Leather belt for big body

Hi Permies!! I am a plus sized permie gal. I've never really been a belt-wearing person, and when I go out into the woods I tend to just hook my multitool, folding knife, etc into a pocket. However, I have just purchased a machete and want to invest in a leather belt so I can carry the sheath (and machete) on the belt when I go out into the woods. Problem is, my hips are BIG. The circumference where I'd want to wear the belt on my body is like 55". So I'm guessing that means I need a belt that's at least 58-60". Where might one find such a thing? I don't care about fashion or adornment. I truly just want plain, strong leather and a good buckle. I'd like to see this purchase last a good ten years at least.

Thanks for any recommendations!

As someone who needed a large belt for a costume, I can tell you that your odds of finding such a belt (60", sturdy leather) in a thrift shop or store are very low.  At least that was my experience.  After about 7 months of looking I made my own.  Its not hard.  They make belt blanks up to 72" I believe.  All you'd need to do is cut a slot at one end, then use an awl to punch stitch holes, then sew it up.  Holes on the other end for the buckle to fit into.  I'm simplifying here but the point is its not hard to make a belt and you'll get a much better one. For bonus points get some Fiebings leather dye in your favorite color.

Rob Lineberger wrote:As someone who needed a large belt for a costume, I can tell you that your odds of finding such a belt (60", sturdy leather) in a thrift shop or store are very low.  At least that was my experience.  After about 7 months of looking I made my own.  Its not hard.  They make belt blanks up to 72" I believe.  All you'd need to do is cut a slot at one end, then use an awl to punch stitch holes, then sew it up.  Holes on the other end for the buckle to fit into.  I'm simplifying here but the point is its not hard to make a belt and you'll get a much better one. For bonus points get some Fiebings leather dye in your favorite color.

Belt blanks definitely work but usually come in medium or light weights and might not hold a machete well without stretching.  14oz or higher would be a good weight for a machete or any holster.  I am a belt maker if you have any questions.

I wore a Klein Tools work belt for years, recently I went to Tractor Supply and bought a saddle leather strap from the tack shelf for cheap it was LONG about 5-6 feet! I had to cut it down some. I punched it and notched it to fit the buckle from my Klein Belt, and I stitched it on with some nice cotton string.

If you don't want to make your own belt I would go look at the farm stores for Men's belts, (a lot of us are very large) you may find something that fits well and is real leather, the other place to look is hardware stores for the leather electricians belts (that is what my Klein belt was).

My bias is for a real leather belt.  I suggest a country western store or Lehman’s.   I have had too many low quality belts fall apart.

John F Dean wrote:My bias is for a real leather belt.  I suggest a country western store or Lehman’s.   I have had too many low quality belts fall apart.

those Lehman's belts don't look good for carrying a sheath or for a bigger person they are only 1/8" thick.  That will stretch out in no time.  1/4" thick American leather would be a better choice. 14-15oz is a good weight for carrying holsters and sheaths.  If someone doesn't want to make their own everyone has a saddle shop in their state.  Every saddle maker has thick leather that would work for this.

Right, make sure it's full grain leather. The bigger you are, the more a crappy belt will wear on your waist/hips. I second the local western store as a good place to look.

Hi Bill

I haven’t checked the Lehman web site. In their store there is a wide assortment of work belts.  

John F Dean wrote:Hi Bill

I haven’t checked the Lehman web site. In their store there is a wide assortment of work belts.  

Gotcha, I just looked on the site.  I keep meaning to visit there, it is only a couple hours away.  If it is 1/4" thick without stitching (a single layer of leather) then it would work well for the described task.

Faren Leader wrote:Hi Permies!! I am a plus sized permie gal. I've never really been a belt-wearing person, and when I go out into the woods I tend to just hook my multitool, folding knife, etc into a pocket. However, I have just purchased a machete and want to invest in a leather belt so I can carry the sheath (and machete) on the belt when I go out into the woods. Problem is, my hips are BIG. The circumference where I'd want to wear the belt on my body is like 55". So I'm guessing that means I need a belt that's at least 58-60". Where might one find such a thing? I don't care about fashion or adornment. I truly just want plain, strong leather and a good buckle. I'd like to see this purchase last a good ten years at least.

Thanks for any recommendations!

Hanks Belts. Get a gun belt and they are awesome!

I second the gun belt suggestion. I have one for my daily belt and it feels like it will last forever.