Department Store Belts - What You Need To Know!

I hate shopping—but the need for a new coat sent me to the men’s stores this weekend. I visited several, including Cabela’s and Duluth Trading Company, both known for rugged men’s wear and far from cheap. Naturally, I stopped at the belt racks to see what they had—and what they were charging. I was astonished.

Every belt on the rack was made overseas. Not a single American-made belt in sight. Even worse, almost all were made from bonded leather—or “real leather,” which, if you know leather, is really just the leather version of particle board. In other words: imported junk. And the prices? $45 to over $75. Yes—over $75 for a bonded leather belt. Even well-known American brands like Ralph Lauren are now producing most of their products overseas.

Bonded leather (also called genuine leather, and real leather) is usually scraps pressed together with glue and coated with plastic to give it the appearance of real, full grain leather. Unfortunately, this is becoming the norm for cheap belts with high profit margins. The same trend is creeping into horse saddles, business cases, and other leather goods imported from overseas. Full grain leather, especially from the USA is becoming increasingly rare—and you shouldn’t settle for less.

This is exactly why you should buy from a local leather shop or a trusted online leather maker. Why pay that much for garbage when you can get a true, full-grain USA steerhide belt, handcrafted in the USA, for only a few dollars more? It’s quality that lasts—and a purchase you can actually feel proud of. As an added bonus you support USA makers that care about craftsmanship and quality.