For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a Belt

IMG 4340 628x418 For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a Belt

For a long time I’ve been looking for a new belt and when I visited Morten from For Holding Up The Trousers he offered to make me one. Truly an offer I couldn’t refuse. Morten is a very modest and humble guy and in return for him taking the time and effort to make the belt I suggested that I documented the process. This is a visual tour of how Morten works, most of the images speak for themselves.

First I had to decide on a buckle. I chose this brass west end roller buckle made in England.

IMG 4141 628x628 For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a BeltIMG 4144 628x471 For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a BeltThe leather is from the Tärnsjö tannery in Sweden.

IMG 4156 628x942 For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a BeltThe hole for the buckle tongue is punched out.

IMG 4171 628x471 For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a BeltIMG 4174 628x471 For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a BeltMaking holes for sewing.

IMG 4188 628x471 For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a BeltIMG 4196 628x471 For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a BeltIMG 4203 628x837 For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a BeltIMG 4216 628x471 For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a BeltIMG 4232 628x471 For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a BeltIMG 4244 628x471 For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a BeltIMG 4248 628x471 For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a BeltIMG 4255 628x471 For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a BeltIMG 4258 628x471 For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a BeltThe sewing is completed. Morten emphasizes the rough craftsmansship that he puts into his products. Back in the days the hardworking jeans wearers probably didn’t care that much if their belts were made completely flawlessly as long as they lasted a long time. This is also how Morten works. Perfection is not what he strives for, but rather the unique and personal touch.

IMG 4262 628x837 For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a BeltIMG 4270 628x837 For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a BeltThe length is measured and the holes are put in place.

IMG 4271 628x471 For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a BeltIMG 4275 628x471 For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a BeltIMG 42861 628x471 For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a BeltIMG 4296 628x471 For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a BeltOne of the signatures of belts from For Holding Up The Trousers is the angle of the belt end. The angle signature originates from one of the early belts Morten made where he used the leathers natural edge giving it a similar angle.

IMG 4300 628x471 For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a BeltIMG 4307 628x471 For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a BeltIMG 4313 628x471 For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a BeltIMG 4334 628x471 For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a BeltAnother signature mark is the number 3715 that is stamped onto the leather with this devise originating for the old farm on which Morten grew up.

IMG 4337 628x471 For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a BeltIMG 4360 628x837 For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a BeltAfter Morten had given the belt the final touch I greased up the belt in Huberd’s shoe grease to give the leather some protection. Afterwards I’ve burnished the edges and applied a great amount of Red Wing boot oil to prevent the leather from absorbing too much indigo from my dry jeans.

IMG 4366 628x471 For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a BeltIMG 4382 628x837 For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a BeltThe tools I bought to burnish the edges.

IMG 4577 628x471 For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a BeltBefore.

IMG 4580 628x405 For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a BeltAfter.

IMG 4585 628x368 For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a BeltThe final result, I couldn’t be more excited about it.

IMG 5421 628x628 For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a BeltIf you want Morten to make you a belt (or maybe a pair of suspenders) drop him an email at [email protected] or visit his website.

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Thomas Bojer

Founder and editor-in-chief at Denimhunters
Thomas got into denim through a keen interest in manufacturing and a love for the well-faded jean. He's based in Copenhagen, Denmark, but he travels as much as his job allows. Through Denimhunters he has found a way to share his passion with likeminded enthusiasts while learning more about the blue fabric. Thomas' favourite jean is the 1947 501XX and he has a soft spot for Red Wing Shoes.
734019 10152300210237195 839581040 n 2 For Holding Up The Trousers: Making a Belt
Published on 27 June 2012 4 Comments
  • Lasse

    Hello Thomas.

    Firstly I thank you for making this Internet magazine. I read and enjoy it almost daily.

    Secondly i could not agree more with you on the amazing belts that Morten makes. I recently bought one and I am very pleased with it. I also visited Morten in his appartment where he makes these fantastic products. I found the belt I liked (same as yours by the way) he measured me and one day later I picked it up. I warmly recommend visiting Morten to see his products. He is a very cool and pleasent guy.

    By the way. Where did you buy the tools for burnishing your belt.

    Regards Lasse

  • Steve

    Excellent, what a lovely belt created. Was wondering, is Morten wearing a Stowa Airman there too?

    • Morten

      Hi Steve, thanks! It’s a Laco watch, don’t remember the exact model!

  • Steve

    Thanks Morten, it looks great.