The strap is the leather band that carries the metal plates and goes around the wearer. On an MS Belts belt it is cowhide leather, about 50 to 51 inches (127 to 130 cm) long. It fastens with a snap closure, and several snap positions let you adjust the fit. This guide explains what each of those words means and what to check before you order.
| Part | On an MS Belts belt | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Cowhide leather | Leather made from cattle hide |
| Length | About 50 to 51 inches (127 to 130 cm) | The whole strap, end to end. Not the waist size |
| Closure | Snap closure | Presses shut and pulls open |
| Adjustment | Several snap positions | Different wearers can tighten or loosen the fit |
What cowhide leather is
Cowhide is leather made from the hide of cattle. It has long been used for belts, bags and boots. On a belt like this, the strap has to carry the metal plates.
Leather is a natural material. Small variations in surface texture from one strap to the next are normal.
We do not publish the thickness or finish of the strap, or a list of strap colours. If the colour or finish of the strap matters to you, ask before you order. What is possible is confirmed in writing for your order.
Leather or synthetic: does it matter?
Some belts are sold with a synthetic strap instead of leather. That is usually a fabric coated in plastic and made to look like leather. It is sold under names such as faux leather or PU leather. PU stands for polyurethane, a type of plastic. The table below is general knowledge about the two materials, not a test of any particular product.
| Point | Cowhide leather | Synthetic strap |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A natural hide that has been tanned, which means treated so it does not decay | Fabric with a plastic coating |
| How it ages | Softens and creases with use | The coating can crack or peel where it bends |
| Weak points | Water and heat | Heat and repeated folding |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
Neither is wrong. They are different materials, so check which one a belt uses before you compare prices.
Length and fit
About 50 to 51 inches is the length of the whole strap. It is not the waist size the belt fits. The two ends overlap to close, and the overlap uses some of the length.
We do not publish a smallest or largest waist figure. Measure the person who will wear the belt, send us the number, and we confirm the fit in writing for your order. The sizing and fit guide shows how to measure and what to do when you do not yet know who the winner will be.
How the snaps work
A snap, also called a press stud, is a fastener in two halves. One half has a small raised stud. The other has a socket. Press them together and they click shut. Pull them apart and they release.
To wear the belt, wrap it around, overlap the ends and press the snaps shut at the position that fits. Because there are several positions, the same belt can be tightened for one wearer and loosened for the next.
Two practical points:
- Press and pull close to the snap itself. Tugging on the far end of the strap puts the strain on the leather.
- We do not publish the number of snap positions or the distance between them. If you need those figures for a particular wearer, they are confirmed in writing for your order.
The strap and the weight of the plates
The strap carries everything else. The more the plates weigh, the more the strap, and the wearer, has to carry.
Zinc alloy is the standard plate metal. Brass is an upgrade that adds $100 to the listed price and, as a general rule, is denser and heavier. Plates are 2 mm thick as standard, with 4 mm, 6 mm and 8 mm available at $40 more per step, and thicker plates weigh more. We do not publish belt weights. If the belt will be worn for long periods, the guide to zinc alloy or brass helps you think that choice through.
Looking after the strap
Leather needs to be kept dry and away from heat. In practice:
- Do not leave the belt in a hot car, on a radiator or in direct sun.
- If it gets wet, wipe it with a dry cloth and let it dry at room temperature. Do not use a hairdryer.
- Avoid folding the strap sharply. A tight fold can leave a permanent crease.
The care, cleaning and storage guide covers the plates as well.
Where the belt is made
Every belt is made in and shipped from our workshop in Pakistan. The workshop has been making belts for over a decade. The artisans at each step come from families that have done this kind of work for generations, and each belt goes through 7 or 8 phases, depending on the build. You can see more on the how it's made page.
In short
- The strap is cowhide leather, about 50 to 51 inches (127 to 130 cm) long.
- It closes with snaps, and several snap positions adjust the fit.
- Strap length is not waist size. Send your measurement and we confirm the fit in writing.
- Keep the leather dry and away from heat.
Next step
Browse the custom championship belts collection. If you have a question about the strap for your order, email support@msbelts.com before you buy.
