J&K of Hong Kong releases about 100 new styles monthly, a recent one being 7.5cm-wide cinch belt model FGG16BT-7001. The elastic band and PU leather belt features metal rivet trimmings.

In Hong Kong and mainland China, suppliers of wide belts continue to use conventional nonleather materials but are updating the look of their designs with various treatments, finishes and handmade details.

PU remains the material of choice, but this preferred alternative to leather is being treated with finishes generally done on genuine hides such as patent, metallic, brushed, glazed and crinkled. Some PU designs from the mainland even resemble crazy horse, a type of genuine leather that went through a unique tanning process involving oil and wax. Crazy horse PU, although not made from real hides, mimics the finish of genuine types.

To add texture, suppliers are embossing PU with reptilian patterns such as snake or alligator skin. Others are adding ruched leather bands or ruffled trimmings. There are also a number of companies offering braided belts, some plaited by hand.

For design consistency, most belts have buckles wrapped in the same main material and matching pattern. A number of them are engraved and stamped with floral or animal motifs, or come shaped like fruit. Still others feature rhinestone inlays and a few are even fully encrusted.

In terms of belt styles, makers are launching waist-cinching pieces in widths ranging from 3 to 4 inches to complement the trend for unstructured and voluminous silhouettes in garments.

The cinches have large elastic bands in the same color as the front synthetic leather panels, and feature large metal clasps in interesting shapes such as butterflies and flowers. Some models have oversized patent leather bows or intricately carved buckles with rhinestone trimming. The panels are curved to accentuate the waist and are often adorned with grommets.

Companies are also launching contour belts in embossed crocodile or snakeskin finishes, with large, covered or plastic buckles. Some suppliers offer styles in pile fabric with zebra and leopard-skin prints.

Sash belts come in soft matte synthetic leather in muted yellows, emerald greens and candy pinks or white, black and silver patent finishes. Makers are emphasizing fancy details such as tie-up bows, metal rings, ruffled trimmings and ruched leather bands.

Some suppliers have also released gold-plated metal chain belts, usually adorned with decorative wire trimming and large, multicolor synthetic gemstones.

Oversized models in corselet, kidney, layered and obi styles are available as well. Makers are combining different materials for the bands and accents, including PU leather, embroidered silk, velvet ribbons and metal hardware. Designs range from reversible silk obis with wraparound ties to layered belts with two or more buckled bands in textured synthetic leather. Corselets are trimmed with strips of lace or crocheted fabric.

Many makers continue to offer cowboy belts, creating a new spin with studded screen printing, interesting stitching techniques and engraved or stamped buckles. The latest models come in a vintage look, with antique-finished hardware and oval buckles.

Some companies have also released wide synthetic leather belts in brushed silver, rose and bright gold, with laser cutout effects. Braided belts come in PU, or cotton, polyester, nylon or linen twine in silver, gray and white.
Samples ready in one day

	In soft metallic PU, this model from YMY of mainland China has a wrapped alloy buckle and measures 110x6.2cm. Price is $0.62.

Makers are emphasizing speedy design development and sampling time in line with the trend for fast fashion. Many companies keep popular colors of PU leather and a variety of trimmings in stock to finish prototypes within two weeks.

The speed by which samples can be finished, however, does not necessarily depend on the size of the R&D teams but mainly on the efficiency of the specialists.

Mainland-based Shining Star Fashion Accessory Co. Ltd only has two designers and four sample makers in its R&D team but they can finish prototypes in three days.

Likewise, YMY Fashion Ornaments Co. Ltd has two designers and three personnel responsible for making patterns and samples. The R&D team can complete samples in three days as well.

But a large team of efficient R&D specialists certainly makes for rapid sampling time. In Hong Kong, Li Yu Belt Mfg Ltd's 30-strong R&D team can finish samples in just one day and release up to five new styles daily.

In general, design teams can launch up to 30 new styles per month, with multiple variations in size, trimming and color combination per style. Even companies that focus on OEM have established R&D teams, mainly to offer buyers ideas for construction and materials.

Among the mainland-based suppliers interviewed for this report, Sunshine Fashion Accessory Co. Ltd releases up to 20 new styles monthly while Jinhua Risesun Belt & Ornaments Co. Ltd can launch 25.

About 50 new designs are produced monthly at Big Best International Trade Co. Ltd, and as many as 80 models are released at Wenzhou Pleasure Industry Co. Ltd.

In Hong Kong, Pollux Enterprise Ltd launches up to 30 new designs each month. J&K Fashion Industrial Ltd can release 100 new styles monthly, but this includes designs for the company's other products.

Makers are also adopting different strategies to increase production efficiency and in turn, shorten delivery time. Hung Wan Leather Co. Ltd of Hong Kong is following the 5S philosophy from Japan to improve its operations. Aside from this, the company has increased the number of QC inspectors and required them to include recommendations in the checking procedure to avoid repeating errors.