I had originally seen these belts some time ago and had dismissed them as being too good of a deal, and had presumed that it would have looked like cheap plastic when it showed up. Fast forward several months later and my wife buys one for me as part of a costume. I tried it on and was immediately impressed. After the event where I wore that particular belt had passed, I immediately bought one in brown with a buckle more in my usual tastes, and it has became my "daily driver" belt. I was pleasantly surprised, and will buy more in the future.