Men's Leather Belt: 4 False Truths About Genuine Leather

In the fashion world, the allure of a genuine leather belt is undeniable. The following adage rings true: 

"Be not deceived with the first appearance of things, for show is not substance." - English Proverb

 While a belt may look impressive, the authenticity of the leather determines its true value.

I blame the fashion industry for misleads caused by the promotion of flawlessness as a sign of quality. That anything "aged" in our wardrobes is not worth owning.

However, they forget that the genuine leather used to make belts was once a living thing and that living things aren't in any way perfect or flawless. 

Additionally, they've forgotten that not everyone wants items that have a cookie-cutter sameness.

Leather's unique natural properties include flaws like scars and color differences. These allow for what I like to call "perfect imperfections".

Just like fine wine, a genuine leather belt matures beautifully over time, becoming more distinguished.

Today, I'm going to make you an informed shopper by not only taking on the myths surrounding the so-called “genuine leather” but also introducing you to our collection of leather belts.

Consequently, you'll make better buying decisions, as well as understand why we stand by our products in the ways that we do.

So, get set to learn the truth behind the falsehoods and myths of genuine leather.

There are three grades of quality when dealing in genuine leather used to make belts and other products. 

In order of the best to the worst, they are:

• Top grain, which includes
  • Full grain
  • Corrected grain
• Split grain or genuine leather 
• Bonded

Here's a handy graphic that shows exactly where in the hide the various grades of leather originate.

As you can see, genuine leather is not top quality. In fact, it's what's left after the top-quality leather, is removed from the hide. 

In fact, genuine leather is, in reality, leftovers.

Now as much as I love a good cold turkey sandwich the day after Thanksgiving, there's a limit to the amount and quality of the leftovers I enjoy. And leftover leather doesn't make the list.

Thus at Popov Leather, we only use top grain leather for our men's genuine leather belts and other products.

Genuine leather, on the other hand, is from the inside of the hide. There is no grain to be had. 

So genuine leather belt manufacturers give it a fake grain, to simulate the natural grain of better quality leather.

The "perfection" of leather is an illusion. It's taking something of poorer quality and trying to make it appear as something it's not.

Although the leather we use to make our men's belts and other products may not be perfect, it's perfectly top grain, high-quality stuff.

Consequently, the wearer, and the leather itself, are kept dry.

In contrast, genuine leather doesn't have those pores or those thicker, stronger fibers. 

That means it traps moisture inside. This trapped moisture breaks down the genuine leather belt over time and shortens its lifespan.

All that makes genuine leather weaker and certainly less longer-lasting than top grain leather. 

Our men's leather belts and other items carry a lifetime guarantee because we make them from leather that could last several lifetimes.

Sometimes, spray-painted effects are added, to give the appearance of a real grain or the color variations often found in top grain leather.

Because it's a part of the inside of the hide, genuine leather typically has to have some sort of coating added, too. 

This is often some sort of plastic, like polyurethane to make it look shiny and polished. It can also make it look smoother and more "perfect".

Look at the inside of one of our full grain genuine leather belts. It's "fuzzy" like suede from the sanding it receives on the inside or underside of the hide. 

The upper surface, however, is beautiful, natural, barely processed, high-quality full grain leather.

I know that some of you are more interested in buying a genuine leather belt rather than reading about leather. 

Maybe your pants are falling down as we speak. Maybe you're not a leather geek like me.

Whatever your preference, here's a handy table with the bare facts about genuine leather.

You may be saying to yourself: Does it really matter? A belt's a belt. If it holds up my pants, who cares?

I do.

I started Popov Leather at my dining room table, as a hobby. Something to keep me busy and give me a creative outlet. 

I have a personal stake in the quality of the products we make, and the materials we use to make them. I won't sell something I wouldn't buy.

The 20 some Popov Leather team members do. 

My team is proud of what we do, proud of what we make, and proud to call our community home. 

The fact that we make every order to order and answer questions personally, gives us an old-fashioned yet forward-thinking company culture.

Lastly, our customers care. 

They want long-lasting, good-looking, high-quality products. Sure, their belts just hold up their pants, but they also do it fashionably, and for years and years to come.

Here are a few reviews about the quality and looks of our top grain men's leather belts.

Here's Rory B., a high-quality leather belt convert.

And here's Jim B, who couldn't stop at just one Popov Leather item.

Why not join these guys and hundreds others? Become a men's leather belt convert like Rory, or a repeat customer like Jim and many more. 

We promise you, at Popov Leather, we're all about the substance and the style.