I ended up buying a work belt from walmart. Heavy duty, reinforced canvas and synthetic leather. Super stiff and it only cost me $13. It's not too pretty, but it'll do till I can find something nicer.
^This if you're on a budget. When you're ready to get an outstanding gun belt, take a look at Beltman belts. I'm sure mine will wear out some day, but it won't be any time soon!
Just ordered my Wilderness Tactical 5 Stitch 1 3/4 inch Belt last week. It's not here yet, but it should be by tomorrow. I have heard nothing but good things, I ended up paying $52.90 but it is an extra $5.00 for the 5 stitch. and $7.95 for S&H.
Personally I found that most belts just break down to quickly and do not give much support over time. I'm a bit of big guy myself (read: 6'3 and 290lbs) and my belts do get used, so I decided to drop the money on a belt that will last. I went with a Comp Tac Kydex Reinforced belt and have loved it ever since. The belt will support pretty much anything and has yet to wear down where the leather would droop and lose its support.
Two think pieces of leather sandwich a piece of kydex. They are expensive but I don't think I will ever buy from another unless they can be copy this form.
You can get by with department store belts for IWB due to your body & garment exerting friction on the holster to aid in keeping everything in place.
I am currently shopping for a good quality gun belt (or two) myself...I'm partial to Gun Belts by The Belt Man due to the myriad recommendations I've come across on several firearms-related message boards.
Just ordered my Wilderness Tactical 5 Stitch 1 3/4 inch Belt last week. It's not here yet, but it should be by tomorrow. I have heard nothing but good things, I ended up paying $52.90 but it is an extra $5.00 for the 5 stitch. and $7.95 for S&H.
If black is okay and they make it in your size, it's tough to beat the Uncle Mike's instructor's belt. It's pretty much a clone of the 1.5-inch belt with the polymer stiffener by the Wilderness, but you can get it for $25 or less.
The Wilderness makes the Cadillac, though. I need a custom size and they'll do it for not much extra. Very durable (it can withstand . . . ME!), although I'd like it even stiffer, maybe with a thicker or inherently stiffer polymer reinforcement.