Would it be possible to add visible belts?

[Iscah]

Well "belts" in the game are essentially part of a different gear slot, so really the "belt slot" is just an invisible accessory that has an armor value.
[...]
However I feel turning the belt slot into anything would just be as kludge. What the character model really needs is a "costume effect" slot that isn't an item, but rather something that can be switched on/off with the glamour plate. The actual "belt" item likely can't be turned into something visible because it would clash (visibly if not clip through various gear.)

Absolutely, and I'm not saying that the invisible belts should become visible - rather I'm trying to think of how the "costume slot" could be implemented in the system as it exists, and from what I can guess of the underlying restrictions. For example, the "convoluted" setup they introduced for the glamour dresser instead of just giving us separate free glamour slots. Why do that instead of the simple version? Maybe it's impossible to create new slots, so they can only work within the rigid existing framework of gear slots and applied glamours that are linked to a base item.

So if I've guessed right on that, then they can't just give us a new item slot that doesn't currently exist - but what they *do* have is an item slot that doesn't visibly exist and so perhaps it is within their limits to adjust how that slot is used. It would continue to be a "belt slot" that holds the functional-but-invisible belt equipment, but that invisible belt functions as the base item on which we can apply a visible glamour. (The backpack you suggested could be one of those glamour items for this slot, too.)

Like there are a few things in the game that I'd like to see different, like different glasses that are independent from helms and hats. But for THAT to work essentially requires another "earring" type gear slot that has no armor value.

Interesting idea - even if they can't create a new slot, could glasses be available in the "ears" slot?

[basketofseals]

I would love it if all belts were visible and separate from the chest pieces.. I would hide all of them lol.

[Kogasan]

I wish they would add capes not visible belts. But that's my opinion.

[Sylvina]

A better way to do this would just be to remove appearances from gear entirely and have glamour be added to character customization like in MMOs I've played with ACTUAL customization. but I doubt the way FFXIV is programmed that it would ever happen. Great game but comparitively poor customization to what I'm used to. Of course I got used to the industry gold standard of customization, even if it was in an obscure game which had nothing else going for it.

[Riardon]

It won't happen although I would like it to. It's the only piece of gear that's invisible.
In order to make it happen they will have to redesign and adjust every single piece of gear for every race and gender.
Too much work for something minor.
This should have been in place from the beginning.
I would like better gear designs for males and more character optimisation options in the character creation screen over visible belts anytime.

[Enkidoh]

As much as I do miss having 1.0's visible belts, it was a necessary change for the game that was ultimately for the better, as having a visible belt appearance restricted gear design greatly in 1.0, in that each body and leg piece needed to be designed with every belt design in mind to avoid clipping, and, well, given we're seeing complaints here in ARR now about clipping issues with weapons and miqo'te/au ra tails and ears/horns in the latest 'flashy' gear, this is clearly something SE are never going to go back to.

It's the price that had to be paid for more elaborate gear design.

[Lusavari]

As much as I do miss having 1.0's visible belts, it was a necessary change for the game that was ultimately for the better, as having a visible belt appearance restricted gear design greatly in 1.0, in that each body and leg piece needed to be designed with every belt design in mind to avoid clipping, and, well, given we're seeing complaints here in ARR now about clipping issues with weapons and miqo'te/au ra tails and ears/horns in the latest 'flashy' gear, this is clearly something SE are never going to go back to.

It's the price that had to be paid for more elaborate gear design.

This largely captures the case. It was done as an artistic decision to expand the variety of designs available. However, some of the belts are actually visible, just not in the way you think. The design of the sigmascape belt for instance shows up in one of the armor sets. It's either the tank set or the Dragoon set, but it is there. However, you just can't set the belts to show at will.

[RaynerH]

Maybe a compromise would be more gear with belts? I'm a vote yes for visible belts but I understand the problems so just give us more gear with belts attached. It's not perfect but its a solution.

[Penthea]

Coming from WoW I was honestly delighted to see the belt slot in XIV has no appearance. I had a horrible time in WoW trying to find belts that didn't look awful. That being said if I was able to dye them it wouldn't have been nearly as bad.

I would prefer if SE instead added a cosmetic slot so that players can wear glasses/goggles/masks/etc along with headgear. I feel this would be far more popular and fun than adding an appearance for the belt slots.

[Sakuraluna]

I don’t see it happening but I do like the ideas behind some of the icon designs.