Despite the big "REAL LEATHER" stamp on the inside of the belt, the thing should be plastic. It really looks like a hard plastic belt. I have real leather straps and I don't know if it's fake or if Stacey Adams is just a low quality brand, but I would avoid it if you're looking for something that looks and feels like more than one cost a few cents. I've worn it so that it works like a belt, though, and the plastic seems pretty solid so far, but every time you put it on you'll roll your eyes at the skin.