Fashionable Fascination: The Role of Leather Belts in Popular Culture

Every time I wear any of the belts that I make, I feel proud because I know that behind it is the history of a piece of apparel that has earned a prominent place in popular culture.

Leather belts have gone far past their origins as utility items for merchants and military men to play a significant role in culture for centuries.

There are countless examples of famous belts used in fashion, sports, movies, and music that were used to convey powerful ideas, from rebellion to creativity, sophistication, and individuality.

As I mentioned before, one of the first uses of leather belts was in the military, where it was used to hold knives and swords to have them ready for combat since the times of the Roman Empire.

The belt became a symbol of honor and loyalty to a cause or a city. Leather belts were colored to denote rank and to help identify allies on the battlefield.

Fast forwarding to the 19th century, the famous General Sir Sam Browne of the British Indian Army—who lost his left arm during the Sepoy Rebellion in India—started wearing a leather belt across the chest and over his right shoulder to hold his sword steady while drawing it one-handed.

The Sam Browne belt, as it came to be known, became standard military equipment for many ranks of the British Army, which included another leather belt around the waist to which the Sam Browne was hooked.

During the same century, leather belts made the jump to civilian use when trousers started to be worn at the waistline instead of above it, making suspenders unnecessary for holding trousers up.

Women, for their part, had been using leather belts since the Middle Ages to carry their pouches. However, when the leather handbag became popular, the belt became more of a fashion accessory.

The classic design of a natural brown leather belt that’s so popular today takes a lot of inspiration from those worn by the settlers of the wild west. For them, belts represented their adventurous spirit and courage to risk it all in such dangerous times.

Another excellent example is the black leather belt Diane Keaton wore in Annie Hall to complete her androgynous look with beige trousers and a black vest. Her belt was a slim version of a traditional men’s black belt—a perfect middle ground for breaking stereotypes.

Music has always been a vehicle for cultural change and a way to defy the status quo, and leather belts have always been at the center of that as part of many famous musicians' and performers’ outfits.

One example that I think of are Jim Morrison’s belts, which were a central part of his attire and symbols of his defiant and energetic spirit. He would even wear two belts at the same time to keep his leather pants up during his passionate and spirited performances.

Jim had many belts reminiscent of Eastern and Native American cultures, but one iconic cincture of his was a “concho” black leather belt with several silver-engraved plates, which was a token of his appreciation for the Navajo culture.

And what about The King himself? Many memorable Elvis Presley outfits were “crowned” with thick belts that were a statement of his maximalist, unique fashion and creativity.

Some other examples I can think of are the white-colored leather belt adorned with several American eagle crests that he wore for the Aloha From Hawaii concert in 1973, and the black cowhide belt he used to complete his all-leather outfit for the unforgettable Comeback Special.

As a well-known element of sports culture, leather belts have served as symbols of triumph, courage, and bravery.

In boxing, wrestling, and mixed martial arts, the main prize awarded to championship winners is a thick leather belt, normally with a big, engraved, and decorated plate specifying the title they won.

It’s similar in rodeo sports, where winners of contests or competitions, like saddle bronc riding, bull riding, tie-down roping, or barrel racing, receive leather belts with elaborately engraved buckles as an award for their victory.

The significance of leather belts in popular culture cannot be overstated. They have played a central role for centuries, cementing their place as an essential accessory for both function and fashion.

A reason for this is their timelessness. Many leather belt designs from decades or even centuries ago, like the cowboy belt or the classic belt, have stayed essentially unaltered because they have been perfect matches for the fashion trends of any time.

This is particularly true when they’re made of quality materials that can last for decades.

As you can probably tell, I’m a huge fan of leather belts, and I strive to honor their place in the world of fashion and popular culture.

That’s why I make my belts with durable full-grain leather from a family-run US tannery that can withstand frequent use for a lifetime, and sew them with Tiger thread.

You can learn more about leather grades and why full-grain leather is the best class of leather for belts, wallets, and other leather goods. If you want a brief summary, the following table compares the different grades of hide and their characteristics.

Imagine passing down your favorite leather belt to your kid or grandkid, who will remember you and your story by looking at your belt’s unique patina.

Take a look at my selection of leather belts and choose your favorite. You’ll be wearing a timeless piece of apparel worthy of the leather belt’s place in our culture.