You're holding something special when you pick up a belt from Texas Saddlery—a piece of honest craftsmanship rooted in American values. While most of our belts are made right here in the U.S., we want to be upfront about one part of the process: the leather itself is tanned just south of the border in Mexico. And there’s a good reason for that.
Why Not in the U.S.?
It might surprise you that almost all the leather used in American-made products is tanned outside the country. In fact, over 95% of leather tanning was moved overseas starting in the 1980s. That’s because strict environmental regulations, rising costs, and the closure of U.S. tanneries made it nearly impossible for the industry to keep up.
Texas Saddlery works with some of the best tanneries located across Mexico's border. These facilities are close enough to maintain short supply chains and high-quality control, which helps us avoid long shipping delays and keep costs fair for our customers.
What Still Happens in the USA?
Once that tanned leather gets to us, the rest of the work is done the way it’s been done for generations:
- Hand-cutting each belt from thick, full-grain hides
- Tooling and shaping the leather the old-school way
- Assembling and finishing each belt right here on American soil
This isn’t assembly-line work. This is American leatherwork. A time when making something well meant making it to last.
A Bit of History
America was once known worldwide as a manufacturing powerhouse. In the early 1900s, towns across the country were filled with saddle shops, leather workers, and small factories that made everything from belts to boots. People knew the value of building things that stood the test of time.
But as time went on, things changed. The big factories shut down. Cheaper labor and looser regulations overseas made it harder for small American shops to compete. Bit by bit, much of the leather industry was shipped elsewhere.
Even so, some folks never stopped doing things the right way.
Why It Matters
When you buy a belt from Texas Saddlery, you’re not just buying a piece of leather. You’re supporting American jobs, American families, and a legacy that refuses to fade away. Sure, we have to source our tanned hides from just across the border, but we make sure the rest of the journey, from raw leather to finished belt, happens right here in the U.S.
That means you’re getting something real. Something built with pride. Something that reminds you of the way things used to be, and still can be.
Built to Last
These days, more folks are chasing the lowest price tag, no matter what corners get cut to make it that cheap. Fast fashion and factory belts might be easy on your wallet up front, but they’ll wear out fast, stretch out, or break before long.
That’s why old sayings still ring true:
"Buy cheap, buy twice."
"If you buy it cheap, you’ll end up buying it again."
And our favorite:
"Buy once, cry once."
It means you might feel the pinch when you spend a little more on quality, but you’ll be glad later when that belt holds up year after year. Paying for quality now saves you money and headaches down the road.
Every Texas Saddlery belt is made to stand up to hard work, just like the folks who wear them. Whether you’re on the ranch, riding the trail, or heading into town, we believe your belt should hold up and look good..
We’re proud to do our part to keep American craftsmanship alive, one belt at a time.
Want to support American-made leatherwork? Shop Texas Saddlery Belts