Calf/pony hair durability

Are calf/pony hair belts and bags doomed to wear out quickly because of the hair? My J. Crew belt developed 'bald' patches pretty quickly, and I don't know if that was because of the hair and rubbing, which belts and bags are prone to do, or whether it was an issue of quality. Any thoughts?

11 years ago

Shopping

6 replies

Latest reply was from Gigi

thimblelina

(website)

Veteran

I had a pair of Dalmatian print calf hair sneakers from Boden that were real workhorses... 5+ years of hard wear. The bald patches came very gradually. But a belt is getting a lot more direct abrasion from belt loops I would imagine. Every now & again when the hairs begin to look brushy & wild I smooth a tiny pearl size drop of good quality conditioner over them to smooth them back down.

11 years ago

ElleH

Veteran

I have a belt that got very bald very fast but I don't know if all hair calf items are equal. Perhaps some are of a better quality.

11 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

I have two pair of calf hair shoes. One from Sam Edelman the other from a smile brand I can't remember at the moment. Both were around the $75-$100 mark for shoes, to give you an idea of price.

Both have held up well (no bald spots) except for the back of the shoe where my heels rub against the floor when I drive.

11 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

I have a calf hair belt from J Crew, it's going on its third year. No bald spots yet.

11 years ago

DonnaF

Veteran

DD's calf hair shoes from Nordies' junior footwear department showed bald spots within a year of hard wear. I went over the black areas with Sharpie to extend their wear. My calf hair Dansko clogs don't show signs of wear after more than a year but I don't wear them often or in harsh weather.

11 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

I have a leopard print belt from BR that developed bald spots after a year of hard wear. I too have wondered whether it's a quality issue or whether it's just the nature of the beast.

11 years ago

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