With the continued dominance of the Y2K revival in the fashion industry, chain belts remain a key item to stock. This is a guide to the latest chain belt trends making it to the top of the market in 2025/26.
Table of Contents
Market overview for belts and wallets
Top 5 chain belt trends for 2025/26
1. Layered belts
2. Belt accessories
3. Metal finishes
4. Medallion designs
5. Chunky chains
Summary
Market overview for belts and wallets
Globally, the belts and wallets market was valued at USD 24.50 billion in 2024 and is projected to achieve USD 42.0 billion in revenue by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.18% within the forecast period.
The belt segment of the belts and wallet market is driven by the prevalence of belts in professional attire. Among the younger generations, belts have also become a fashion statement that can be used to enhance a wardrobe.
As sustainability remains important for many consumers, manufacturers are investing in sustainable practices that involve recycled materials, vegan leather, and cruelty-free sources. Additionally, another trend is personalization, which allows customers to customize their belts to their individual tastes.
Top 5 chain belt trends for 2025/26
1. Layered belts
As an evolution of single-strand chain belts, layered chain belts feature multiple chains strung together to give an outfit depth and movement. They can be worn on the hips for a bohemian vibe or around the waist to enhance the shape of a dress or structured blazer.
The chains of a layered chain belt are often designed with varying lengths so they can cascade down the hips. Multi–strand chain belts can also come with chains in different thicknesses and colors for a stylish mixed metal look.
According to Google Ads, the term “layered belt” witnessed a 22% increase in search volume over the past three months, with 590 in April and 480 in January.
2. Belt accessories
For 2025/26, chain belts with charms are a major trend. A charm chain belt comes with chain links that are decorated with ornaments and trinkets for a unique look.
Chain belts with pearls offer an elegant and vintage appeal, while chain link belts with enamel charms can appeal to younger generations with their fun and personalized style. Chain belt accessories that use different colors and textures are also ideal for creating more visual interest.
The term “belt with charms” had a search volume of 1,600 in April and 1,300 in January, which represents a 23% increase over the past three months.
3. Metal finishes
Although gold and silver remain staple metals for chain link belts, the metal finish plays a role in defining the style of the belt for 2025/26. In addition to polished metal chain belts, brushed or matte metal chains offer an understated aesthetic. A mixed metal chain belt is another way to create a layered look that feels refreshing and modern.
Alternatively, gunmetal, bronze, or rose gold chain belts provide a wide range of tones to suit different types of outfits. The term “rose gold waist belt” experienced a 5.5x increase in search volume over the past three months, with 720 in April and 110 in January.
4. Medallion designs
Medallion chain belts bring a vintage charm back to fashion in 2025/26. A medallion chain belt is constructed with coins that are engraved with antique motifs or crests. The design of the coins are often inspired by ancient currencies or Greco-Roman aesthetics.
A coin chain belt is typically crafted in gold, silver, or bronze to give a timeless, heirloom-like quality to the belt. The medallions can also come with hammered surfaces to add texture to the look.
The term “medallion belt” saw an 83% increase in search volume over the past three months, with 880 in April and 480 in January.
5. Chunky chains
Chunky chain belts are characterized by oversized chain link styles. They are inspired by punk and glam aesthetics and help to bring a sense of weightiness to an outfit. This trend also aligns with the ongoing promotion of gender-neutral styling.
Many thick chain belts will incorporate interlocking geometric shapes and hardware-inspired closures. The clasp or hook on a wide chain belt may even be oversized to give the belt a utilitarian appearance.
The term “chunky chain belt” garnered a search volume of 260 in April and 210 in January, which equates to a 23% increase over the past three months.
Summary
There are many exciting chain belt trends in the market for 2025/26. Trends like chunky chain links and different metals play with size and finish, while layered belts and medallion designs offer a multitude of styles for customers to choose from. Chain belts with charms also give the wearer a unique opportunity to express their personality.
A chain belt is a fun addition to any wardrobe for 2025/26. The design, comfort, and durability of chain belts will be key considerations for any business operating in women’s belts and accessories.
