This video will show you a step-by-step guide on how to alter the length of your leather belt yourself.
I’ll be introducing to you 2 methods of alteration suitable for belts with removable buckles. The first method can be used if you have an existing belt that fits you, while the second method can be used if you need to get a new fitting for your belt.
Here’s what you need for Method One: Your existing belt, your new belt, a removable buckle, and a pair of pruning shears or a pair of sharp kitchen scissors. For ease of illustration, we will use a brown belt to represent your existing belt, and a black belt to represent your new unaltered belt.
Lay your new belt flat on the floor, alongside your existing belt. Decide which buckle hole you will be using for your new belt, and match your preferred hole to the one you are currently using for your existing belt. In this example, my preferred buckle hole for my new belt is the middle one, while the hole I’m using for my existing belt, is the second one. Ensure that the length from your buckle hole to the end of the belt is the same for both belts, and use your fingernails to create a marking on your new belt to indicate the cutting point. Just to be safe, you can add 1cm to the cutting point before cutting.
Try on the belt with your buckle. If you feel that it’s too loose, you can always remove the buckle and trim away the additional 1cm. An ideal length will be when the prong fits the third or middle hole of the belt, so that there is some leeway for weight gain and loss.
For Method Two, you’ll need to put on your business shirt and pants to get a good fit for your new belt. Slot your leather belt through the belt slots of your pants. Fix the buckle on the preferred buckle hole on your belt. Adjust your belt such that it fits snugly on your waist. Bring the end of the belt to be cut close to the buckle. Use your fingernails to create a marking on your belt to indicate the cutting point. Do note that the cutting point should not be at the tip of the buckle. Rather, it should be somewhere towards the end of the belt slot. Again, to be safe, add 1cm to the cutting point before cutting.
Try on the belt with your buckle. If you feel that it’s too loose, you can always remove the buckle and trim away the additional 1cm. Please note that there might be minor differences in fitting when you use the same leather belt for different designs of removable buckles. Ideally, each removable buckle should have a leather belt that is fit for it.
