Casual Belt Leather Preference Help ?

[CustomDoug]

Hi folks.. I had a request for a couple of casual belts this week. Something for jeanswear (dressy and classic workwear). I figured I'd use English bridle (or well, bridle anyway), mainly because "London/British Tan" color was requested and I have some on hand. But then I started thinking - bridle could possible look too dressy. My next choice would be FULL grain leather... but who sells full grain strapping at a good price? I don't want tongue holes for the buckle or holes for chicago screws - just long straps at least 1.5" wide.

I'd always sort of thought that TOP grain leaned towards the cheap or at least lower quality scale on belts. Is that and accurate thought or should I reconsider this?

What are some other options? Maybe Chromexcel.. or I see that Springfield sells dyed thru Hermann Oak belt blanks. These are dyed but apparently needs a protective coating applied (according to their description). I have some Bag Coat - would that work? They are not in London tan though. Suggestions?

Doug C

[Halitech]

I do all my belts from top grain veg tanned leather and no one has ever said they look cheap. Personally, I like the look and feel of a top grain belt as I know it's not going to break unlike the "top end" belts you buy at wally world. The only difference between regular veg tanned and English bridle (from what I understand) is that English bridle is dyed and finished after it's tanned but both are tanned in the same way.

It all depends on what you consider "classy" and what you consider cheap looking.

[CustomDoug]

On a pricing scale though, wouldn't full grain items be more expensive than the top grain stuff, generally speaking? I personally haven't shopped for a belt in many years. But from what I understand, with top grain leathers the top layer is stripped away because of imperfections and "fixed". My filling is that the bridle would age to a more beautiful patina than top grain.. but what about full grain?

[Halitech]

I mixed up the 2 types, full grain is untouched, your basic veg tanned leather, top grain has been sanded and a top coat added. I meant full grain when speaking above., sorry for the confusion.

Yeah, top grain probably would look cheaper and wouldn't develop that natural aged patina like full grain would but full grain will develop a patina as well.