My young adult son has always been allergic to nickel and all straps have given him a terrible rash since childhood. The only ones I could find that a fashion conscious person would never wear. This belt has a buckle that looks like a traditional metal buckle. Nickel buckle but is really hypogenic. He's really happy as it's stylish and looks good with his jeans. I thought the price was great as leather belts can get expensive, especially when they have this feature. Shut up and live off hydrocortisone!