Review: Pampeano polo belt

In which G.M. Norton receives a leather belt fit for a (future) king.

Although I favour high rise trousers with a pair of braces these days, I still wear some trousers on my hips and a belt comes in jolly handy.

I find that the quality of belts can be very hit and miss these days. I bought one from good old M&S a few years ago, and it wasn’t cheap. Yet it only lasted a year at most. My last belt, from Samuel Windsor, lasted around four years so much better, but that too met it’s end a couple of months ago leaving me with just two others - a surcingle one and for the big kid in me, an elasticated snake belt like I had as a child.

I do appreciate a sturdy leather belt though, so was delighted to be contacted recently by a brand called Pampeano. They make some rather lovely polo belts, handcrafted in South America, in a variety of colourful designs. Keen to find out more about polo belts and indeed, Pampeano, I conducted a little research and discovered that both Prince William and Prince Harry wear Pampeano belts.

Well, if they’re good enough for royalty…

I also discovered that each belt can take up to five hours to make. Crikey!

After much umming and ahhing, I decided on the slightly more reserved Principe design, featuring cream diamonds with a red centre.

I’ve been wearing a lot of chinos this summer, which the Pampeano polo belt goes perfectly with. The buckle is nice and sturdy and the leather is of outstanding quality.

Pampeano offer debossing too, so naturally, I had to have my initials GMN etched onto it for an extra touch of luxury. Well, it would have been rude not to. You can have more obvious debossing in gold or silver, but I decided on the more simple blind embossing.

I absolutely adore my new belt. I feel reassured that like it is made to last, and it's a fun accessory. And like any good leather product, it will improve appearance with age. A Pampeano polo belt would make a fine gift for both men and women.

G.M. Norton

Protagonist of 'Norton of Morton'