Weight loss/gain and belts

[ProfessorShak]

Over the past 2 years I've had an interesting change in weight. Pant's can be taken in and out but belts, especially the expensive ones are tricky. I was a 34 when I got married, gained 20lbs and needed a 36. I've been dieting for a few months and have lost 10lbs, which now makes my 36 a bit loose

The most I've spent on a belt was $60 w/ 7 holes. but most of my belts have 5 holes.

My concern is: Shoe sizes don't change(not much if they do) so $$ spent is justified. Since the waist is the most likely part to change, how does one go about buying good quality belts without worrying about the need to throw/give them away if you lose/gain weight?
The guildline is to fill the middle or 3rd hold but that no longer works in my case as I'm taking the 4th hole. Are belts somewhat fexible when It comes to filling holes?

Some advice please

 

[samurai]

Don't worry about it. If you need an extra hole have the shoemaker do it or get a leather punch. If you do it yourself just be sure the punch is positioned exactly in the middle and the right distance from the last hole.

If you need to get rid of the bend in the leather from where you used to fasten it do the following - Slightly dampen the bent leather, sandwich it between 2 pieces of stiff cardboard wood or metal (2 rulers would work and clamp them with the clamp right over the bend. Leave for 5-6 hours an yr. belt will be flat again.

 

[Metlin]

^^^ +1

Going to a professional is usually helpful, since they can do a good job where nothing will look amiss.

That said, the way I see it, if I am getting in shape, buying new clothes is a pleasure -- something I look forward to.

The past few months, I've been working out and my shoulders have broadened, and my bis, tris and arms have become bigger. End result? Some of my favorite shirts and suits need to be altered, while others don't fit well despite alterations.

While it's unfortunate, I am rather happy about the fact that I'm getting in great shape. Clothes may come and clothes may go, but my health goes on forever. Well, at least until I fall down dead. Cheers.

 

[Nicola]

Shortening belts is often pretty easy. Remove buckle. Cut some off th end reattach the buckle.

 

[mt_spiffy]

My cobbler punched extra holes in a belt for me, and charged me nothing.

 

[BPT]

I personally find that punching holes ruins the belt's aesthetics. Just take it to your cobbler to have it shortened. He will cut the buckle off, shorten the leather and then stitch the buckle back on. It won't cost you more than a few euro's/dollars and it looks much better.

 

[mt_spiffy]

Then, if you ever gain weight again, it's no good.

 

[Timeless Fashion]

You can buy new belts and keep the old ones in case you gain weight again. Or if you want to keep your belts, punching new holes would be the simpler move without shortening the belt.