How do I shorten a belt myself?

Hoe kort ik zelf een riem in?
R. van Leer How-to

Shortening a belt is in many cases a fifteen-minute job. The condition is that your belt is suitable for it. Most resizable belts have a buckle that is attached to the belt with a small screw. By unscrewing it, you can slide the buckle off the belt. Then you cut or saw off the excess leather at the buckle end, and reattach the buckle. It sounds simple, and it is, provided you know what to look out for. In this guide, you will walk through step-by-step how to do it, what tools you need, and what the most common mistakes are.

What do you need?

  • A small flat-head screwdriver (for the screw in the buckle)
  • A sharp knife or utility knife (for leather)
  • A ruler or tape measure
  • A ballpoint pen or chalk (for marking)
  • Optional: a leather hole punch (if you want to make extra holes)

Make sure your knife is sharp. A dull knife will pull the leather crooked and leave a frayed edge.

Step-by-step plan

Step 1: Determine how much you want to shorten it

First, measure where you wear the belt and consult the Belt size chart. The belt size is the total length of the belt in centimeters, measured from the buckle to the middle hole. If you wear size 90, the distance from the buckle to the middle hole should be 90 cm.

Measure your current belt in the same way and calculate the difference. That is the piece you are going to remove.

Step 2: Unscrew the buckle

There is a small screw on the inside of the buckle. Unscrew it with a flat-head screwdriver. The buckle will now slide off. Put the screw aside, as you will need it later.

Step 3: Mark the cut line

Measure the number of centimeters you want to shorten from the buckle end of the belt and draw a straight line with a ballpoint pen or chalk. Check this twice before you cut.

Step 4: Cut or saw off the piece

Place the belt on a sturdy surface and cut along the marking with a sharp knife. Keep the knife straight and use one fluid motion. Do not saw back and forth, as this will create an irregular cut.

Step 5: Reattach the buckle

Slide the buckle back onto the buckle end of the belt and tighten the screw again. Do not over-tighten, otherwise, the leather may be damaged.

Step 6: Check the result

Put the belt on and check whether the middle hole is in the desired position. Are the holes too far away, or do you not have one in the right place? Then use a leather hole punch to make an extra hole.

Are you looking for a new belt that fits your size? View our range of Men's belts or Women's belts for an overview by size.


Common mistakes

Shortening too much at once. Always cut a little less than you think you need. You can always cut off a second piece later, but you cannot put back what has been removed.

Shortening the wrong end. You always cut at the buckle end, not the tip. The holes are at the tip; you need those.

Measuring the size incorrectly. A common mistake is measuring the entire belt including the buckle. The belt size is measured from the buckle to the middle hole. If you include the buckle in your measurement, you will quickly order or cut off 5 cm too little.

Shortening a belt that is not suitable for it. You cannot shorten belts with a fixed, sewn-on buckle in this way. Always check first whether the buckle can be unscrewed.

 

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Frequently asked questions

Which belts can I shorten myself?

Most belts with a detachable buckle can be shortened yourself. The buckle is attached with a small screw on the inside. Belts with a fixed or stitched buckle are usually not suitable for shortening yourself.

What tools do I need to shorten a belt?

For most belts, you need a small flat-head screwdriver or an Allen key to loosen the buckle. You will also need a sharp knife or a utility knife to cut the leather or fabric. A ruler helps to measure the correct size.

How much can I cut off a belt?

This depends on the belt and how much too long it is. Never cut off more than necessary, because you cannot put a piece back. Measure carefully how many centimeters you want to shorten it by before you cut.

Where do I cut the strap, at the end or by the buckle?

For most adjustable belts, you trim the side near the buckle, not the end. You first detach the buckle, cut off the excess piece, and then reattach the buckle. This keeps the holes at the end neatly in place.

What should I do with the cut edge after shortening?

A fresh cut edge of leather can fray or look rough. You can finish the edge with leather paint or an edge dressing that you can buy from a cobbler or online. For fabric belts, you can singe the edge with a lighter to prevent fraying.

About the author

R. van Leer began his career with his own tannery in Chaam. He subsequently gained over fifty years of experience in various roles within the leather industry. He understands the entire process, from the selection and processing of hides to the application of leather in a high-quality end product.

Thanks to his extensive material knowledge, practical experience, and keen eye for quality, he knows exactly what to look for. Craftsmanship, sustainability, and honest advice are always at the heart of this. He is happy to share this knowledge with the world.