Floyd the Amish Belt Maker.
For many years, customers have asked us to make a belt. We’ve humbly said “good idea”, but have opted to stick to our knitting. Then one day, the idea of an Amish-made belt put this idea on the front burner. Instantly, the concept of a Bills Khakis belt had meaning. Hand-made in Pennsylvania by one person whose chosen way of life captures the essence of Bills Khakis at its most extreme.
Timeless, simple, understated, reliable, enduring… the same words that we like to think can be used to describe Bills Khakis can be used to describe the Amish.
There was only one problem, where were we going to find an Amish belt maker with the aptitude to make belts for the modern world?
We found Floyd in the mountains of Pennsylvania. His workshop lies only a few miles from the highest point in the state. His shop is spartan and spotless. Near the back of the building, there were two small boys playing quietly. They were as well behaved as any children I have ever witnessed and very curious about us. Floyd’s tools, if not powered by air compression, were operable by hand.
The design of the belt was a collaborative effort - a blend of our vision and the capabilities of Floyd using his tooling and machinery to define the aesthetic.
Stitching, rivets, dyes, leather stamping and cutting all factored heavily into the design process. It was a refreshingly rewarding experience and continues to be as we explore additional styles for future seasons.
What started as a typical sourcing trip ended as a welcome reminder that what we make is as important as how and where we make it. Floyd’s workshop remains a touchstone for us as we hope Bills Khakis is for you.