What Are the Parts of a Belt Called?

The main parts of a clothing belt are the strap, buckle (frame, prong/tongue, bar, and sometimes a roller), holes or eyelets, keeper (loop or stay), and the tip or end. In short, the strap wraps around the waist, the buckle secures it, the holes set the size, the keeper holds the tail, and the tip finishes the end. Below is a clear breakdown of each component and how variations differ by style and function.

Core components of a typical belt

Most everyday leather or fabric belts share a common set of parts. Understanding these helps with buying, sizing, or repairing a belt, and clarifies what you’re getting when terms like “keeper” or “tip” appear on product descriptions.

• Strap (belt strap): The long band of leather, webbing, or synthetic material that wraps around the waist.
• Buckle: The fastening mechanism attached to one end of the strap; styles vary widely (see buckle anatomy below).
• Keeper (loop or stay): The loop that holds the free end (tail) of the strap flat after fastening; belts often have a fixed keeper and sometimes an additional floating keeper.
• Tip (end tip or point): The shaped or capped end of the strap that feeds through the buckle; may be metal-capped or simply finished leather.
• Holes (punch holes): A row of holes that the prong (tongue) enters to set the fit; often spaced about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart.
• Eyelets or grommets (optional): Metal reinforcements around holes, common on fashion or utility belts to prevent stretching and wear.
• Tail (free end): The section of strap that extends past the buckle after fastening, usually secured by the keeper.
• Buckle attachment: The way the buckle is fixed to the strap—commonly via a turnback (folded leather) with stitches, rivets, snaps, or Chicago screws, allowing for buckle replacement.
• Edge finishing (optional): Details such as edge paint, burnishing, beveling, or stitching that reinforce durability and aesthetics.

Together, these components create the function and look of a standard belt: the strap provides structure, the buckle fastens it, the holes and keeper ensure a clean, adjustable fit, and finishing details improve longevity and style.

Buckle anatomy

Buckles come in many forms, but several recurring parts define how they work. Knowing these terms makes it easier to compare buckles and understand maintenance or replacement options.

• Frame: The outer shape of the buckle, typically metal, through which the strap passes.
• Prong (tongue): The pivoting piece that fits into a hole on the strap to lock the size.
• Bar (crossbar): The central bar that anchors the prong and connects the buckle to the strap.
• Roller (on roller buckles): A rotating cylinder on the frame or bar that reduces friction when tightening.
• Chape: The connector between the buckle and strap on certain designs, particularly plate or decorative buckles.
• Plate or plaque (on plate/plaque buckles): A flat decorative face that fastens via a hook or post rather than a prong-and-hole system.
• Clamp or lever (on ratchet/automatic buckles): A hinged mechanism that grips the strap and releases via a small lever.
• Hook or post (on plate/Western buckles): A fixed hook/post on the back of the buckle that engages a hole or slot in the strap.

Whether a classic prong buckle or a modern ratchet design, each piece contributes to how securely and smoothly the belt fastens and adjusts.

Specialized belt styles and their unique parts

Beyond the classic dress or casual belt, specific styles introduce specialized components tailored to activities, fashion, or gear-carrying needs.

• Ratchet/automatic belts: Feature a hidden track of teeth on the strap’s underside, a pawl/latch inside the buckle, and a release lever for micro-adjustments without holes.
• Western/plate buckles: Use a decorative plate with a rear hook or post; the strap may have a slot or dedicated hole to catch the hook, plus ornate keepers and tips.
• Webbing/tactical belts: Often use friction, slide, or quick-release buckles; components may include D-rings, tri-glide slides, and MOLLE-compatible webbing on duty belts.
• Grommet belts: Every hole is reinforced with metal eyelets; sometimes double rows of holes for style and extra adjustment.
• Weightlifting belts: Heavy, wide straps with either single/double prong buckles or a lever buckle (a cam-like clasp locked by a metal lever).
• Tool/utility belts: Add pouches, hammer loops, D-rings for suspenders, and heavy-duty quick-release buckles for load-bearing use.

These variations adapt the core belt idea—strap plus buckle—to different needs, from precise fit and quick release to ornamentation and load carrying.

How to identify parts on your own belt

If you’re unsure what you have, a quick inspection can confirm terminology, which is helpful for repairs or replacements.

• Check the buckle: Does it have a prong and holes (classic), a lever and hidden track (ratchet), or a hook/post (plate/Western)?
• Look at attachment: Is the buckle fixed by stitches/rivets, or removable via snaps/Chicago screws?
• Examine the tail management: One or more keepers? Is one floating? Is the tip capped?
• Inspect the holes: Plain punched holes or metal eyelets/grommets?

Matching these observations to the terms above will help you order the right replacement parts, adjust sizing properly, or choose a new belt with the features you prefer.

Summary

A belt’s essential parts are the strap, buckle, holes or eyelets, keeper (loop), and tip, with the free tail tucked under the keeper. Buckle anatomy typically includes a frame, prong (tongue), bar, and sometimes a roller; specialized belts add elements like ratchet tracks, levers, plates, or quick-release hardware. Knowing these names makes shopping, sizing, and maintenance far easier.

What is the small piece that holds the end of a belt in place?

The keeper, also known as the belt loop or the loop keeper, is a small but important component of the belt. It’s the small loop of material, usually the same material as the belt, that sits on the belt and holds the free end of the belt in place after it has been passed through the buckle.

What is the part of the belt that goes through the hole called?

Frame: The frame is the main body of the buckle, typically made from durable metal. It provides structure and allows the belt strap to pass through, setting the foundation for a secure hold. Prong: This small yet essential metal arm inserts into a belt hole to lock the belt in place.

What are the metal holes in belts called?

Small grommets are also called eyelets, especially when used in clothing or crafting.

What is a belt loop called?

The loop on a belt that holds the free end in place is called a keeper or keeper loop. It can also be referred to as a belt loop, strap keeper, or retaining loop. This small component, often made of the same material as the belt, keeps the excess strap from flapping around after the belt is fastened.
 
Here’s a breakdown of the term and its variations:

• Keeper: or Keeper Loop: The most common term for this part of a belt. 
• Belt Loop: A simple and understandable alternative to keeper. 
• Strap Keeper: or Strap Keeper Loop: A broader term for the same item used on various straps and webbing. 
• Retaining Hoop Loop: or Retainer Buckle: More formal terms used for the same function. 

So, while “keeper” is the most accurate and common name, “belt loop” is also perfectly acceptable for this specific part of the belt.