A belt doesn’t have to be loud to make a statement. Swap a standard frame buckle for a center-bar design and suddenly your waistline has some architecture. The hardware is a little more pronounced, a little more intentional and just enough to break up the visual monotony of denim, chinos or tailored trousers. It’s a small tweak that reads considered, not flashy. It’s the kind of subtle detail that suggests you know what you’re doing.

For this installment of Good/Better/Best, we’re comparing some of the best styles we found, all at different price points. But the most expensive isn’t necessarily the best one. Each delivers a hit of hardware-driven interest, but with varying degrees of leather quality, construction and finishing. Whether you’re upgrading a daily driver or investing in a long-haul staple, here’s how the options stack up.