Customized belt buckles allow you to make your unique fashion statement. You can add your favorite emblem, logo or message. You can incorporate the images you like (such as pictures of a horseshoe, a charging bull or even your face).  The important thing is that you know what you like and you are going for it.

Belts can be used for casual and formal wear. For formal clothes, slim belts and sedately designed buckles work best. As a rule, the color of the leather of the belt is also to be matched with the color of one’s shoes. For casual clothes, you can use wider belts and can infuse the color and pictures you want. You can wear the belt with jeans.

Why make your own belt buckle?

Custom made belt buckles or custom made name buckles are designed for a variety of purposes:

–          As a fashion statement. Why use generic belt buckles when you can have one that displays your own unique style?

–          As promotional items. Companies can use belt buckles to promote their brand or their cause.

–          As tokens and gifts. Your company or organization can use belt buckles as tokens of appreciation for generous donors or prized clients. Towns or cities can also gift this to visiting dignitaries.

–          As part of a uniform. Belt buckles can be added to military or corporate uniforms. It can also be worn to signify your membership to an occupational association or social organization. Plumbers, firemen, carpenters and other occupations have used belt buckles as a sign of their belonging to that trade or profession.

–          As prizes. The belt buckles can be used as trophies for winners. In fact, rodeos make use of belt buckles to award the bronco-riding champ.

–          As keepsakes or part of a collection. A belt buckle can be used to commemorate a special occasion. Tourists can also get a belt buckle to add to their collection and to remind them of their tour to a specific place.

Knowing the parts of a belt buckle

Here are some things you should know to help you make your own belt buckle:

Buckle set: A buckle is actually composed of three items – the buckle itself with its design, the metal loop (or keeper) and the pointed metal tip (which is placed on the other end of the belt and is used to make inserting the belt to the buckle easier).

Keeper: This is a metal loop where you tuck the other end of the belt so that it does not flap. This is usually on the side of the belt buckle or the buckle itself.

Post. This closes the belt more securely and is made up of a pin-like structure that is inserted into the belt’s hole.

Hinge. This is optional and is attached to the belt buckle to enable the buckle to swing open and shut easily.

Design Options

Know what choices you can make when designing your belt buckle:

Shape. Belts are usually oval or rectangular in shape, although if you are going for a custom made belt buckle, you can actually choose the shape you prefer.

Style. Choose the style that you want to wear and complete your look. Popular design choices include western belt buckles, cowboy belt buckles,

Design. Choose the image, initials or phrases you want emblazoned on the buckle. You can also opt to add jeweled stone inlays. For some who want a flashy belt buckle, you can opt to have rhinestones inlaid into the buckle.

Material. Custom made belt buckles are usually made of zinc or pewter. Zinc is best for those on a budget. It is durable and can be used be flattened and thinned out. Meanwhile, pewter is best for high-detailed designs, especially if the design involves slightly curved surfaces. Pewter also gives out a natural silver like finish and can be polished for better shine. Both metals can have color added, if you so choose.

Finish. Belt buckles can take on different finishing. You can have your pewter or zinc belt buckle polished and leave it as is. Or you can add the following finishings: antique silver, antique gold, antique copper, antique brass or bright silver, bright gold, bright copper and bright glass. You can also add color highlight or color filling (added to the recessed areas of the belt).

2 level vs. 3D. 2 level belt buckles are composed of two surface heights – the background (lower surface) and the foreground (upper surface). Color can be added either to the raised surface or to the recessed areas. You can provide great contrast for your belt by combining a polished raised surface with colored or darkened recessed backgrounds. 2 level buckles are more economical. 3D buckles provide better detail since it can take on a 3D image with a number of surfaces – not just flat but also curved. 3D buckles provide a more realistic image. For instance, you can add dimples to a golf ball while having it emerge out of the background.

If you don’t have your design yet, our crack design team at Inola Castings can help you create that perfect look you want.