very good leather belt. at first, i was unsure of weather its claim to being leather would fall flat – due to its very uniform color and appearance. usually you want to see top-grain to indicate authenticity of leather. in this product, the item has performed without cracking – a sure sign of non-leather products. however, additional time may be needed to verify all claims. so far, recommended. ownership has been over a number of months already: it's already beginning to contour to my hips.