Culte du Cuir's best-seller, this designer inspired corset belt has nothing but glowing 5-star reviews!
 
Inspired by the 'undone corset belt' by Dehanche. This belt is handcrafted using Italian Vachetta vegetable tanned leather, in a gorgeous deep carmine red with a slight burgundy undertone. This specialty leather is the highest quality, tanned using a specialized vegetable tanning tecnique in Tuscany, at Valdibrana Conceria Tannery. This full grain leather is 4.5-5oz (1.8 - 2mm thick), with a supple but firm feel and a smooth, buffed surface and a subtle sheen. It features glossy smooth burnished edges and tie straps, hand stitched to the body of the belt.
 
The long tie straps allow you to wrap the straps around the belt and can be tied in a knot or a bow either in the front or the back. The belt is genuine, full grian leather, with the exception of the tie straps, which are made of durable and supple PU leather. Straps are 10mm wide.
 
**Also available with 15mm tie straps (roughly 1/2") - this version has thinner ties for those looking for a slightly more delicate look.
 
**I hope to make this belt available with genuine leather straps; I'm continually sampling leather from small businesses specializing in leather strapping. I have not found a good match for this leather yet, but the search continues! The PU leather I source from the UK is high quality and supple - it will not have the longevity of the belt's leather, but will last several years with proper care. I offer strap replacement - and once I *hopefully* find a genuine leather match, I will offer strap upgrades as well.
 
The mannequin has a 26" waist and 35" bust. I automatically adjust the length of the 'body' of the belt based on the waist measurement provided (or selected size), such that you get a similar look at at any size. If you have any questions about sizing, please feel free to reach out.
 
 Tie straps on the size small are approximately 52" in length (each) - I lengthen these automatically to be the same length in proportion to your waist size, so you'll have the same versatility and options for wrapping and tying as pictured. 
 
If you have a long or short torso, are very tall or short, or have a large bust, please leave a note at checkout and I'll reach out to you to determine the best 'height' at the front of the belt. The standard across all sizes is 9" at the highest point, but I adjust this at no cost as well, to ensure the perfect fit for your body. 
 
Sizing:
In the space provided, please provide one of the following:
Your measurements (for this piece your natural waist measurement is needed) OR the size you’d like (see size chart)
Write N/A if you need to send measurements later when it’s convenient.
Write ‘measurement kit’ if you’d like me to send you a complimentary kit (it contains a measurement guide and tailor’s tape – a flexible tape measure); I’ll hold production on your order and send the kit immediately to the shipping address provided via First Class mail. I’ll produce your order as soon as you send me your measurements.
 
Need help with measurements? Check out the 'Measurement Guide' tab (located in FAQs) for more information!
 
If you're looking for additional alterations, inquiries or preferences may also be sent prior to placing your order, to hello@culteducuir.com. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions!
 
These are made to order - please see site banner for current production time; quantities may be limited due to availability of the leather used. I will ship immediately after production via USPS Priority mail (2-3 day delivery time).
 
I do offer international shipping on this piece; however, my website is only configured to sell within the US. Please inquire for a shipping quote (I subtract the shipping price for the US from the amount; I only ask that you pay the difference for international shipping, which has typically been a small amount).
 
For information on caring for and maintaining Vachetta leather, check out this post for tips and product recommendations!
 
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**Additional information for those interested**
 
What makes Vegetable Tanned Leather the highest quality and most sought after?
Vegetable tanning is the O.G. tanning method - going back to when people first started tanning leather using tannins extracted from tree bark to treat and preserve hides. It's downside is how time consuming it is, which is why we've developed accelerated tanning methods which reduce time, and so costs, of tanning leather. Most of these new methods use harsh chemicals, but reduces the tanning time drastically. For example, chrome tanning with modern machinery can reduce the tanning process to just a day - while vegetable tanning is a meticulous process that takes 2-3 months.
 
But there is a cost down the line, including for the consumer, by accelerating this process. From exposing workers to harsh chemicals, and heavily polluting the environment with the chemical laden waste water, to an inferior finished product. Chrome tanned leather doesn't have the same durability, surface character, or even smell, as vegetable tanned leather. No tanning method can match the leather produced with vegetable tanning: it offers the most durability and longevity (this leather will last for decades with proper care), it breaks in and improves over time, developing patina, deepening the color of the leather with use. It's also the most environmentally friendly method of tanning - utilizing all natural materials from which tannins are extracted, instead of harsh chemicals.
 
I don't work with chrome tanned leather, because the quality just isn't there. Much of my work is offered in oil tanned leather, which is a hybrid tanning method that is finished off by soaking the leather in vegetable oils, producing a high quality and incredibly supple leather that's great for harnesses especially, due to it's already 'broken in' soft hand feel. While my oil tanned leather is sourced from ethical and eco-consciously operated tanneries located in highly regulated European tanneries, my goal is to transition to using more vegetable tanned leather in the shop for a more environmentally friendly, sustainability focused business.
 
For now, I will continue to offer high quallity oil tanned leather, as it is more affordable and allows me to make my work more accessible. But you'll see more and more vegetable tanned leather pieces being added to the shop, not only to achieve environmental goals as a business, but to provide the highest quality and longest lasting pieces to my clients.
 
For additional information on Vachetta Leather, check out this post!