I now have two of these belts. They are extremely efficient and not difficult to look at. I'm sure this belt will last a long time. my waist has grown inches, especially after turning 60 years old. I have an almost invisible waist and a small butt. My pants want to slip down. With sliding straps the leather would tear after a while and the buckles weren't as strong as these. THESE BELTS AND BUCKLES ARE VIRTUALLY INDESTRUCTIBLE.