Having bought the previous premium quality Italian leather belts, I am hesitant to buy anything else. That's what I expected. The skin is thick, whole and supple. If you bend it to either side it won't tear like cheaper leather. It is elastic yet durable. The stitching is for beauty only. This is unstitched bonded leather with center waistband filler that rips after 4 months! This belt looks very nice and will remain so for many years.