Elastic belts are free size and normally don’t tear at all. meaning they can last for life.
I am kind of surprised that they are not commonly recommended in the anti-consumption/ buy it for life communities. Despite the fact that replacing normal belts with them at scale would save the world shitload of resources that are spent on normal belts annually.
Side note: I don’t recommend wearing jeans or suit trousers on daily basis, as there is more durable options that can last for longer time.
Photo is for example, as this is a generic item.
Leather belts tend to wear out at the holes and you’re always playing with too tight too loose.
Work dress/work belt I went with a Ratcheting one for pretty cheap on Amazon. Its like new 3y later. Def fake/cheap leather though.
For everyday, I got a nylon (?) Belt with a plastic latch clasp. It’s been 6y, like new. And it doesn’t set off metal detectors.
You’re supposed to dial in the middle hole to fit you “right” by shaving the buckle end, that way you’re always within the middle or next up/down range unless you suddenly gain or lose a shitton.
I’ve had it done with suit belts and with normal ones, it’s something they’ll even do right in the shop, all it takes is a cutter and a hole-punch, both of which you can buy yourself, and any leatherworker has on hand.
Admittedly the suit belts take more than just that but that’s beside the point.
I am aware but going from winter layers and materials to summer there’s 1/8" variation at minimum and it’s enough that it almost causes a tick to readjust. And yeah the dress belt also has its own situations.
Honestly I expected the ratcheting/clamping both to fail somehow and for me to go “oh I get why people don’t get these”… That did not happen. At this point for me it’s not “find an argument for why this over traditional” its “what does traditional offer that’s better than this”.