Nicholas M.
Yelp
Marakesh Leather's beautiful belts are well worth the trip to Pike Place Market.
Commercial leather belts typically fail (a) at the buckle, due to "clamp" attachment, where the leather is held only between two metal pieces held by two screws, (b) at the buckle, due to poorly sewn closures that can't take the stress; or, (c) at the tab end, where the belt tears due to inferior leather. You can pay $20 for a cheap commercial belt knowing you will be replacing it in a couple of months.
OR
You can go to Pike Place, visit Marakesh Leather, and buy a beautiful belt that you can pretty well figure will last you many years, if not a lifetime. Marakesh has a huge selection of belts in multiple colors. You can find them in a (relatively) narrow dress belt, or in a wide casual belt. The patterned belts are works of art. Even the plain belts show the quality of the leather and the care taken in tanning the hide. Marakesh belts are custom-fitted to your waist while you wait, so they fit perfectly. The belts come with your choice of buckle and are attached to the belt with a one- or two-snap loop (meaning they won't fail and the buckle can be changed).
Yes, you'll pay between $32-$44 for a Marakesh belt (buckle included). But that is a very reasonable price considering the quality of the product, and it is steal compared to the typical commercial belt you know you will have to buy again . . . and again . . . and again.
You will love Marakesh Leather's belts. They're truly beautiful. And the folks who run the stall are super-nice and helpful. Please give them a visit. You won't regret it.