Nelson Black

The short answer: wipe a leather belt with a damp cloth, condition it every few months so it does not dry out or crack, and store it hanging or loosely rolled. Brush suede belts dry and protect them with a suede spray. Never soak a belt, put it near a radiator, or fold it tightly.

How to clean a leather belt

1. Take the belt off and wipe away dust with a soft, dry cloth.
2. Wipe the leather with a cloth dampened in lukewarm water. For dirt and sweat marks, use a small amount of leather cleaner or saddle soap, then wipe it off.
3. Let the belt dry naturally, laid flat, away from radiators and direct sunlight.
4. Once dry, apply a thin layer of leather conditioner or cream polish, leave it for 10 minutes and buff with a soft cloth.

How to condition a leather belt

Leather dries out with wear and body heat, and dry leather cracks along the holes and where the belt bends. Condition a belt you wear every day every two to three months, using a leather conditioner or a neutral or matching cream polish. Work it in with a soft cloth, paying attention to the area around the holes and the buckle fold.

How to care for a suede belt

• Brush it regularly with a suede brush, in one direction, to lift dirt and restore the nap.
• Remove marks with a suede eraser. Do not rub water into suede.
• Treat new suede with a suede protector spray, and repeat every few weeks if you wear it often.
• Never use cream or wax polish on suede.

Our Kenneth suede belts are a good example: brush them after wearing and protect them before the first wear.

How to care for braided and reversible belts

• Braided leather belts, such as the Milo: wipe with a barely damp cloth and condition lightly; do not soak, as water collects in the weave.
• Reversible belts, such as the Jim: clean and condition both sides, and turn the buckle carefully so the leather is not forced.

How to store a belt

• Hang belts by the buckle, or roll them loosely and store them in a drawer.
• Avoid folding a belt tightly or leaving it bent in trouser loops for long periods.
• Keep belts away from direct sunlight and heat, which fade and dry the leather.
• Rotate belts if you wear one every day, so each has time to rest.

What to do if a belt gets wet

Blot it with a dry towel, then lay it flat to dry naturally at room temperature. Do not use a hairdryer or radiator. When it is dry, condition smooth leather to put back the oils the water has drawn out, and brush suede to lift the nap.

How to look after the buckle

Wipe metal buckles with a soft, dry cloth after wearing. Keep leather conditioner and polish off the buckle, and dry it straight away if it gets wet.

Choosing and fitting your belt

A belt that fits well wears evenly and lasts longer. See our belt size chart to choose the right size, our belt materials guide for leather, suede and braided options, and how to match your belt and shoes. Shop our leather belts.

Frequently asked questions

How do you clean a leather belt?

Wipe it with a cloth dampened in lukewarm water, use a little leather cleaner or saddle soap for marks, let it dry naturally, then condition it.

How often should you condition a leather belt?

Every two to three months for a belt you wear every day, or whenever the leather looks dry.

How do you clean a suede belt?

Brush it with a suede brush, remove marks with a suede eraser, and protect it with a suede spray. Do not use water or polish.

How should you store belts?

Hang them by the buckle or roll them loosely. Avoid tight folds, heat and direct sunlight.

Can you get a leather belt wet?

Light rain will not harm it, but do not soak it. Blot it dry, let it dry naturally, then condition it.