The Timeless Leather Belt: A Classic for Men and Women

The Classic Belstone Belt

A handmade leather belt is more than just an accessory — it’s a mark of timeless elegance and practical style. From ancient girdles to today’s oak bark tanned leather belts, this simple strip of leather has held garments together, carried tools, and added a finishing touch to outfits for centuries.

The History of the Leather Belt — From Girdles to Modern Classics

Belts have been around for thousands of years. Early civilisations wore girdles — lengths of cloth or leather tied around the waist to secure robes or tunics. In medieval Britain, leather girdles were prized for both function and status, often decorated with intricate buckles and metalwork.

In fact, the craft was so important in medieval London that the Worshipful Company of Girdlers — the historic guild of girdle makers — was founded as far back as 1327. This ancient Livery Company still exists today, preserving the rich heritage of belt and girdle making in the UK and supporting traditional leathercraft skills for future generations.

By the 19th century, belts evolved from these historic girdles to become essential in military, equestrian, and everyday attire for men and women, combining practical function with classic style.

Why Oak Bark Tanned Leather?

Choosing a handmade British leather belt crafted from oak bark tanned leather means choosing sustainability, strength, and tradition. Oak bark tanning, a natural vegetable tanning method, takes over a year and uses only pure water and British oak bark tannins to transform raw hides into strong, durable leather. This ancient process preserves the natural marks and character of each hide — the scars, lines, and texture that make your belt truly unique.

Over time, vegetable tanned leather matures beautifully, developing a rich, deep patina that tells the story of your life — a living piece that ages gracefully alongside you.

Classic Style for Men and Women

A timeless belt is a staple in both men’s and women’s wardrobes. Traditionally, men’s belts have five holes for classic fit and style, while women’s belts have seven for added flexibility and finer adjustment. It’s a small but meaningful nod to the heritage details that make quality leather belts stand apart.

Whether you prefer a rugged country look, refined city style, or equestrian elegance, a well-made leather belt is a subtle statement of good taste and craftsmanship.

The Traditional Craft — Behind the Scenes

Every belt I make starts with selecting the very best bridle butt leather — the strongest part of the hide, long favoured by saddlers for harnesses and tack. I hand-cut each strap to size, ensuring a clean edge that won’t fray with time.

The stitching is done by hand using the saddle stitch, an age-old method used in saddlery. Unlike machine stitching, saddle stitching uses two needles crossing through every hole, locking the thread in place so the seam won’t unravel. This makes the belt far stronger and longer-lasting.

Edges are then burnished and sealed by hand for a smooth, polished finish, before I fit a solid brass buckle — sourced from traditional British foundries — and punch the classic five or seven holes, true to tradition. Every step is slow, intentional, and rooted in heritage techniques I also teach in my workshops and leather craft courses for anyone who wants to learn this timeless skill for themselves.

The Buckland Belt

A Belt to Last a Lifetime

Your leather belt is made to be worn and loved for years — shaping to you, gathering stories, and looking better with age. This is the beauty of investing in handmade British leather goods crafted with care and tradition.

Ready to Own a Timeless Classic?

If you’d like to experience the heritage and craft for yourself, explore my Made to Order collection of handmade leather belts. From the sturdy everyday Belstone Belt to the elegantly saddle-stitched Buckland Belt, each piece is handcrafted in my Devon workshop using the finest British oak bark tanned leather.

Shop the Belstone and Buckland Belts below and carry a piece of timeless British leathercraft wherever you go.

Until the next time
Warmest wishes
Katy