoy these because the bold lettering feels assertive and cool.

Fabric Sash and Obi Belts

Japanese traditional dress, specifically the kimono, utilizes a sash called an obi. Western fashion adapted this concept into soft, wrap-around belts that add color and shape to loose clothing. For kids, this trend translates into soft fabric belts that tie into bows.

Unlike the other trends, this style lacks rigid hardware. It consists of a long strip of fabric, often satin, velvet, or patterned cotton. The child wraps it around their waist and ties it in a knot or a bow at the front or back. This looks particularly sweet over dresses or long tunics. It adds a pop of color and softness to an outfit. Because it relies on a knot, it fits any size waist comfortably.

What’s Your Kid’s Style?

This overview of popular belt trends for kids will help you choose something your young trendsetter will think rocks!

If your child is interested in Western fashion, and you think the cowboy aesthetic is up their alley, Eli's Western Wear sells kids' western belts with bold, engraved buckles and patterned metal, leather, or lace! With so many unique designs to choose from, you're sure to find something one-of-a-kind for your one-of-a-kind buckaroo.