Care guide for the Woven Belt

It goes without saying, the best way to make your Woven Belt last for years is to treat it well and not crack it like a whip, however good that sounds.

We suggest not wearing it every single day. Like your leather shoes or boots, it’ll live much longer if you give it a breather now and again and spread the strain with another trouser-keeper-upper of your choice.

No need to punch above your weight, this should be a hole in one. You’re spoilt for choice with the Woven Belt with its endless adjustability. But let’s be reasonable, no need to squeeze the life out of your good self, you’ll only go and damage the buckle and the woven leather over time.

No need to pull on the buckle unnecessarily or to remove it like a young Jedi giving it some with his lightsaber. Just gently slide it through the loops, nice and easy now. It might be made with some hard arse brass but the stitching around it might object to your wild ways.

When it’s time for it to take a rest, a little care is still in order. 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. There are special hangers out there too if your ties are looking for company.

Leather is a natural material, especially as the Woven Belt was naturally tanned. In practice, this means it will, like you, evolve over time in relation to its environment. Luckily your belt is made to age gracefully and even more so with the right care. Let’s start with what not to do.

• Avoid letting it bask in the sun (or the moon for that matter). Just like our skin, leather doesn’t like too much sun and sunscreen won’t help on this occasion.

• Stay away from heat sources. 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 water, even before midnight. Water can mark the leather and cause it to lose its nice hue over time. Friendly tip, we strongly recommend waterproofing your belt on a reasonably regular basis. The vegetable tanning looks great and is very sustainable but it also makes it more susceptible to marking.

If you follow a few ground rules, your Woven Belt will last for a very very long time. It might even be the first accessory to be worn on Mars. Regular care and maintenance are required though but it’s basic stuff really.

• Clean it from time to time using a damp cloth to rub off any dirt. Once the belt is completely dry you can feed it with a dab of wax (beeswax is good), just gently rub it in.

• Leather will bear the mark of every offender. Alcohol-free hydrating cream will take care of a minor scratch. Just rub it in using a clean, soft microfiber cloth.

• All this should be more than enough to keep your Woven Belt looking at its best for many years to come. However for the stakhanovites out there, there are loads more tips ranging from natural soap, olive oil and creamy makeup remover to white vinegar, white clay stones or even 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.

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, however minor –positive or negative – by getting in touch: help@asphalte-paris.com.

Thanks again.

The Asphalte Team