RCS Collection – Emblematic Belts

I collect emblematic belts. I currently have 34 (pictured above) along with a few others (surcingles) in the closet. The majority of my collection has come from vacations, out-of-town travel, events, and golf courses, with the others coming from second hand stores, gifts, Ebay, or from local retail stores. I’ve always liked wearing them – they add a little character. I’m starting to see these out and about more often – which I think is a good thing. I’ve got a few more on ‘the list’, and I’m sure they’ll come in time…

Emblematic Belt Suppliers:
1. Leather Man LTD – the Mothership
2. Zep Pro – you can’t buy direct, but you can find them here and here
3. Guy Harvey belts – his name should speak for itself
4. Stafford’s – for a more hunting/outdoors theme
5. Traditional State – ‘choice’ state flag belts
6. Sporty Dog – quite a few college belts
6. Vineyard Vines – very sturdy, and have a ‘cartoon’ undertone. They have also started carrying a few needlepoint selections.
Needlepoint belts would be the obvious ‘upgrade’, but I’ve never been able to pull the trigger – mainly because they cost quite a bit more than the emblematics. If I were to pull the trigger – these are the ones I’d get:
1. Bluefish & Striper by Smathers & Branson
2. Georgia Bulldogs (Red) by Smathers & Branson
3. Sea Island (Green) by Smathers & Branson
4. Honorable mention: Lobsters by Tucker Blair (not pictured)

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11 Comments

  1. L.A.S
    11/06/2009 / 2:28 AM

    Your collection is awesome. These were huge when I was in college and I have a few in the back of my closet. Guy Harvey is my go to. Great stuff!

  2. The Enthusiast
    11/06/2009 / 2:33 AM

    This is AMAZING. I own one that I picked up in a Florida. Can you shorten the belt without taking it to a tailor? It would save me my lunch money.

  3. Skip Brooks
    11/06/2009 / 2:41 AM

    That's some collection! I have one with Martha's Vineyard on it but I never thought about collecting them like post cards.

  4. trip
    11/06/2009 / 4:19 AM

    Man, you're making me jealous. I love the Hampden Sydney one. A couple of guys I know in Birmingham had them (because they went to Sydney) and it was enough to make me wish I went there just so I could wear the belt. The East Lake one is pretty sweet too, and I'm jealous that you got a Luden's one before they closed up shop.

  5. JRS
    11/06/2009 / 10:47 AM

    L.A.S – thanks…Guy Harvey does good work.

    Enthusiast – I have shortened a few – don't mess with the tabs, I just cut them where the belt is solid and re-sew it with the same color thread as the ribbon. I'll sacrafice that 'repair-look' as opposed to the cost to get it professionally shortened.

    Skip – my wife and I are talking about visiting MV – I've got my eye on this one (http://www.theblackdog.com/product.php?productid=16493&cat=290&page=1) and this one (http://nantucketreds.com/mens/access/ackbelts.html).

    Trip – I like the HS one as well. My brother–in-law plays lacrosse up there and sent it to me.

  6. Tucker
    11/06/2009 / 1:29 PM

    Wow.

  7. DAM
    11/06/2009 / 3:45 PM

    That's ridiculous. Well Done. Have you seen the belt of the month club from Leatherman?

    Additionally, Perlis has one when you make it to NOLA. Pick it up then.

  8. Dana
    12/03/2009 / 10:56 PM

    Hey – Leatherman also has Needlepoint belts under their Austin Jeffers line – they are slightly less expensive than the Smathers & Bransons!

  9. Let The Tide Pull Your Dreams Ashore
    01/06/2010 / 7:23 PM

    What an amazing collection! Your blog is great…I am going to post the link.

  10. Main Line Sportsman
    01/11/2010 / 4:22 AM

    My Wife gave me an emboidered/needlepoint belt for Christmas that is "customized." It has the crest of my Alma Mater( Lehigh) the crest of my gun and raquet Clubs, hunting dogs, canoe, lacrosse sticks,shotguns etc. I really treasure it and it draws many favorable comments. Your collection is intimidating and impressive!

  11. Ryan Waldron
    08/22/2010 / 6:43 PM

    I believe that the crawfish belt is made exclusively for Perlis ( http://www.perlis.com/ ). You could probably get it there. Also, maybe Cecile could sell you one. Her email address is [Cecile at nolacouture dot com]

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