These are great practical belts for work trousers when wearing a leather belt is uncomfortable. For example, if you wear black sneakers, it will be uncomfortable to wear a leather belt. IMO, the material and color of the strap should always match the shoes. I cut it to fit my waist so there is a 4 1/4" extra length when buttoned up which looks classy and elegant. I bought two of these in case one might change while working in the garden tangled, in which case I would wash it and let it air dry, but that's just me.