These are durable woven belts. They don't loosen up at all over time. You can cut off excess unnecessary length. I have used two other straps (same material, different buckle) on my mission and they have served me as well as others! Just a warning, some webbing has the end going through the buckle and then under. However, in this case, the end goes up like a regular belt. I prefer the bottom type and didn't realize this one was over but I don't mind.