The Good Belt Care Guide

You wouldn't be reading this if you didn’t think belts are worth doing right, so here are a few tips to keep yours looking its best.

• It probably goes without saying that the best way to make your Good Belt last for years is to treat it well. Here’s a little check-list to keep you in the loop.
• Give it a rest every now and then

Like any good quality leather shoes or boots, your belt will live much longer if you give it a breather now and again. Spread the strain with another trouser-keeper-upper of your choice.

• No need to punch above your weight

Everyone’s best off being honest with themselves, so if the 4th hole’s the one that feels right, go for it. Don’t cinch your tummy trying to a hit hole in one.

• Don’t pull on the buckle

You might want to avoid whipping your belt off like you’re in a Full Monty tribute act. Just gently slide it through the loops, nice and easy. Even our sturdy stitching has its limits.

• Bed time routine

Roll it up and store it in a small cotton bag or hang it from a hook in your wardrobe. Two very different ways to make sure it stays nice and straight.

Leather is, of course, a natural material. This belt even more than usual, being naturally tanned. In practice, this means it will, like you, evolve over time in relation to its environment. Patinating is what they call it. If you want yours to age gracefully here’s what not to do.

• Avoid letting it bask in the sun

Just like us, leather doesn’t like too much time in the sun. And no, sunscreen’s not an option here.

• Shake off the heat

It’ll keep its shape much better if it’s spared exposure to too much heat so bear that in mind next time you’re toasting marshmallows around the campfire.

• No drinks needed

Water can mark the leather, spoiling that hard-earned patina and and causing it to lose its nice hue over time. So dry’s the way to go.

Friendly tip: we strongly recommend waterproofing your belt on a semi-regular basis. The vegetable tanning process is very sustainable, but it does leave your belt a little more susceptible to marking.

A few ground rules to ensure your Good Belt will go the distance.

• Clean it from time to time using a damp cloth to rub off any dirt. Once the belt is completely dry you can nourish it with a dab of appropriate wax, gently rubbed in. We usually go for beeswax, but take your pick.
• Scratches be gone. Alcohol-free hydrating cream will take care of a minor scratch. Just rub it in using a clean, soft microfibre cloth.

All this should be more than enough to keep your Good Belt looking its best for many years to come. However, for the Stakhanovites out there, there are loads more leather-care tips ranging from olive oil and creamy makeup remover to white vinegar and talcum powder. Whatever you do, do not use any products that contain solvents.

Now you’re a black belt in belt maintenance, we hope you enjoy it for many years to come.

Since 1 January 2024, the New French environmental legislation known as The AGEC Law stipulates transparency from our lot in the fashion industry so that you can make an informed purchase. As you can imagine, this is something that we fully support at Asphalte. So here's some additional information about our Good Belts:

• They’re 100% recyclable after being dismantled, which means that the day their services are no longer required every component can be fully recycled. If you stop wearing them for whatever reason, you might want to consider making someone else happy by passing them on to a friend, family member or donating them to a charity. The best way of reducing an item of clothing’s impact is by keeping it in circulation, and only recycling it when there really is no life or use left in it.
• No microplastics are released during washing. Unlike many garments, our Good Belts which are entirely made out of leather, won’t release any microplastics. Plastic microfibres are tiny particles of plastic that are released when worn or washed and have a negative impact on aquatic and land ecosystems.
• They do not contain any hazardous materials. They’re manufactured in compliance with strict standards aimed at eliminating the use of harmful substances and other chemical nasties.
• They do not contain any recycled materials. We try to incorporate recycled materials whenever we can, unfortunately, it hasn’t been possible to do so with the Good Belt.

That’s it from us.

We'll be back in touch in a couple of weeks to see how you're getting on. If you have any comments in the meantime please do share them. Just give us a shout at: support@asphalte.com

Thanks again.

The Asphalte Team