Why leather belts?
Leather is one of the finest materials that is used for clothing. Not only is leather durable and robust but also adds a layered and unique appearance to your overall fit. Leather goes with all types of outfits and a belt completes the look. However, it is vital to understand that not all belts are the same. The top two degrees of belts are fine grain and top grain. These are both impeccable qualities of leather belts and, the material does not disappoint. Full-grain is slightly better than top-grain but there is little evidence stating that top grain is inferior in quality. Both varieties of belts are well put and last decades if they are well taken care of and adequately handled.
Types of leather belts.
Full-grain leather belts: These belts come in two types of finishes- aniline, and non-aniline. These belts have a surface that is resistant to dirt and cuts which makes the appearance of these belts even more captivating. Full-grain belts are made of real leather and while handcrafting, close attention is paid to detail. The grain and corium junction adds even more strength and toughness to the full-grain leather belts.
Top grain leather belts: These belts offer more flexibility and agility as compared to full grain belts. These are thinner and light-weighted, and the surface is slightly shinier. When it is mixed with corrected grain, it further removes defects and scares making it one of the finest quality materials for leather belts.
Split leather belts: Split leather is not the surface layer. Once the full grain layer comes off, the split leather surface is exposed. It comes from corium which is the most fibrous part of the hide. Split leather can also be molded into suede leather, which is one of the most selling materials for belts.
How to check the authenticity of leather belts?
- Check for pebbles or lumps: Real leather is smooth and free of any hindrances along with the material. Roam your hand across the material and feel for any lumps, stones, or hindrances that can directly affect the smoothness. If these are higher in number, the chances are the leather is not completely real, to say the least. It could be contaminated that will ruin its quality. To avoid this, the best option is to choose handmade leather. It is more reliable, of a much finer quality, and stays by your side for years.
- Smell the material: Real leather has a distinct smell that is very different from the chemical or plastic-like smell. Leather smells mustier and more natural. if the smell is awful or off-putting, you can safely bet on the leather not being original.
- Look out for wrinkles: Press the fabric and look out for any wrinkles along with the depression. If there are wrinkles or creases, there are chances that the quality of the belt has been tampered with or subjected to unnatural changes. This is usually seen in industrially made belts since industries extensively use adhesives and foreign materials. However, these defects are cent percent omitted in handmade and organically manufactured belts that come to life by undergoing the most natural procedure.
- Fire test: Real leather will char a little and give out a burning smell but will not entirely catch fire. Impure leather catches fire and burns on-spot. Impure leather is contaminated with plastic, so it smells like burning plastic when it comes in contact with fire.
- Check for any color change: Twist and turn the material in your hand. The original leather is uniquely elastic and twists easily. While during the same, it may also change its color bur retaining its originality right after. Impure or plastic leather is rigid and does not change color. This could be one of the quickest give-aways if the quality of the belt is not satisfactory.
