Question about belt length

[Rahere]

That's why I talked of 5 and 7 holes. 5 if you're making for a known waist, but because belt lengths are normally sold in 2" increments, that means 2 more notches for those who fall between lengths one way or the other. 2" is 5 cm, so @HondoMan's 2.5cm is the same as our inch. For the ladies, 18"-34" should meet most needs (to be frank, 24 at the bottom end, but you'll always come across the sub-teen who just MUST have a small one). For guys, 28"-48", or 58" in the US.

[Rahere]

Another question for those needing to cope with plate buckles, the pin can be offset from the rail enough to need to be taken into account in reducing the belt length. How do you cope with those who want to change the plate according to the time of day? Snaps? It also argues for having a decent rivet-setter, at the least a hand-lever machine.

And then there's the market for plumbing straps in tornado alley...

[Northmount]

1 hour ago, KennethM said:

for instance just add X amount of inches to the pant size

Pant sizes are all over the place.  Some stretched, some have shrunk, so you can't go by pant size.  If you research this more on this site, you will find all kinds of stories about mistakes and lessons learned about using pant sizes.  Also depends on where they wear the pants, under or over their dunlap tire!

So for Etsy or other places, you would likely be better off making standard sizes to stock and sell.

If custom making, you need to set up a measuring strap as other threads have suggested, so you get a real measure you can more likely trust, as long as they are honest in measuring and recording the number.

Tom

[Rahere]

And don't forget even a measuring strap will stretch in time.

[KennethM]

So when getting custom belt orders online from customers on the other side of the globe...you still get them to measure there own waist?

[HondoMan]

10 hours ago, KennethM said:

So when getting custom belt orders online from customers on the other side of the globe...you still get them to measure there own waist?

From experience, it's a non-starter.  I no longer take internet orders, emails, texts, or phone calls which involve measuring, be it dog collars, belts, armbands or cuffs, etc.  Kenneth, if you decide to have a wee go, it will not prove well.  I can near on guarantee that the client's ability to measure will be different from yours.

I tried explaining to customers countless times, and it very rarely is accurate.  It is not necessarily the fault of the client.  I have numerous rules and tailor's tapes in me shop and nearly all are different.  Perhaps the first 10cm are identical, but then it all goes to hell.  Also, some will 'cheat' and simply tell you that their belt size is 95, for example, since it appears on the inside.  For some companies, that means to the end of the leather and some meaning to the end of the buckle frame.

If you chose to take an online order, prepare yourself for 'the belt is too long or too short'.

[Handstitched]

On 9/12/2020 at 9:18 AM, Northmount said:

Pant sizes are all over the place.  Some stretched, some have shrunk, so you can't go by pant size.

Exactly  its  never an accurate measurement.   I have never used an old belt as a guide for the same reason. They're stretched & out of shape .......and made from vinyl , and some customers aren't always    sure which hole  they're actually using  .

 @HondoMan When customers come to my stall, I always get them to measure their own waist, no physical contact ( nothing to do with covid btw) , then I make a determination / recommendation / give  advice. If its say 40", that will be the centre hole. I can work the rest out myself. 

@KennethM If all else fails, just follow the ' Al Stohlman Method' . Its worked for me ( and countless others )  thus far  

HS 

[paloma]

On 9/11/2020 at 3:43 AM, HondoMan said:

@KennethM, I make several belts per week and this seems to suit near on every customer.  There are various things you'll need to figure on your own.  Sorry, I only use the metric system.  I did learn the imperal system years ago in school, but don't use it enough to know what you would need here.

Men's belts have roughly 2.5mm between holes and women 2mm.  Kids and teenagers can be 2mm or 1.5mm.  Take into account the body shape and size.
 

??? i think it's an error

Edited September 14, 2020 by Northmount

[paloma]

Usually between two holes I leave a gap of up to 30 mm between the width of the belt and the hole.

over 30mm I leave half for example for a 40mm wide belt I leave 2 centimetres

Edited September 14, 2020 by paloma