Are you searching for the best nautical belts to complete your spring wardrobe? Well, this year's choices once again features some old favorites with a few new contender's to add to the fold. Some are priced for the weekend boater, others obviously for the proprietor of a luxurious yacht! But either way, here' a selection of our "Top Picks" for the spring of 2015 of our favorite seriously sea-worthy nautical inspired belts that will certainly satisfy even the saltiest of tastes and perfect for your coastal lifestyle!
Skipjack's brass fish hook belt buckle leads the way both in design AND price, and is a favorite for both the nautical inspired and fisherman alike. You could even tie this one on to the end of your fishing line and fish with it in a pinch! Priced at $32.95 if you just want the buckle or with a Italian leather snap belt (in a variety of finishes) for an extra $24.95 for a total of $54.95, about one half the price of what competitors are selling it for and not available except as a package! The
brass fish hook buckle and leather snap belts are available online at
Skipjack Nautical Wares.
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| Skipjack's polished cast brass fish hook buckle with Italian leather snap belt. |
A recent trip to Nantucket, Mass. brought us to an exceptional clothier and leather shop (thank god they were open) that had exceptional selections of nautical/coastal men's belts and buckles. First was Craftmasters of Nantucket. This special leather goods store had a wonderful selection of leather belts and nautical-themed brass belt buckles to choose from. They also create and sell leather briefcases, and luggage to the finest gold and silver jewelry. Owner and resident David Masters is also a talented scrimshander and the only one on the island to use color inks in his work. Brass or sterling belt buckles, (14k) Gold or silver cuff-links, brass money clips, and USA made Buck Knives are available with your initials in international code flags. Located at 7 India Street in the Nantucket Historic District, it is a must stop to find some really exceptional items that will certainly add to your wardrobe. I actually purchased (go figure) a Stetson hat at Craftmasters. It was cold and rainy day, so the canvas safari hat with leather band was just the ticket. I could not locate a web site for their store , but here is a link to their
facebook page and of course there are numerous articles to be found on the web about this jewel of a Nantucket store.
The next stop was
Murray's Toggery Shop at 62 Main Street, also located in the heart of the Nantucket Historic District. A wide cobblestone street which paves most of the historic district faces this famous haberdashery since 1945 for men, women and children. Known for their selection of Nantucket red apparel, Nantucket Reds are synonymous to Murray's Toggery Shop on the island of Nantucket, and he pants were featured in The Official Preppy Handbook. Nantucket Reds are originally inspired by cotton trousers worn in Brittany. A characteristic of Reds is that they fade to a "dusty rose" as they age. Since their inception, the cotton canvas pants had been marketed as shorts. The distinctive salmon pink color has since been used on hats, shirts, sweaters and socks. So we've selected a few items from Murray's to feature in this blog.
Murray's carries a wide variety of men's nautical, beach and "Nantucket"accessories including a super collection of belts. Prices on their website start at $35.00 but most are $40.00 and up. Shown below is one of my favorites, a needlepoint belt made by
Smathers & Branson of bluefish and stripers. Measures 1 1/4" wide by standard lengths. This entirely hand-stitched belt will set you back a bit retailing at $175.00 to $200.00 depending on the length.
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Bluefish and stripers needlepoint belt for men by Smathers & Branson.
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I also really liked
York River Traders Mariner rope belts available in a variety of colors. Crafted with real rigging line, backed by high quality leather and complemented with solid brass compass buckle. This collection of belts retails for $98.00.
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| York River Traders Mariner Rope belt is available in a variety of nautical colors. |
Leaving Nantucket Island, we head over to Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts to visit Vineyard Vines. Here we have selected their new brass fishing reel buckle belt with 100% leather belt. Available online at
Vineyard Vines for $115.00.
Next we are featuring the
waxed-cotton sailing belt from Orvis. Sturdy waxed cotton makes this men's nautical belt both durable and weather resistant—a combination that serves well on or off the water. Stainless steel grommets, nickel-plated solid brass shackle-style buckle. Genuine leather keeper. In navy/brown. Southport, Connecticut. Even waist sizes: 32-40. 1¼" wide. Retails online for $129.00.
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| Waxed-cotton sailing belt from Orvis. |
It would be blasphemy to not include a selection from one of America's great designers, Ralph Lauren. Pictured above is his
"Lighthouses and flag" belt. This nautical-inspired braided-cotton belt is designed with a silk-trim overlay that features an allover pattern of vibrant lighthouses and flags. Available at many stores and online for $75.00.
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| Lighthouses and flag belt from Ralph Lauren. |
This year I am including men's belts from
Brooks Brothers who has an impressive selection of seriously seaworthy accessories for men. They now also represent one of my favorite belt designers Kiel James Patrick, so here we feature a braided belt, made from cotton, with silk backing. Solid brass anchor buckle. Leather tab stamped with KJP Croffix Anchor on the front and Golden Fleece® logo on the reverse. Made in the USA. Retails online for $118.00.
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Braided belt, made from cotton, with silk backing and brass anchor buckle
by Kiel James Patrick for Brooks Brothers. |
