Questions on halfbelts

[MuyJingo]

I was hoping some people could elaborate on halfbelts on leather jackets.

I haven't found any to try on yet, but so far I don't understand the concept.

Do they serve a function, or are they purely aesthetic?

If so, why are they held in such high esteem?

Are they perhaps a less common style these days? I ask because it's been chilly enough here in NYC that there are now a plethora of leather jackets on the streets and subway. I've been looking out for halfbelts since learning about them and have abrely seen any...

Generally from what I can see, a halfbelt seems to be an additional piece of leather accross the back. When it has just the stitching like in the following picture, is it still considered a halfbelt?

 

[handymike]

yes- halfbelts were prevalent from the 20's through the 50's...more of a retro thing than modern.
The only "functional" part are the side adjuster straps which pull in for a more "fitted" look around the waist.

 

[handymike]

yes, by most

 

[Seb Lucas]

yes- halfbelts were prevalent from the 20's through the 50's...more of a retro thing than modern.
The only "functional" part are the side adjuster straps which pull in for a more "fitted" look around the waist.

That's all there is to it.

Other than the two I own, I have never seen one in this city of 3.5 million.

Are they held in high esteem? I wouldn't have thought so. I like them and some fans on this whacky site do too. But many others prefer A2's or the Highwayman style jacket. People tend to obtain the designs that excite them visually.

 

[Sloan1874]

The cinch-belts give you a good slim silhouette - obviously, it helps to be on the slim side in the first place.

 

[nick123]

I saw one two nights ago outside of a bar. The gentleman went inside and hung it on a stool...checked the label; didn't look like any of the premium makers nor vintage. Looked good though.

 

[pauleway]

They just look good (IMO) and give a basic plain back of a jacket some class!!

 

[Seb Lucas]

Well, they're anything but plain. A good one with a yolk and bi-swing is a work of art and not easy to make.

 

[pauleway]

I meant having the half-belt if the jacket has just a plain back with no yolk, bi-swing etc. The belt just makes a jacket look better!

 

[Dinerman]

Just like belt-backs on suits and overcoats, the half-belt on leather jackets is an aesthetic holdover from when fully belted versions were the norm.

 

[Worf]

Having fiddled and diddled with real, full belts since childhood I find halfbelts, cinched and buttoned to be a great improvement. Just my opinion.

Worf

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Having fiddled and diddled with real, full belts since childhood I find halfbelts, cinched and buttoned to be a great improvement. Just my opinion.

Worf

Absolutely. No belts for me,either. PIA

 

[shadowrider]

I think this is a very valid question, and have wondered the same. I think that, at least on some jackets, the halfbelt serves a purpose. Here are my considerations:
On jackets with an action back, the half belt act as a joint fot the different panels.
Sometimes the upper and lower back panels have pleated seams, similar to darts in a suit coat, near the belt, in order to create a more shaped silhouette.The halfbelt helps whit this shaping and acts as a waistband for pleated trousers.
Lastly, I think, but I have no proof for it, that when there are buckled straps they are placed just at each side of the halfbelt, as the latter helps reducing the stress of the pulling on the leather, as such stress would be greatest in the area directly between the two straps.

 

[pauleway]

I think this is a very valid question, and have wondered the same. I think that, at least on some jackets, the halfbelt serves a purpose. Here are my considerations:
On jackets with an action back, the half belt act as a joint fot the different panels.
Sometimes the upper and lower back panels have pleated seams, similar to darts in a suit coat, near the belt, in order to create a more shaped silhouette.The halfbelt helps whit this shaping and acts as a waistband for pleated trousers.
Lastly, I think, but I have no proof for it, that when there are buckled straps they are placed just at each side of the halfbelt, as the latter helps reducing the stress of the pulling on the leather, as such stress would be greatest in the area directly between the two straps.

Sounds reasonable to me!

 

[BobJ]

Yes, when the upper back panel is sewn to the halfbelt with pleats, it acquires a convex shape that more closely follows the natural curvature of the human upper back. Makes it more comfortable, and better fitting. Looks sharp too!

 

[Ishmael]

^^ Exactly. If you get a well fitting halfbelt, you'll know instantly. You'll feel strapped in. The halfbelt hugs tight round the small of the back. Looks good and feels good. Not going to work for everyone though.

Although some have mentioned the side cinches as being functional. I'd say that a well fitting halfbelt doesn't need them. My halfbelt fits well and the cinch strap are actually along the bottom of the jacket. And they're just for looks there too.