“The rule of thumb" This much used phrase originated in Ireland. A husband could lawfully beat his wife with a stick providing it was no wider or thicker than his thumb. Leather belts were also used to deliver beatings. In some Victorian schools they were still strapping kids with leather belts as late as the 1960’s. I’ve got the scars to prove it, oh well there goes my age, but not my dignity. Fortunately times have changed and belts are worn as originally intended. Today we’re offered far more choice than necessary, RM Williams and Simon Carter are two brands that make it easy to narrow down the range, and their distinctive styles never date.

Now there are belts and there are BELTS. Most men prefer BELTS as most men prefer BLONDES. Perhaps it has something to do with bigness, “big belts, big buckles, big breasts" Moving up a notch, a “well hung" tie should sit just atop of a belt, any longer and the buckle, functional and focal point of a belt, will be hidden. Don’t be mislead, carefully chosen, a thick belt with chunky buckle can look as much in place with a formal business suit as it can with a pair of jeans.

A tie, considered as the epitome of male self expression, primarily performs a function, unifying a collection of clothes. A belt, less decorative performs two functions; firstly it frames a collection of clothes and establishes a borderline, thus creating proportion between the upper and lower parts of the body. And, can also distinguish a style all on its own; secondly it keeps the trousers firmly in place. A set of clothes without a belt does nothing to signify the borderline between upper and lower, for men, a relatively flat plane. Not so important for women, they have natural distinguishing contours, defining border lines, front, rear and side. Although, the introduction of a belt snugly tied and hugging the waist certainly accentuates contours and adds a little masculinity to the most delightful feminine form.

Following in the footsteps of architectural design principles, “form follows function" each piece of clothing in a collection performs a function, good form, good style should follow. If you follow these basic rules you’ll feel comfortable in what you wear and others will pass comment.

So if you’re after a good looking BELT then RM Williams is one name to look for. Originally made for the Aussie, outback bushman and bush women, they made their way into the cities and now they’re here in England, “if winning the ashes wasn’t enough" well if you can’t beat them, join them. I wish we could beat them now and join them later.

With the rule of thumb passed into history, the “new age sensitive guy" has a different perspective on women, one of consideration and respect. It’s no longer stylish to beat your wife; laws have changed, so now there’s more time to select some stylish belts, to be worn when escorting your charming wife to that favourite restaurant.