Ask a quick question, get an answer

[zcm]

I started a thread about this without thinking about this thread...

Anyone know of a good reversible leather belt? Do they exist? Is it just silly to have a reversible belt? Thanks.

[bruschetta]

@zcm, What advantage does a reversible belt give? Why not own two belts?

[jack7]

I think the point of a reversible belt is to save money by not having to purchase two belts.

I think the best advantage they offer is for traveling.

[zcm]

@zcm, What advantage does a reversible belt give? Why not own two belts?

Absolutely valid question. I guess it is a combination of laziness, simplicity, and genuine interest in trying to find one that doesn't suck... also I thought I may be able to save a buck or two.

[idvsego]

this seems like a no brainer but...because then you have to pay for two belts?

[Teej]

Absolutely valid question. I guess it is a combination of laziness, simplicity, and genuine interest in trying to find one that doesn't suck... also I thought I may be able to save a buck or two.

I've never seen one of decent or high quality. Usually they are the cheap ones you find at department stores. I currently have a reversible belt and I am trying to go the opposite way and buy a nice brown and a nice black one.

I guess that sparks a question for me then. Any brand or store that you guys recommend for getting decent leather belts? I'm looking in the 50-100 range but I'd prefer to stay under 75.

[bruschetta]

I think the point of a reversible belt is to save money by not having to purchase two belts.

I think the best advantage they offer is for traveling.

Absolutely valid question. I guess it is a combination of laziness, simplicity, and genuine interest in trying to find one that doesn't suck... also I thought I may be able to save a buck or two.

Jack, I didn't think of the advantage of only needing to pack one belt when you travel. That makes sense to me. Thank you.

zcm, I used to purchase inexpensive belts from J.Crew and Banana Republic, but I moved to MTM belts this year. They are comparatively expensive at roughly twice the cost of a J.Crew belt, but I've been sold on spending a bit more for a belt that will last 10+ years. Both the Equus and Worcestershire belts that I have look new and I wear each of them multiple times a week.

[LesserBlackDog]

Reversible belts may serve some purpose (not sure the traveling thing is that big a deal - you can wear one belt and pack another, so that doesn't seem like such a waste of space). But you will have a hard time finding one of any quality. Reversible belts are, by necessity, bonded leather rather than full grain, so they will look and feel cheaper and wear out faster than a regular belt of decent quality.

In terms of leather belts, I'd recommend investing in one nice leather belt (in the color you wear most often in shoes), buying a "good enough" belt in the "other" color (black or brown), and then buying a couple of casual, non-leather belts. The occasions in which owning a reversible belt will really save you any time or space will probably be few and far between.

Costco used to (and still might?) sell full-grain leather belts - one dressy black calf, one more casual brown - for $20. That would be a pretty easy way to cover your bases without having to fork over tons of money.

[zcm]

Thanks for the thoughts guys.

I have been looking at the AE shoebanks list of belts... anyone ever order a belt from them?

[idvsego]

In terms of leather belts, I'd recommend investing in one nice leather belt (in the color you wear most often in shoes), buying a "good enough" belt in the "other" color (black or brown), and then buying a couple of casual, non-leather belts. The occasions in which owning a reversible belt will really save you any time or space will probably be few and far between.

Costco used to (and still might?) sell full-grain leather belts - one dressy black calf, one more casual brown - for $20. That would be a pretty easy way to cover your bases without having to fork over tons of money.

This is pretty much the logic I use. Good tip on the costco too. Too bad they don't have a dress brown, as that is my go-to belt.