The problem with any braided leather belt is that where the buckle rubs against the leather, the leather wears out quicker than normal leather belts, partly because the buckle doesn't touch that Belt. in the same spot on the belt every time, and partly because the thin strips of leather that the belt used to rub against rub quickly, showing worn leather. the thickness of the leather straps and whether the leather is deeper colored and/or on the sides/back of the leather straps. However, this belt has unusually thin stripes with minimal coloring. It only took three wears (three!) to show the fraying and puckering of the leather strips. Low quality!