Belts, straps and buckles

[wittmeba]

Been looking at lots of belts, buckles and belt straps.

What is hand tooled?

What is hand stitched/sewn?

About the length. I see diagrams to measure for belt lengths measured from the center hole of 5 or 7 (thats fine) but measure to the tong/pivot side where the leather attaches to the buckle. Isn't that changing the "real" length by the width of the buckle?

May sound silly to be concerned, but if you have a 3"x4" buckle with a pin or tong at one end won't that affect your belt or strap length? It could change the measurement by 2-3 inches.

Not that I can't measure but if I order something online I want to be sure of what to expect. And I would like to keep the excess to a minimum for appearance. Also thinking I need to identify the buckle before buying a belt strap.

 

[Dot_mdb]

Talk to the maker

I've noticed the same thing that you have. I have only ordered from belt makers that suggest measuring to the end of the buckle. Before buying from one with the odd measurement instructions I would call and talk to them before ordering.

Bill

 

[LoboGunLeather]

There is only one measurement that counts and that is the exact circumference of your waist. You may determine that using a measuring tape around the waist through the belt loops on your pants, or measure a belt you are now using from the tip of the buckle to the tongue hole in use.

Clothing manufacturers have been using "vanity sizing" for so many years that most of us have no real idea of our waist sizes. I wear a size 34 trousers but need a 37" belt. Most of my belt customers will require a belt from 2" to 4" larger than their trouser waist sizes. IWB-style holsters can require belts a couple of inches longer than worn without the holster to accommodate the holstered handgun.

The belt buckle will affect belt sizing. Some buckles require only an inch or so, others may need 3" to 4". So when measuring you should always go from the exact point where the buckle attachment is completed with the belt tongue.

If you plan on using a specific buckle with your belt it should be provided to your belt maker to make sure of a proper fit.

Stop thinking about trouser waist size. Stop thinking about strap length. Stop thinking about buckle dimensions. The only thing that matters is the measured circumference of your waist.

 

[wittmeba]

Thanks to both of you.

Lobo - I understand how to measure my waist. What concerns me is how is that interpreted by a belt maker. Their diagrams don't make sense as the belt hole ends up at the other end of the buckle from where they recommend measurement. And again, I don't want a long flapper past the buckle.