Why has my leather belt bent and changed shape?
Full grain leathers such as those that we make all of our belts out of here at Anvil Hide, may take some “breaking in” and actually change shape but as you will see below, we need leathers that are able to mould to the shape of the body. Leather that moulds in to the body actually can provide a number of benefits. Some of the benefits include:
- Comfort: Your hips are not a perfect cylinder, and your bottom and belly will not be in a perfect circle, you need your belt to accommodate the natural shape of the waistline. When a leather belt moulds to the shape of the body, it will create a more comfortable fit. This is particularly important for items of clothing or accessories that are worn for long periods of time, such as boots or belts in this case. Remember, you actually want a belt that conforms to the natural shape of the hips. If you bought leather boots and they were still as uncomfortable a month later than day 1 of wearing them - you would stop wearing them and assume the materials not to be real leather. Leather needs “breaking in” and a curved belt is evidence of that.
- Support: Depending on the design of the item, leather that moulds to the body can provide better support than one that remains straight, as a straight belt may cause minor posture problems to compensate the unnatural shape. Remember, a belt that moulds to the shape of the waist may be more comfortable for everyday use.
- Durability: Leather that moulds to the body may be more durable than stiff in a sense, then inflexible leather. This is because it is less likely to become damaged due to uneven wear due to the constant pressure on one section.
Overall, leather that moulds to the body can provide a more comfortable, supportive, and durable fit that is tailored to the wearer's unique body shape, a belt that is bent to your natural hip shape after “breaking in” is a comfortable belt that will remain comfortable for years.