[xcalibre0]

First time post, I tried searching for this sort of thing here and elsewhere with no such luck. I usually try to match my belts to my shoes quite exactly, to the point of having almost one belt per shoe. However, most recently, my waistline has become more "mature". Now, I have a bunch of rather pricey belts that are 4 inches too short, and I have shoes that I don't like to wear without the matching belt.

Does anyone know of a classy way to lengthen a belt, preferably in some hidden or sneaky way that does not show ( I can't imagine one myself )?

 

[rip]

I don't think there's a hidden way to do it; certainly one can lengthen a belt by piecing it, much in the same way that cordovan belts are made. However, it is almost certainly to cost you as much or more than a replacement belt would cost.

 

[constantmystery]

have a shoemaker /cobbler...

disengage the buckle if it doesn't already detach from strap. He should add a similar color, weight, and sized material to end. This should approximate the 4 inches you need to add. He can shave down the thickness of the back of your original belt (maintaining the surface appearance). He will also shave down the front of the new piece and glue the two together. If he's any good, he'll probably add a thin piece of lining leather to the back side as well just to smooth the edges as well. Add a bit of sewing from him for strength and Voila!

When he reattaches the buckle, the mismatched added piece of leather will be hidden by the overlapping original leather at the point where the loops are !

I'v done it...and it works!

 

[Tonyp]

I think it is easier to lose the maturity than to lengthen the belt. I have a beautiful alligator belt that is 16 years old. It is too small for me. I still have it and will give to my son. It cost $600 16 years ago.

Donate the belts to charity and try to find something comparable, maybe even at some nice thrift stores or on line.

 

[cobblestone]

Belts

We lengthen belts all the time. Matching the leather is the hardest part but we have suppliers who have a good selection of hydes. We also shorten belts too. Most shoe repair shops can do this type of work.