The Three Categories of Belts We Make at Pegai — And Which One Is Right for You

Written by: Tanner Leatherstein

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Time to read: 6 min

Leather expert Tanner Leatherstein dissects and reviews the Gucci Marmont wallet, showcasing close-up details of its craftsmanship, leather quality, and design flaws.

Since the very beginning of Pegai, belts have been at the heart of what I do. Long before expanding into other leather goods, I focused on understanding what makes a belt not just functional, but meaningful, durable, and enjoyable to wear. Over the years, this journey naturally evolved into three distinct categories of belts. Each category reflects a different philosophy, purpose, and type of wearer.


In this guide, I’ll walk you through these three categories in detail—from our signature leather buckle belts, to our practical reversible belts, and finally to our more expressive fashion belts. Each serves a different role, and understanding their differences will help you choose the one that fits your lifestyle best.

In this blog, we will answer the following questions:


  • What are the three types of belts Pegai makes, and how does each serve a different purpose?

  • How do craftsmanship, materials, and construction differ between leather buckle, reversible, and fashion belts?

  • Which Pegai belt category best fits your lifestyle, priorities, and personal style?

The Leather Buckle Belt: Our Signature and Most Unique Creation


The leather buckle belt holds a special place in Pegai’s story because it was the very first belt I ever designed and produced. It represents the purest expression of our craftsmanship philosophy—using leather not just as a strap material, but as a complete structural element.


What makes this belt truly unique is its full leather buckle. Unlike traditional belts that rely on metal buckles, this design uses leather to form the buckle itself. For many people, this is the first time they’ve ever seen such a construction. It challenges the assumption that buckles must be metal and showcases how versatile leather can be when properly engineered.


The belt is constructed using two layers. The top layer is Crazy Horse leather, known for its durability, rich character, and ability to develop a beautiful patina over time. Crazy Horse leather is particularly loved for how it ages—it records your journey, scratches, and movement, becoming more personal with every wear.


The bottom layer is a split suede with a refined finish. This layer provides structural support while also ensuring comfort and grip. The combination of these two layers creates a belt that is both durable and comfortable, while maintaining a soft, natural feel.


This belt has remained one of our best sellers for eight to nine years, not because of trends, but because of its uniqueness and authenticity. It appeals to people who appreciate craftsmanship, minimalism, and innovation in leather design.


This is not just a belt—it’s a conversation piece and a symbol of leather craftsmanship.


The Italian Vegetable-Tanned Reversible Belt: Practicality Meets Longevity


The second category focuses on versatility and practicality. Our reversible belts are designed for people who value efficiency and adaptability in their wardrobe.


These belts are made using Italian vegetable-tanned leather on both sides. Vegetable tanning is one of the oldest and most respected leather tanning methods. It uses natural tannins derived from plants, resulting in leather that ages beautifully, develops character, and lasts for many years.


What makes these belts special is the reversible construction. Each belt features two different colors—most commonly dark brown on one side and black on the other. This allows you to switch between colors depending on your outfit, effectively giving you two belts in one.


This functionality is made possible by a reversible buckle mechanism. With a simple twist, you can change which side faces outward. This makes the belt ideal for travel, work, and everyday wear, where flexibility matters.

We offer these belts in both stitched and non-stitched versions. The stitched version provides a more traditional, structured look, while the non-stitched version offers a cleaner, more minimal aesthetic.


They also come in two widths:

  • 35 mm width, which works well for jeans, casual wear, and heavier trousers

  • 30 mm width, which is more suitable for dress pants and formal outfits

These belts are perfect for individuals who want reliability, longevity, and versatility without needing multiple belts.

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I made these three belts for three very different people. To celebrate, I added a limited free gift on TikTok Shop. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. #HandmadeBelt #LeatherGoods #MensAccessories #MadeToLast #LeatherBelt #AtelierPEGAI #PEGAI #TannerLeatherstein

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The Fashion Belt Collection: Expression, Variety, and Style

The third category is what I call our fashion belts. These belts are designed with creativity, expression, and styling in mind. While the first two categories focus more on craftsmanship purity and versatility, fashion belts allow for more experimentation with textures, colors, and forms.


This category includes a wide range of designs and constructions.


Some belts feature seamless folded edges using pebbled leather. This construction creates a clean, elegant look while maintaining softness and flexibility. Pebbled leather also adds visual texture and resists scratches better than smooth leather.


We also offer classical pin buckle belts designed for dress occasions. These belts focus on timeless elegance and simplicity, making them ideal for formal wear, professional settings, and occasions that require refinement.


The women’s category introduces even more expressive designs. These include loop-around belts, suede belts with leather-covered buckles, and narrower belts in vibrant colors. Narrow belts can add subtle accents to outfits without overwhelming them, while brighter colors allow for bold styling choices.


Some designs include decorative elements like tassels or more complex constructions that serve primarily as styling pieces rather than purely functional ones. These belts are designed to enhance outfits, define silhouettes, and add personality.


Fashion belts are less about minimalism and more about expression. They allow the wearer to experiment, complement specific outfits, and use leather as a stylistic element.

How to Choose the Right Belt for You

Choosing the right belt depends on your priorities and lifestyle.


If you value craftsmanship, uniqueness, and a minimalist philosophy, the leather buckle belt is the best choice. It represents originality and a deeper appreciation for leather as a material.


If you prioritize practicality, efficiency, and versatility, the reversible vegetable-tanned belt is the most logical option. It gives you flexibility while maintaining high-quality materials and construction.


If your focus is on styling, expression, and variety, the fashion belt category offers the most options. These belts allow you to match specific outfits and explore different looks.

Each category serves a different purpose, and none is inherently better than the others. The right choice depends entirely on how you intend to use the belt.

A Reflection of Our Philosophy

These three categories represent the evolution of Pegai. They reflect our commitment to craftsmanship, practicality, and design exploration.


From the innovative leather buckle belt that started it all, to the practical reversible belts made from Italian vegetable-tanned leather, to the expressive fashion belts designed for styling—each category tells a part of our story.


Belts may seem like simple objects, but when made with intention, they become long-term companions. They age with you, adapt to your lifestyle, and quietly serve you every day.


And that’s what we strive to create at Pegai—belts that are not just worn, but lived in.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Whether it's about leather crafting, brand reviews, or the business side of PEGAI, Tanner is happy to share his insights and expertise.

About Tanner

Tanner Leatherstein poses for the camera.

Tanner Leatherstein

Known as the "butcher of leather bags," Tanner has amassed over 2 million followers and 301 million views, with features in outlets like The New York Times and Financial Times. PEGAI, Tanner's brand, embodies his passion for crafting premium leather goods with unmatched authenticity and precision.

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