Many leather straps I've bought over the years started out stiff and inflexible, but after a while they wore down to something remotely comfortable. That was not the case with this belt. It was comfortable and felt worn from the first minute. It actually has a softness I've never experienced in a belt, even one I've worn for years. I've been wearing it for a few months now with no problems. I am very happy with it. The only real score I would give against it is for the same reason I love it so much: over-tightening the strap stretches the holes a bit. That's the nature of truly supple skin. Wear it on a matching bow and it won't snag.