Polished calf is the highest shine of the nine John White belts. Light does not scatter across it the way it does on a matte strap; it travels along the belt in one hard band, so the leather looks close to lacquered, with a fine crackle in the grain visible only at arm's length. Under a black Oxford that has been properly buffed it matches. Under that same shoe, a flat black belt leaves the shine looking stranded.
So this is the formal half of our black pairing: dark suits, charcoal flannels, black dress shoes, the occasions when a belt is meant to disappear rather than add texture. The alternative is the dress tumbled black, a soft matte finish that is easier to wear with chinos and does not ask for a shine to match it.
The strap runs 35mm wide, stitched close along both edges in black thread, with one matching keeper and a squared pin buckle in brushed metal. A cross-thread screw sits under the keeper, so the buckle lifts off and the belt can be shortened if it runs long. Thirty-five millimetres is a shade under an inch and a half, the width most tailored trouser loops are cut for.
John White started out in Northamptonshire in 1919. By 1938 the firm was putting up its Lime Street factory to a design by Sir Albert Richardson, a building that is Grade II listed today under Historic England entry 1226117. The company designs in Northamptonshire and has its goods made by partner makers.
Four sizes: S for a 28-30in waist, M 32-34, L 36-38 and XL 40-42.
Care: Wipe with a dry cloth after wearing, since a gloss finish shows dust sooner than a matte one. A neutral cream once or twice a year stops the leather drying out where it folds at the buckle. Roll it rather than hang it, and take care not to drag the buckle back across the strap; scratches read more clearly on this finish than on any other belt we stock.
You can ask any question about this product.
Our specialists will answer you shortly!
Polished calf is the highest shine of the nine John White belts. Light does not scatter across it the way it does on a matte strap; it travels along the belt in one hard band, so the leather looks close to lacquered, with a fine crackle in the grain visible only at arm's length. Under a black Oxford that has been properly buffed it matches. Under that same shoe, a flat black belt leaves the shine looking stranded.
So this is the formal half of our black pairing: dark suits, charcoal flannels, black dress shoes, the occasions when a belt is meant to disappear rather than add texture. The alternative is the dress tumbled black, a soft matte finish that is easier to wear with chinos and does not ask for a shine to match it.
The strap runs 35mm wide, stitched close along both edges in black thread, with one matching keeper and a squared pin buckle in brushed metal. A cross-thread screw sits under the keeper, so the buckle lifts off and the belt can be shortened if it runs long. Thirty-five millimetres is a shade under an inch and a half, the width most tailored trouser loops are cut for.
John White started out in Northamptonshire in 1919. By 1938 the firm was putting up its Lime Street factory to a design by Sir Albert Richardson, a building that is Grade II listed today under Historic England entry 1226117. The company designs in Northamptonshire and has its goods made by partner makers.
Four sizes: S for a 28-30in waist, M 32-34, L 36-38 and XL 40-42.
Care: Wipe with a dry cloth after wearing, since a gloss finish shows dust sooner than a matte one. A neutral cream once or twice a year stops the leather drying out where it folds at the buckle. Roll it rather than hang it, and take care not to drag the buckle back across the strap; scratches read more clearly on this finish than on any other belt we stock.
You can ask any question about this product.
Our specialists will answer you shortly!
