The belt looks very nice -- but as soon as I opened the packaging, a strong, pungent chemical smell filled the room and the fumes made me sick. It didn't smell like leather or I would have just messed with it, but in the end I had to make the most of it. It's been 3 days and I'm still trying to get the smell out of the house - so frustrating! I really needed a belt like this so now I have to start over; I can't leave this item behind.