It's clear there isn't a whole lot of variety online when it comes to men's plus size belts, especially dress belts. That's why I've decided to offer this in big & tall sizes. Whether you're wearing dress pants or just prefer a narrower belt for jeans, the Executive will complement any outfit you pair it with. The versatile 1.25" width will fit through most dress pants and almost all jean belt loops.
First, I choose 2 straps of 9/11 oz, premium, full grain vegetable tanned leather. The straps are cut to the correct size based on your measurement and the buckle slot and billet holes are punched out. Both stitch lines are marked out with a pair of dividers. The Executive is a heavy 2 ply leather belt. It's not your average dress belt! The lining on this is the same quality and type as the leather on the outside- no cutting corners.
After the two straps have been prepared, a much narrower strip of full grain leather is chosen. The edges of this strip are heavily rounded and it's positioned in-between the top and bottom layer of the belt. Two rows of small stitches create the pronounced raised effect down the center of the belt. This is different then most dress belts that have a padded, rounded look to them. The narrow raised bead is distinctive and unique. This particular construction method is the same used in harness and saddlery for over 150 years. It is very time consuming and takes a skilled craftmen to make this type of work.
After the belt is stitched up, the next step is working on the edges. Nice, smooth polished edges are another feature of quality belts. I use a hand tool to round both the inside and outside edges. This makes for a more durable and comfortable belt. Using a special burnishing compound and a piece of canvas, all edges are slicked by hand. This seals and smooths them, adding to the belts' appearance.
Next up is the buckle installation. I looked high and low for quality buckles and found them. The elegant yet strong roller buckles are the same used on high end equestrian equipment. This buckle makes cinching up your belt a breeze. A choice of solid stainless steel or solid brass with a stainless steel tongue is available. Standard buckle attachment consists of two Chicago screws. You can swap out buckles with just a screw driver. I also offer an upgrade of a saddle stitched buckle end as well, for those who prefer a more refined look.
The last part of the belt is making up the keeper. I select a piece of very firm and thick leather. The strap is cut to a width of 5/8" wide and wrapped around the belt to determine the length to cut it. After it is cut to size, both ends are tapered down and overlapped with each other on the bottom. Several saddle stitches, using two needles, secure the closure. This makes it nearly impossible for a loop to break. The loop is then dipped in water and allowed to partially dry. When it is at the correct stage of dryness, a square iron of the correct width is placed through the loop. A wide faced hammer is used to "box" the keeper into a neat square. This helps the belt strap pass easily through it.
At this point, your probably thinking this is alot of work. It is, and we're still not done! Using a 120 year old hand tool, I put deep crease lines along the edges of the keeper. This adds another really nice little detail to the belt. After it's completely dry, the belt buckle and keeper is installed and a new belt is born!
The Executive is an exquisitely handcrafted belt .From the premium American leather , down to the construction methods and little details. Once you see it in person, I'm sure you'll agree. This belt is available in mens' big and tall sizes 44- 80.
How to Measure for a belt:( Please see the diagram for a helpful visual)
The easiest way to measure for a new belt is to use an old one that fits you well. Lay the old belt out on a flat surface and measure from where the leather folds around the buckle to the hole most frequently used. Remember to round up to the nearest whole number. Example: Your measurement comes up 43 1/4". Round up to 44".
Another way, if you don't have a belt that fits: Using a piece of non stretchy string or cord, thread it through your belt loops and pinch the ends together where they meet. Mark the two with a pen or marker. Lay it out on a table or flat surface and measure from the two marks you made. Remember to round up if it falls inbetween sizes.
Belt Specifications/Details:
* 1.25 width fits through most dress slacks
* Finest USA made
*Made from USA vegtable-tanned Bridle leather outer and liner
*Very thick, durable 100 % full- grain leather
*Double layer construction finishes at approx 12/14 oz
* Choice of heavy duty stainless steel roller buckle or solid brass roller buckle with stainless steel tongue
* Buckle is extremely durable and very strong- one of the best on the market.
*Choice of Chicago Screws or upgrade to a saddlestitched buckle end
*Keeper loops are handstitched, blocked and creased by hand-no staples
* Buckle is removable if you choose Chicago screws. If you have it stitched in, then it's not.
*Oval holes prevent distortion
*Heavy nylon thread for strength
*Classic timeless style never goes out of fashion
*Full grain leather means no cracking, peeling, breaking, flaking or splitting
*Heavy raised profile with 2 rows of stitching
*Available in sizes 44- 80
The Executive Raised Leather Men's Dress Belt
It is essential that customer measures properly. If you have questions about measuring, please don't hesitate to ask.
Clark Harness prides itself on making products from the highest quality materials with attention to detail. Due to the nature of our business and the products we sell, customized/made to measure/made to order and/or monogrammed items cannot be returned or exchanged. All sales are final. Horse harness parts (with the exception of collars and hames) may be exchanged to ensure correct fit. For any other non custom items to be eligible for a refund, you have to return the item you have purchased to us within 30 calendar days of the purchase .The item must be un worn , un used, in original condition and in it's original packaging. Returns will be refunded to original form of payment. Buyer is responsible for the cost of return shipping. If our products arrive damaged, please contact us right away to discuss. All customized orders are non returnable/refundable.