Cinch Belts

Last Chance Heavy Duty Belt

I've never been a fan of notches. But most cinch belts just don't do the job. Inspired by the belts worn by smokejumpers, this one's made of two nylon strips sewn together with a foot-long strip of Velcro running along one side. Once it's on and the Velcro touches, I never have to re-cinch it. Though the nylon is substantial, much thicker than a seatbelt, the aluminum buckle is very light; I hardly notice it. Ideal for everyday casual wear, the belt is plain and quite handsome. I've worn it with a tie and blazer. It didn't fly under the radar -- it looked great. Never again will I hole-punch another post-holiday notch.

-- Steven Leckart

Last Chance Heavy Duty Belt
$23
(small - xl)
Available from Bison Designs

Also available from Amazon
(only med. - xl)

*

Tech Web Belt

Better than the smoke jumper belt (I've tried it) is Patagonia's Tech Web Belt. It's lighter and handsomer, comes in colors, and you don't have the noise and debris-collection of Velcro. I've worn mine for six months at all occasions from dressy to sweaty. Trim your new belt to the exact convenient size you want, flame-melt the cut end so it doesn't fray, and you've got the perfect custom belt.

-- Stewart Brand

Tech Web Belt
$26
Available from Patagonia

Related items previously reviewed in Cool Tools:

Eagle Creek All-Terrain Money Belt

Duluth Trading Suspenders

Blaklader Heavy Duty Work Pants