Men's everyday wardrobe is predictable: mesh-belted cargo pants or leather-belted jeans, but finding good leather belts is becoming increasingly difficult. This is a good heavy duty leather belt, a wide, nicely dressed bull leather that will last for decades. And while the solid brass hardware is easy to swap out (two screws), you won't want to change these hardware. The band has a nice finish that is probably not waterproof; After a sweat or two I can attach a leather bandage (I use Sno-Shield Wax) to the front of the belt to keep it flexible. I use normal. I opted for the waist size recommendation (longer); It is advisable to order a new strap slightly longer than slightly shorter.