It may be an overstatement to say that we're in the middle of a culture war, but it is clear that we live in a nation split on some key issues. In such querulous times, it's best to seek out the things both sides can agree on, and if there's one garment that can be called a uniter, rather than a divider, it's the woven belt. During the last so-called culture wars, this was the single piece of common ground shared by hippies (who used them to hold up their bell-bottoms) and preppies (who sported them atop pastel-colored khakis embroidered with whales and lobsters during the summer months).

Thankfully, the more extreme of those trousers are no longer a common sight. Today's woven belts are designed to go with understated casual clothes, especially pants crafted in linen and other lightweight fabrics. Belts that incorporate white, such as those from Etro and Miu Miu, look especially modern.

People may differ over global warming and Iraq, but at least we can all agree on how to keep our pants up.—HAMISH ANDERSON

Shown: Miu Miu: Black and white woven leather belt, $220; scoopnyc.com; Church's: Braided belt in black (also comes in dark brown), $155; (800) 221-4540; Margiela: Dark brown braided belt, $495; (504) 896-8737; Etro: Red and white woven leather belt, $240; (212) 317-9096; Coach: Mahogany braided leather belt, $78; (866) 262-2440; Brooks Bros.: Wide-weave belt, $98; brooksbrothers.com; Il Bisonte: Loosely braided belt with brass buckle, $128; ilbisonte.com.

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