I bought two 32 inch belts the other day. One seemed to fit really tight, the other had plenty of slack. I finally noticed that although they were the same length the holes were spaced differently. I am hoping this does not apply to gun belts. Any thoughts??

I like to buy the 7 hole (3/4" spacing) gun belts instead of the 5 hole (1" spacing) gun belts. Much more likely it's comfortable.

Very happy with my dress belt and embossed belt from Armour Belts.

I think there are numerous methods of measuring belt size in use. And the thickness and stiffness of the particular piece of leather they were made from has an effect on the way they fit, as does the style of buckle.

Take it to your local shoe-luggage-repair person, they can punch new holes to fit, or buy a leather punch from Tandy Leather or Amazon and do it yourself.

quote:

Originally posted by ZSMICHAEL:
I am hoping this does not apply to gun belts.

It does. 7 hole (~0.75" spacing) or 5 hole (~1" spacing) are the usual choices. Some leather gun belt manufacturers always use one specific hole spacing on all their belts, while others allow you to choose whichever of the two you prefer. I tend to prefer 7 hole.

(Also note that belt size is often different from your pants size. When ordering a gun belt, be sure to measure yourself as the maker specifies. Don't just go off of your pants size...)

If it doesn't have to be leather, you might also look into the various nylon gun belts (aka "riggers belts"/"instructor belts"/etc.). They allow for precise adjustments to exactly the right tightness, without having to rely on set holes and hoping the spacing is correct.



Some people denigrate nylon belts because they think they look too "tactical". But for casual wear with a concealed handgun and an untucked shirt, nobody else will ever see your belt, so who cares?

I think a lot depends on how the particular belt maker measures for the belt? When I've ordered semi-custom I look on the site & see how they want one to measure.

The next alternative is to buy in person & try them on.

With a holster I tend to like a sturdy 'single thickness'. The 'double belts' can be a bit thick for some holsters.

 
Get the Wilderness Instructor's belts. Size them approximately, and the velcro closure will take care of the rest.
 

I got one of these, really comfortable:


https://www.bluealphabelts.com/

This message has been edited. Last edited by: parabellum,

I just bought one of these, as I have been adding and losing a little weight. There are seven holes and it is a great belt for me.

Relentless Tactical's customer service was terrific, since I wasn't sure what size I would want to purchase.
Relentless Tactical on Amazon.com