Men's Fashion and Style Online: Reviewing Unconventional Italian Artisan Belts

If you closed your eyes and picture an 'Italian belt' what do you see? Most probably you're picturing a slender belt, meticulously crafted and tanned in dark amber. It's what I too would have pictured - until my encounter with the belt collection from Italian fashion brand Mirta.

Mirta is an online store that features products made by talented Italian artisans who are less accessible to shoppers around the world, which makes their offering authentically Italian as well as unique - far from the stereotypical expectations. I got hands-on with three belts from Mirta's collection that completely widened the spectrum of Italian belts in my mind.

Customized length online

Though we reviewed three very different belts from Mirta, one thing common between them was the range of lengths that we can choose from. Unlike going to a department store, where most belts would come in the size that's supposed to fit all - but mostly end up being too long, with Mirta you truly get the artisan treatment by choosing a length of belt that fits your waist size functionally as well as stylistically.

Coincidentally all belts that were up for review were also belts that did not need holes to be punched. With two woven belts, and one that uses a double ring system, it demonstrates the unconventional range of belts that Mirta provides for those after something special.

Double ring belt with a twist

Starting with the belt most conventional of the three, the Alcide. This black leather belt was made by Santa Trinita - a small family-owned business just outside of Florence.

For the most part, the Alcide is a conventional black vachetta leather belt - until you get to its buckle. Whereas double ring belts are not new, it's the first time for me to see leather instead of metal for its rings.

Check Price

At first I had no idea how to use the unusual leather contraption, but it's actually used just like a typical double ring belt: by passing the belt through both rings then out of the bottom ring. Though similar, the leather double ring does grip the belt more tightly than metal rings would. The major difference would rather be the aesthetics. Since it is all leather, the end result looks almost like a large leather weave that adds quite a low-key highlight to a formal or semi-formal outfit.

Woven brown leather belt

Speaking of leather weave, Intreccio is a leather belt woven by the company Athison located in northern Italy.

The belt itself is quite robust, as it is constructed with a body of leather strips, its strength and durability feels superior to an ordinary belt, not to mention the advantage of not needing to punch holes for the pin and buckle.

Check Price

Functionality aside, the aesthetics is really the highlight of this belt. The woven leather adds an interesting texture to your outfit without looking too showy, and the premium vegetable tanned leather looks right at home with some nice denim and wingtip oxfords in brown.

Braided Elastic Cord Belt

The third belt that we tested is the Ricicla belt - which is also made by Athison. This belt is perhaps the most unique out of the three.

At first I was expecting essentially a wider version of a paracord watch band, until I tugged and realized that the whole belt was elastic. This makes quite a difference in the actual use of the belt as it adds an elastic band to any pants it's paired with, and firmly tightens around the waist if straddled with some pressure.

Check Price

Being one of the pioneers of machine braided belts, the Ricicla is a product made of more than 50 years of experience in belt making by Athison. That legacy is then combined with modern technology - an elastic yarn made of recycled plastic bottles to reduce the environmental impact, are more importantly looks classy and not cheap or childish. This my belt of choice to go with a pair of chinos and navy blazer.

Final Remark

If you're looking for an accessory that is unique, made with Italian artisan quality, without going for broke on your credit card, Mirta's offering will tick all these boxes. Just make sure you measure your waist first and check the size guide to get the perfect fit.

David is a tech enthusiast/writer who is often on the move and is on a mission to explore ways to make his overhaul flights more enjoyable. This is a contribution to an ongoing IBTimes review series on gadgets for Business Travellers.