I followed some online guides and ordered 2 inches above your waist. For example, if you have a 36" waist, order a 38" belt. You land on the middle opening and the tail, which when closed reaches your first belt loop. Make sure you actually measure your waist and not your pant size. Many brands use a vanity size to make you feel better. Your actual waist measurement may be larger than that shown on your designer jeans. I found that the skin is very thick. But like all leather belts, it stretches. After a month I had to move to the belt hole because the belt stretched a bit.