Solutions that can be shortened are not always the best: discover fixed systems

If you are a designer struggling with your collection of belts or a buyer who needs to add a new line, you are in the right place.

In the previous article we saw the difference between adjustable measurement systems and fixed systems and what different types of adjustable systems I can offer you to develop your collection.

If your belts are intended for super-assisted stores, I recommend that you return to the previous article; it makes more sense to develop belts in a few sizes that can be conveniently shortened, with screw systems or with integrated clips, by a salesperson at the time of purchase. Fixed sizes would result in unnecessary hassle for your warehouse.

If, on the other hand, your collection is intended for shops with few sales assistants or the opposite of being sold on online platforms or in luxury stores, I recommend that you choose a fixed system; yes, you have to have more sizes and a greater chance to have stock in the warehouse, but it's a risk you have to take.

You cannot choose a system that can be shortened and expect that the customer after purchase must take the belt to a shoemaker to have it shortened (do they still exist?) or that, worse, ask the few clerks in your store to do so; your customer could in fact run into two unpleasant situations:

1. The salesman simply tell him no

2. The clerk tries, but with results that are not equipped to handle the situation: as in all things, if you don't practice it is difficult to be perfect

You would then have a dissatisfied customer and an unhappy customer is the worst thing that can happen to you.

Why take this risk?

Trust me: in these cases I recommend that you choose a fixed system.

I'm talking about “a” fixed system and not “the” fixed system because even in this case, as in systems that can be shortened, we have more than one possibility.

If you prefer to listen to my sweet and sweet voice you can also watch the video released as every week on my Youtube channel.

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If you have decided to continue despite the strong challenge that I have launched, thank you, it means that my voice really makes you shit.

Joking apart here are the main fixed systems that I can offer you:

1. Stitched buckle

The most basic solution is to sew the buckle: it is the method most used by most brands and gives the belt a very clean, aesthetic and functional touch. It can be used both in the case of leather belts or other synthetic materials and in elastic belts.

2. Hand-made string

If you want to give the belt a clean look, but with a handcrafted touch, I recommend hand-made string; you can decide to use the thread in a particular colour, taking up the identity of your brand, or to use a more or less thick thread. It always depends on the DNA of your brand.

3. Rivets

If classic style is as beautiful as Ribery to you, rivets are the right choice for you. They are a very visible metal accessory that gives the belt a gritty and sporty look.

4. Buttons

Similar to rivets in form but not in functionality, buttons are widely used by all those brands that focus on the buckle as a differentiating effect; in fact the buttons allow the belt to open in the initial part and to easily replace the buckle. In the Nordic countries, especially in Germany, it is one of the most used models.

5. Hidden buttons

If the focus of your brand is always to be able to easily change the buckle, but you don't want to have metalware at sight because your brand is very clean, I will recommend hidden buttons. In this case, they are in fact hidden under the surface layer of leather and are visible inside, where the lining is.

You can still easily change the buckle but keep a cleaner look and the workmanship gives the belt a handcrafted and precious touch that makes your customer perceive the belt of greater value.

These are all the fixed systems that I have developed and recommended to my customers over time, based on their identity.

Obviously, choosing one system rather than another cannot be done on the spot: you must clearly have in mind who your customer is, who will wear the belt, where it will be sold and what its price range will be. You must also be able to count on a serious and reliable partner who also knows how to grasp the ideas you give him between the lines and can best interpret your brand, starting from this small but fundamental decision.

In more than thirty years I have been able to help many designers and even more buyers in making this decision and know that it was not easy at all: there are many factors at play and even more uncertainties that may come to your mind, but we have always managed to find the right solution for everyone.

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

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