First steps in creating a collection of belts: fixed or shortenable system?

Several times I have met designers or buyers who had to add belts to their clothing or accessories collections; on the surface it may seem like an easy job, in the end belts are nothing more than a strip of leather with a buckle attached, right?

And it is precisely in seemingly simple things that difficulties are hidden: the slightest errors or the smallest imperfections are immediately noticed and greatly affect the value of the product.

In addition, there are a series of steps to follow that cannot be left to chance.

I told you about it in the video released this Monday, but I think it's better to go into detail.

➡️ WATCH THE VIDEO

So grab a notepad and pen and get ready to take notes 😉

The first and fundamental choice that arises in front of you is the choice between a system that can be shortened or a fixed system. There is no a priori right answer, it depends on several factors: the identity of your brand above avaerything else, but also on the sales system on which you will rely.

But before I talk to you about the different systems you can use when developing a collection of belts with short or fixed sizes, let's define what we are talking about.

A belt with adjustable sizes usually includes a few measures, usually quite long, which are shortened at the time of sale to the customer directly by a salesman with the use of scissors, screwdriver to unscrew the screw and extract the leather appendix and the pliers punching machine to make the new hole. This is the most used method where there is an assisted sale.

The fixed-size system instead provides the creation of a collection of belts in different sizes, from the smallest to the largest, which cannot be shortened. This is the solution that is usually adopted by luxury brands or, on the contrary, by those with no assisted sales.

What types of systems can I offer you if you choose a belt with a shortenable system?

1. Neutral screw

The first system is the one with the cap or neutral screw and the buckle sewn in the traditional way; it is a system that adapts to all styles and is mainly used for basic collections.

2. Made in Italy screw

Compared to the previous system which is neutral, here we highlight the Italian origin of the product and this is an excellent shortening system if one of the characteristics of your brand is made in Italy or craftsmanship.

3. Personalized screw with your brand

The third system is with the screw customized with your brand: with this system you can show the brand logo or the whole brand in full. This is the ideal solution if you want to show off your brand.

4. Hidden screw

In this case we have hidden the metal screw inside the leather appendix, keeping it always visible on the back; for aesthetic reasons we have hidden the metal cap and this makes it a very leather goods detail. It is the right solution if the object of your brand is a certain craftsmanship.

These first four systems can also be enriched by hand stringing, which gives a touch of craftsmanship to your products.

5. Metal clip

The systems that can be shortened do not only include the screw; another alternative is the metal clip which can be of two types: either turnable, double face, or fixed. Clearly, compared to the system with the screw, it has the advantage of being more practical because it reduces the shortening times and makes the operation easier, but on the other hand it has a fairly impressive aesthetic because it has a very important metal in sight.

6. Integrated system of metal clips and leather appendix

The last alternative is an integrated system between metal clip and leather appendix, that is what we call Fast Cut system where in the front we maintain the craftsmanship with the sewn leather appendix, while behind we have the metal clips that we use to make the shortening quick. Where is the advantage? In this case we maintain the craftsmanship of the aesthetics, with greater ease and speed of shortening; it only takes 7 seconds to shorten the belt without effort with this system: you just have to unhook the clip at the back, cut the material very quickly with scissors and reassemble in a few seconds. It is truly a system that we use a lot, because it is both aesthetic and functional for shortening and it is perfect for all brands that want to keep an artisanal touch, making life easier for shop assistants and customers.

These are all the adjustable systems that I have develop and recommend over time to my clients, based on their identity.

If you are creating a new collection of belts and you need to clear your mind, feel free to write me on Whatsapp.

💬 SEND A WHATSAPP MESSAGE TO ME 💬