If you’ve ever owned a belt that started cracking, peeling or flaking, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common frustrations people have when buying leather goods.
In this guide, we’ll break down the real reasons belts deteriorate, and what you can do to avoid wasting money on low-quality materials.
Is Cracking Normal for Leather Belts?
Short answer: It depends.
In our eyes, a genuine leather belt originates from the lower layers. The lower layers have no grain, therefore a very fine coating, in the order of 1/10th of a millimetre, is applied. This provides the strap with colour and texture. The lower layers are referred to as "splits".
When a belt cracks or peels, it’s usually the coating or surface deteriorating. In the case of Split Cowhide Leathers, it can happen, but under certain conditions:
- Is their stress on the strap - particularly around holes?
- How it is stored - is it rolled up tightly?
- What about conditions - do you live in hot, cold or humid climates?
- How it is used - is it in rotation?
- How is it looked after and maintained?
- Has it been in contact with solvents or chemicals?
But it says "Genuine Leather" it must be better, right?
Sometimes items labelled as "genuine leather" is far from the truth. It's become a bit of a catch all, and unfortunately no one in Australia really regulates it properly. You will sometimes see this label for products constructed from bonded or reconstituted leather fibres. We have also seen it on products constructed from PU and PVC bearing this label.
Should I not buy Splits and only buy Full Grain leather?
It really depends on your use. Whilst splits have a purpose for dressing up: think uniforms, office environments or events and functions, if you are looking for a leather which will wear in before it wears out, a full grain leather product is the way to go. Whilst it will never peel, no matter how poorly you maintain it, it may develop a patina, soften, and age gracefully instead.
Know and understand what you are buying
Part of the issue in our industry is disclosure of compositions. Whilst we offer three different grades of leather in our locally produced ranges (full grain, top grain and split cowhide leathers), we also take time to properly disclose their composition and provide education on each of them so you can make an informed choice.
Many brands and retailers choose not to do this, either because they don't understand leather themselves, they don't know what they are sourcing or they simply put profits before principles.
