Let's talk about belts.

[KyleUmp]

The NCAA doesn't say anything regarding belts other than they have to be black. To each their own, but as an NCAA umpire I wear a 1 3/4" patent leather belt. They're more substantial (especially to hold up ball bags) and they just look better. They also hold their appearance over time versus a regular leather belt. You can get a 1 3/4" Boster leather patent leather belt from Honig's, for example, for about $22. If you're trying to save $8-$10 and buying an inferior product then you're going to get what you pay for. Just my $0.02.

 

By the way, someone mentioned buying two sizes larger than your pants if purchasing a Boston leather patent leather belt. Couldn't agree more.

[Marcus6]

I recall stumbling upon a Postal Service uniform site (private company not a USPS website) that sold the same belts and Manzella gloves at incredible prices with free shipping. It was open to the public too. Ill try to find it.

[boyinr]

Here is the website I have used in the past. Sorry no patent leather.

http://www.postaluniformsdirect.com/index.htm

[Marcus6]

Here is the website I have used in the past. Sorry no patent leather.

http://www.postaluniformsdirect.com/index.htm

 

Great prices on the Manzella gloves , though.

[IABlue]

How are you guys ordering stuff from the postal website?

 

 It asks for my branch # and location, as well as my clothing allowance budget.

[maineump]

I don't believe the NCAA has a policy, but our college assigner (CBUAO) has patent leather as a required item. We are also required plate coats and other stuff with our logo on it. I like the belt that I have (bought from Honig's). Had it for a few years, holding up well to both heat and cold, survives the gear bag well. No complaints. The best thing about it - it stays rigid enough to hold 2 ball bags comfortably.

[mmiller32]

DO NOT ORDER FROM POSTAL UNIFORM.

 

After combing this website several years ago on a belt thread, I went ahead and took advantage of the low price for a back up belt. My first belt didn't even make it one game. I went to tighten it ant the belt ripped in half. I immediately returned it and they sent me another one. Then second belt lasted all of one game and ripped upon applying it to my person the 2nd time i went to put it on. The report I'm looking at on my desk now has a higher tensile strength than the two belts they sent me combined. I returned the belt and had them send me a check in the mail. I've never had a problem with any belt from Honig's. Good advice on the patent leather for working the dish, i"m gonna have to try that.

[Thunderheads]

Just for fun and at the request of Motoump (numerous times) ......I've added a poll to this thread

[conbo61]

I just wish mine would stop shrinking.

[KLAH316]

I had the Patent Leather GD Plate Shoes.... They looked great at first, but here in the AZ Heat, they got very uncomfortable and started cracking along the sides.  I couldn't wait for them to wear out so I could talk SWMBO into a new pair....

No more PL Shoes for me!

[Trakes2]

I have always worn a Patent Leather Belt, and Always plan too! The shoes shouldn't ever be worn on a baseball field, but I will say there are bigger sins that guys commit.

 

Now my partner, who is almost as put together as I am refuses to wear the Patent Leather and If I could just convince him that it is not only such a nice finishing touch-but truly the best opition for belts he would be so much better off!

 

[gnhbua93]

According to the art of manliness, the belt and shoes shall always match.

[Thunderheads]

According to the art of manliness, the belt and shoes shall always match.

The 'art of manliness' does'nt exist on a baseball field because 99.99% of the time (when there's patent being worn) a) it's a belt, and, b  ) they don't match the shoes

[gnhbua93]

I kind of knew that you needed to put your .02 cents  as soon as you read it

[redsox25]

With shoes remember bing circles to little circles and a little spit 

[boyinr]

How are you guys ordering stuff from the postal website?

 

 It asks for my branch # and location, as well as my clothing allowance budget.

I think I left it blank and they shipped it to me for free. Order the "five year" model. It is the premium boston leather model. The other is the value line. Also order two sizes up. I wear a 34" waist and I have a 38" belt. The 36" didn't fit right and I sold it here after one season.

[Thunderheads]

I kind of knew that you needed to put your .02 cents  as soon as you read it

I thought we were having fun with this, ...guess not

[gnhbua93]

I kind of knew that you needed to put your .02 cents  as soon as you read it

I thought we were having fun with this, ...guess not

Yes, we are!!

[noumpere]

How are you guys ordering stuff from the postal website?

 

 It asks for my branch # and location, as well as my clothing allowance budget.

I think I left it blank and they shipped it to me for free. Order the "five year" model. It is the premium boston leather model. The other is the value line. Also order two sizes up. I wear a 34" waist and I have a 38" belt. The 36" didn't fit right and I sold it here after one season.

That's standard sizing for all belts including whatever dress belt you might buy at (insert your favorite mens store here).  So dont blame the website for a missed sizing issue.

[Thunderheads]

How are you guys ordering stuff from the postal website? It asks for my branch # and location, as well as my clothing allowance budget.

I think I left it blank and they shipped it to me for free. Order the "five year" model. It is the premium boston leather model. The other is the value line. Also order two sizes up. I wear a 34" waist and I have a 38" belt. The 36" didn't fit right and I sold it here after one season.

That's standard sizing for all belts including whatever dress belt you might buy at (insert your favorite mens store here). So dont blame the website for a missed sizing issue.

No, your dress belt is ONE size larger than your waist ... 36 pant, 38 belt. This is not necessarily the case with a thicker utility belt, or patent belt ....

[umpstu]

The NCAA doesn't say anything regarding belts other than they have to be black. To each their own, but as an NCAA umpire I wear a 1 3/4" patent leather belt. They're more substantial (especially to hold up ball bags) and they just look better. They also hold their appearance over time versus a regular leather belt. You can get a 1 3/4" Boster leather patent leather belt from Honig's, for example, for about $22. If you're trying to save $8-$10 and buying an inferior product then you're going to get what you pay for. Just my $0.02.

 

By the way, someone mentioned buying two sizes larger than your pants if purchasing a Boston leather patent leather belt. Couldn't agree more.

Amen on all comments.