There’s nothing worse than ordering a beautiful handmade leather belt online, waiting for it to arrive, and then realising it doesn’t fit properly. Too tight and you’re uncomfortable all day. Too loose and you’re constantly hitching up your pants. Neither is a good look.

The good news? Getting the perfect belt size is actually pretty simple once you know how. And because every CG Creations belt is made to order right here in Wagga Wagga, we can get your size spot on, no guesswork required.

Let me walk you through exactly how to measure for your new full grain leather belt so it fits like a dream from day one.

Why Belt Sizing Matters (Especially for Handmade Belts)

When you buy a mass-produced belt from a department store, you’re usually stuck with standard sizes that might sort of fit. You punch extra holes, deal with too much tail flopping around, or settle for “close enough.”

But when you’re investing in a quality handmade leather belt, one that’s going to last you decades, you deserve better than “close enough.”

A properly sized belt:

• Sits comfortably at your natural waist or hips
• Fastens at the middle hole (giving you room to adjust either way)
• Has a tail that tucks neatly without excess bulk
• Looks clean and intentional, not makeshift

Because each CG Creations belt is cut and finished by hand, we can make yours to your exact measurements. No compromise needed.

The CG Creations Measuring Method

Forget about measuring your waist with a tape measure, that method leaves too much room for error. The most accurate way to get your belt size is to measure a belt you already own and love the fit of.

Here’s exactly how to do it:

Step 1: Grab Your Favourite Belt

Find a belt that fits you well. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just one that you wear regularly and feels comfortable. This is important because your “favourite hole” tells us exactly where you like your belt to sit.

Step 2: Lay It Flat

Lay the belt out straight on a flat surface. Make sure there are no twists or kinks in the leather.

Step 3: Measure from Buckle End to Your Most-Used Hole

Here’s the key bit: measure from the end of the leather where the buckle attaches to the hole you use most often.

Not the first hole. Not the last hole. The one with the most wear, you’ll be able to spot it easily because it’ll look a bit stretched or have some character to it.

That measurement in centimetres or inches? That’s your belt size.

Why We Measure This Way

Some guides will tell you to measure from the buckle prong or from the fold. But measuring from where the leather actually starts (at the buckle end) to your most-worn hole gives us the most accurate picture of how the belt will fit when you’re wearing it.

It accounts for your buckle, your body, and your personal preference all in one simple measurement.

If you have a non-standard buckle such as a trophy-style buckle, please contact us as the measuring process is slightly different, and we will need a few extra measurements.

What If You Don’t Have a Belt to Measure?

No worries, we’ve got you covered.

If you don’t have an existing belt to measure, you can use a piece of string or a soft tape measure:

1. Thread the string through the belt loops of your favourite pants (the ones you’ll wear the belt with most)
2. Pull it to your comfortable tightness, not sucking-it-in tight, just normal comfortable
3. Mark or pinch where it overlaps
4. Lay the string flat and measure that length

Add about 5-7cm (2-3 inches) to that measurement to allow for the tail that goes through the loops after the buckle. That’s your belt size.

Pro tip: If you’re between sizes or unsure, it’s always better to go slightly longer. You can always use a hole closer to the buckle, but you can’t add leather that isn’t there.

Want a Longer Tail? Just Let Us Know

Everyone’s got their own preference when it comes to belt tail length. Some folks like a short, neat tail that just tucks into the first loop. Others prefer a longer tail for a more relaxed look.

If you’d like a longer tail after the last hole, simply pop that in the order notes when you check out.

Just write something like “Please add an extra 5cm to the tail” or “I prefer a longer tail, please add 3 inches.” Easy as that.

Because every handmade leather belt we make is cut individually, accommodating your preference is no drama at all. It’s one of the perks of buying handmade rather than off-the-rack.

What Makes a CG Creations Belt Worth Measuring For?

You might be wondering why you’d go to the trouble of measuring when you could just grab something quick from the shops. Fair question. Here’s the difference:

Full Grain Leather That Ages Beautifully

Every belt we make uses full grain leather, the strongest, most durable part of the hide. Unlike bonded leather or “genuine leather” (which is often the weakest grade), full grain develops a rich patina over time. It gets better with age, moulding to your body and telling your story.

A quality full grain leather belt isn’t just an accessory. It’s a piece of gear that’ll be with you for decades if you treat it right.

Solid Brass Buckles Built to Last

We don’t mess around with cheap hardware. Our solid brass buckle belts use buckles that won’t rust, corrode, or fall apart after a few years. Solid brass develops its own patina over time, complementing the leather beautifully.

No plastic. No plated mystery metal. Just honest materials that do the job properly.

Handmade in Wagga Wagga

Every belt is cut, punched, edged, and finished by hand in our workshop. There’s no factory line, no overseas shipping container. Just quality craftsmanship from regional NSW.

When you order a belt from CG Creations, you’re getting something made specifically for you: not pulled from a pile of identical products.

Common Belt Sizing Questions

Q: What if I wear my belt at different tightnesses?
Measure to the hole you use most often. Our belts come with multiple holes, so you’ll have room to go tighter or looser depending on the day.

Q: Should I measure in centimetres or inches?
Either works: just let us know which you’ve used when you order. We’re fluent in both.

Q: What if I measure wrong?
Get in touch before we start making your belt and we can double-check your measurements together. We’d rather take an extra minute to confirm than have you end up with a belt that doesn’t fit. You can reach us through our contact page.

Q: Can you make belts for larger sizes?
Absolutely. Because we make everything to order, we can accommodate sizes that mainstream retailers often don’t stock. Just measure up using the method above and we’ll sort you out.

Ready to Order Your Perfect-Fit Belt?

Now you know exactly how to measure, there’s nothing stopping you from getting a handmade leather belt that actually fits properly.

Head over to our leather belts collection to browse the range. When you check out, pop your measurement in the sizing field: and don’t forget to add any notes about tail length if you’ve got a preference.

Got questions? Not sure about your measurement? Drop us a line and we’ll help you get it sorted. We’d much rather spend a few minutes chatting through sizes than have you end up with something that doesn’t work for you.

Here’s to a belt that fits perfectly, lasts for years, and looks better every time you wear it.