Belts and Suspenders Key Terms

Know some of the many materials used to make belts and suspenders

Belts can be made of many materials, each of which gives the belt a different look. Leather belts are stronger and more durable, twill or canvas belts are casual, whereas snake or lizard skin belts are textured. Animal activists prefer synthetic fibers and imitation leathers. As for suspenders, manufacturers traditionally made suspenders from boxcloth, although some used silk. If you are choosing a belt or suspenders, it helps to be aware of the many materials that are available.

 

Leather

Leather belts are made of animal hide that has been tanned. Tanning is special process that makes the skin durable. Leather can come from a variety of different animals, including cattle, lamb, deer, elk, and pigs; however, most belts are made of cowskin. Leather is classified as full or top grain, split grain, corrected grain, and patent leather.
Try: Lightmysite.it provides information on leather belts, and wiseGEEK explains how leather is made.

Acetate

Acetate is frequently used to line the interior of fashion belts. It is a man-made fabric composed of cellulose fibres. Acetate's smooth, flat weave resists moisture and stains, which makes it durable and long-lasting.
Try: GAMA Association tells how acetate is made and gives its important characteristics.

Snakeskin

Snakeskin is leather made from the skin of snakes. The skins have a flaky texture and vary widely in color, texture and pattern. Much of snakeskin's appeal comes from the subtle highs and lows of the scale pattern.
Try: Tropical Leather explains how snakeskin is processed.

Alligator

Originally, alligator leather was made from the skin of alligators, but because alligators are now an endangered species and are protected by laws, such belts are made with cowhide or synthetic leather embossed and dyed, to look like alligator skin.
Try: American Tanning and Leather Company explains how alligator skin is harvested and tanned.

Twill

Twill is a strong fabric with an interlacing weave of diagonal parallel ridges. The weave makes twill sturdy, so it wears well and withstands repeated washings. When it is used in fashion accessories such as belts, it is durable and generally adds a casual touch.
Try: Queensboro describes what twill is and how it's woven.

Boxcloth

Boxcloth is a slightly fuzzy, tightly woven, pure wool fabric commonly used for suspenders. This wool is durable and is preferred for traditional suspender construction.
Try: Albert Thurston has a brief explanation of boxcloth and shows a variety of pictures of suspenders made from boxcloth.

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