FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions for Custom Life Belts
Timing

How long does it take?

Custom Life Belts typically take up to 12 weeks for delivery. After you design your belt and order your belt one of our artisans in Vietnam will hand-stitch this belt just for you! Because they’re handmade, delivery times can vary, but we suggest you allow the full timeline.

Can I expedite my order?

Unfortunately, no. Each of our items is carefully hand-stitched, and we always do our best to have custom items made as quickly as possible.

But I need a gift soon!

Once you complete your order, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to the design. We recommend printing the image of the belt from that link to present as the gift. That way the recipient can get excited about what’s on the way!

Pricing

How much do Life Belts cost?

The price for a Life Belt using this tool starts at $275. All Premium logos (i.e. college logos, pro sports teams) cost $30 per logo, because of our licensing agreements with each institution.By email - info@smathersandbranson.com

Design

Why Classic Navy?

Classic Navy is our most popular background color. It provides a great base for the multiple colors used in our life belts and is very easy to wear!

All of the belts ordered through our belt builder tool use a Classic Navy background color.

Do you have any design tips?

For custom Life Belts, we typically suggest between 7-12 icons (depending on the size of the belt as well, as bigger belts can fit more images!). We would typically encourage you to err on the side of more images than less - just helps tell a better story! Popular themes include family, pets, hobbies, alma maters, a wedding date, a favorite travel spot, a favorite food/drink, the list goes on and on!

You’re the designer and you’ve got a blank canvas, but we would suggest spacing out images based on color. We would also recommend separating images that are similar in size and shape.

If you choose to place the recipients initials on the belt, we recommend putting them as the last image on the far right hand side. This will place the initials on the right hip of the recipient when worn.

What side of the design will be closest to the buckle and what side will be closest to the holes?

The leather tab with the buckle will be on the left side of the belt. design The leather tab with the holes will be on the right side of the belt design.

Can I see some examples of Life Belts?

What if I want something that isn’t available on your Life Belt Builder?

While this Life Belt Builder has hundreds of great options, if you’re looking to create something different than what we offer here, please reach out to our custom design team for an even more personalized experience. Please note that anything not available on the Life Belt Builder will increase the price (typically by $50) and licensing restrictions may apply.

If you have already had a chance to work on your Life Belt design, click the SAVE/SHARE button in the top right corner of the application and click COPY LINK. Paste this link into your email to custom@smathersandbranson.com so that we can see right where you left off!

Alternatively, you can create the base of your design using this tool and click SAVE FOR LATER (instead of ADD TO CART). You will then be emailed a copy of your draft design and you can reply to the draft submission email to let our custom design team know what you are looking to customize.

In your email, please list the changes/additions you would like to make and let us know what each image represents. We can work from any JPEG or PDF, if you have files to attach.

Sizing

How does sizing work?

Please note that the belt size will not be the same as the individual’s pant size.

To find the most accurate S&B belt size, please use the measuring instructions below.

Please do not go off of other company’s belt sizes as they often measure their belts differently.

Measuring Instructions

Get Your S&B Belt Size

We understand that sizing can be tricky! This guide is designed to help you pick the correct Smathers & Branson belt size. Please do not refer to other brands' belt sizing as their guidelines may differ from ours.

Most men will find their belt size is 2-3 inches larger than their pant size, though some may need to go up an additional size. Pant size can vary between brands, so for the most accurate fit, we recommend measuring using the options below.

Option 1: Measuring Your Belt Size with a Tape Measure

 

- Wear the pants the belt will be worn with, and measure through the belt loops.

 

- Pull the tape taut, like a belt. 

 

- Round to the nearest inch: ex. 35’’-35.5’’ = 35" and 35.6"-36’’ = 36". 

   This number will be the ideal S&B belt size.

 

- If in between belt sizes, round up—our belts fit better when slightly larger.

 

- Works for both men and women.

Option 2: Measuring Your Belt Size with an Existing Belt

- Use a belt with a prong style belt buckle.

 

- Measure from the start of the leather to the most worn hole (use the larger hole if multiple are worn).   

Follow the curve of the belt.

 

- If the buckle is longer than 1.5", add 1/2" to the measurement.

  No adjustment is needed for buckles 1.5" or less.

 

- Round up to the nearest inch: ex. 35.1’’-36’’ = 36"

  This number will be the ideal S&B belt size.

 

- If in between belt sizes, round up—our belts fit better when slightly larger.

 

- Works for both men and women. 

General Information

A size 36 Smathers & Branson belt will measure 36 inches from where the leather starts to the center hole. Please note there may be some slight discrepancies in length due to the handmade nature of our belts.

Our belts have 5 holes,  each 0.75’’ apart with a 2.75’’ leather tail between the last hole and end of the leather tab. This relatively short tail ensures that there is very little overlap with the needlepoint portion of the belt. The buckle is 1.5’’ long

 

Over time leather belts can stretch. A new belt may wear more snuggly than a belt that has been repeatedly worn.

Order and Delivery

How can I check the status of my belt?

The best way to keep a pulse on your belt is to note the order date and mark 12 weeks from that date on your calendar. The belt will be shipped by that date, if not sooner. Always feel free to check in with us at info@smathersandbranson.com for an update!

Will I be alerted when my belt is ready?

Yes! You’ll receive a tracking notification to your email once the belt is completed and has been shipped from our warehouse in Rockville, MD.

Are these belts eligible for return or exchange?

No, Life Belts are not eligible to be returned or exchanged.