Leather Belts Guide - Avoid Buying a Bonded or Genuine Leather Belt

Buying a leather belt can be a challenging task. You want something durable, comfortable, and fashionable at an affordable price. But you also need to consider the type of material it’s made from because not all belts are created equal. Full-grain leather is considered the highest quality leather for belts, offering superior durability and strength compared to lower-quality alternatives. This article will give you some tips on what to avoid when shopping for a new leather belt.

TLDR: You should never purchase belts made with genuine leather or bonded leather. Shop for a belt made by a local craftsperson using full-grain leather.

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Avoid Buying Genuine Leather

Genuine leather is the bottom of the barrel when it comes to quality. Genuine leather belts might make a good first impression, but they won’t last long and are not worth the money. They are made with scrap pieces of leather mixed with glue and turned into a cheap piece of junk.

After a few wears, you’ll find yourself with a broken belt. The glue used is not strong enough to prevent the belt from cracking and tearing apart after a few uses. As a result, you’ll often need to replace a genuine leather belt much sooner than a higher-quality alternative. Buying a genuine leather belt makes no sense in the long run. For example, the men’s genuine leather reversible belt below is less than one year old. It looks terrible!

discount leather belt that looks worn. wearing genuine leather belts is a risk. Genuine leather looks great the first day, but you'll discover it quickly breaks down after you've worn it a few times. A geniune leather dress belt is bad.

Is genuine leather real leather, or is it just a scam?

Genuine leather is technically real leather, but just barely. It is the lowest quality leather product made from leather scraps and glue. The word "genuine" is meant to mislead a customer into believing the belt is made with good quality material, but it's not. Genuine leather is not as durable and long-lasting as other types of leather, like top-grain or full-grain.

When you see "100% Genuine Leather" or "pure leather belt" on a product, know that it is a gimmicky stamp of approval. Don't fall for it - you'll be sorry you wasted your money. Just put that cheap genuine leather belt back on the rack and walk away.

Man wearing a cheap mens belt with casual jeans and a t-shirt. genuine leather is not a heavy duty material for men's leather belts. don't pay for a low quality men's belt that will fail

Never buy bonded leather belts

Bonded leather isn't even real leather. It is a man-made material made of genuine leather scraps glued together into sheets. The bond isn't designed to hold long, so expect a bonded leather belt to start to split or crack within a few months.

Bonded leather belts are typically priced very low, and you'll sometimes see them advertised as genuine leather products. These belts can only trick your eyes and can't hide their crappy origins. Don't be fooled and don't waste your hard-earned money on bad belts.

Questions to ask when shopping for a new leather belt

The old adage applies here - you get what you pay for! Cheap options will not stand the test of time. Here are a few key questions to ask before buying a new leather belt.

What is a good quality leather belt made from?

The best belts for men are made from full-grain leather because it is by far the best quality leather. Belts made with this type of leather are usually made with one thick, solid strap of leather. Premium leather has a soft, supple feel that develops into a beautiful patina over time. Synthetic leather has a uniform look that tries to mimic real leather, but can't.

Belts made from full-grain leather last far longer than those made from genuine or bonded leather. Full-grain leather belts are heavy-duty products made to last many years of use, and the substantial weight of a well-made belt adds to its premium feel and durability. If you’ve ever owned a high-quality leather belt, you know the satisfaction and value it brings. These are belts you’ll appreciate for a lifetime. If you’ve ever heard of “quarter-century belts” or belts passed down from generation to generation, they are made with full-grain leather.

A good runner-up is a belt made with top-grain leather. These belts can also last for many years, but won’t develop quite the same patina that is characteristic of full-grain leather. The use of corrective grains will hide natural imperfections in the cowhide if you are after a less rugged style to wear with jeans.

Both full-grain leather belts and top-grain leather belts come in a variety of styles, from classic to modern, and can be used for casual wear with jeans or as work belts for the office with dress pants. If you want a belt with a vintage feel, look for thick distressed leather. If you’re a one belt forever kind of person, you won’t go wrong with a black belt.

man's hands cutting a cowhide of full-grain leather using a strap cutter hand tool. Grey leather is a best seller when made into men's leather belts.
Obscure Belts makes every leather belt to order in any size with high quality full grain leather.

Where can I buy good quality belts and belt buckles?

The best leather belts are made by leather artisans and craftspeople, like Obscure Belts. Aside from the warm, fuzzy feeling you will get from supporting a local small business, when you buy from a belt maker nearby you are getting a much higher quality product than any big box store will offer. If you're shopping for men's gifts, these kinds of items are the best presents to give.

Buy leather goods from local artisans

As a small batch belt maker, we know that a craftsperson lives and dies by the quality of what they make. We have over 20 years of experience making our cool belts and belt buckles. We work directly with a specialty tannery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to develop our distressed and full-grain leather hides. When you buy a belt and buckle from us, you can be certain it will be the right size, no matter your size. You’re sure to find one of our casual leather belts to fit your style and look great around your waist for many years. We proudly stand behind our designs and offer a limited lifetime warranty to back them up.

Choosing the Best Leather Belts

Selecting the perfect leather belt comes down to a few important factors: the type of leather, the style, and the fit. Full-grain leather belts are the highest quality and most durable option, making them a worthwhile investment if you want a belt that will last. While they may cost a bit more than other types, their longevity and classic look make them a favorite for both casual and formal wear. Think about your personal style—whether you need a belt to match your favorite pair of jeans or something more refined for business attire, there’s a leather belt out there for you. Make sure to choose the right size for your waist, and look for craftsmanship and attention to detail in the stitching and buckle. With the right choice, your new leather belt will not only complement your clothing but also provide years of reliable wear.

We do not believe that one size fits all. It's important to choose the correct size belt for your body shape, with room for your size to change. A good rule of thumb for choosing a belt size is to select one that is two inches larger than your pant size. Refer to sizing charts and measure your waist in inches or centimeters to ensure the best fit. A quality belt should offer multiple holes, with careful placement of each hole relative to the tip of the belt, allowing you to easily change the fit as your body size or weight changes.

Remember - leather is a natural material. Over time, your body heat and movement will cause the strap to stretch a bit, so having extra holes gives you the ability to adjust your belt. Make sure the belt is not too tight or too loose.

Good luck in your search for a new belt!

When you’re looking for a new leather belt, there are several things to consider. You want your leather belt to be made of the best quality materials and by someone who knows how to work with them well. That might sound like it would cost more than buying an imported bonded or genuine leather belt that is mass-produced at low prices, but don't worry!

We offer a selection of thick, high-quality handmade belts and cool belt buckles at affordable prices right here in our shop. We make everything with full grain or distressed leather in a color to match your style. You can be sure our casual belts will keep holding your pants up for years.

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2 comments

Hi Mark, Cristina here with Obscure Belts. The rule is to buy one size up from your waist size, so a size 34 belt would be the best fit for you. Feel free to reach out if you have any more sizing questions!

Anonymous

I’m a 32" waist?? I don’t see any my size

mark meelan

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