The History of Garrison Belts

Garrison belts feature a leather strap and a bold buckle shaped like a square or inverted rectangle; what sets these belts apart is that when it is fastened, both sides of the buckle remain visible. Garrison belts are thought to have gotten their start in the U.S. military around the time of World War I. Early versions were essentially utility belts with fabric webbing and featured a clasp closure, but they quickly transformed into the classic belt described above. Between World War I and 1942, all U.S. soldiers were issued a leather-strapped garrison belt, which was intended for clothes worn in garrison (within a fortified post), including dress shirts, wool pants, and side caps, also known as garrison caps. The belts were also sometimes worn with a soldier's battle dress uniform, too. Most were issued in a reddish-brown leather hue and were worn by multiple branches of the military up to and during World War II. After soldiers returned home, the garrison belt became part of everyday life as it was practical, versatile, and stylish. In fact, it soon became a classic menswear accessory in the United States. Today, many menswear manufacturers now sell garrison belts made out of artisan leather and high-quality metals, creating a staple accessory that can be worn in a variety of settings.