Personalization at Gavere Leather is more than decoration—it’s part of our DNA. It’s a legacy born from family, freedom, and a passion for leather that started in 1973.
From College Sandals to Custom Name Belts
Jeff Gavere learned leatherworking in college, starting with handmade sandals. After trying out the corporate world, he and his wife Linda launched Gavere Leather in 1973. Traveling the U.S. in a converted school bus, they sold leather belts at craft fairs, building what would later become a trusted American brand for custom belts and accessories.
Theme Parks, Craft Fairs, and the Rise of Western Name Belts
The business took off inside major amusement parks like Universal Studios and Six Flags, where customers wanted personalized leather belts they could take home as souvenirs. Name belts became a favorite—especially among rodeo fans, ranch workers, and anyone looking for a belt that was uniquely theirs.
From fairs to retail shops to online orders today, engraved leather belts have remained one of our most requested items.
Why Fonts Matter in Custom Leather Belts
Every name belt begins with a font—and the right one makes all the difference. Whether you want a western-style belt or a clean, everyday look, your font choice helps tell your story.
-
Western fonts for rodeo or cowboy themes
-
Block lettering for rugged, bold styles
-
Classic serif for clean, formal engraving
All of our fonts are tested to emboss deeply into top-grain cowhide—which means your name won’t wear off or fade over time.
How We Personalize: The Font + Leather Combo
Our permanent leather personalization is done with a laser. After choosing a font style, a laser burns the text into the leather and then we apply a dark antique finish to seal it and make it show up very nicely.
"The belt is beautiful and well crafted."
— Verified Etsy Customer
Every custom name belt is made with:
-
American-sourced, oak-tanned leather
-
A 16-step hand-finishing process
-
Personalized embossing done in-house
A Belt You’ll Wear for Years
We’ve seen customers come back 10+ years later, still wearing the same personalized belt they bought as a teen or received as a gift.
"Great craftsmanship, great material. Very happy with my belt."
— Matthew Rogers, Etsy Review
These belts don’t just hold your jeans up—they hold memories. That’s why personalization remains at the center of what we do.
Our Font Selection for Engraved Leather Belts
We offer 10+ fonts on our site—each carefully chosen for readability, durability, and style. Whether you’re ordering a men’s name belt, a women’s custom belt, or a gift for your kids, there’s a style to match.
Popular choices include:
-
Western Fancy
-
Rodeo Round
-
Block Serif
Want help choosing? check here all the options available
Carrying On the Tradition of Leather Belts USA
Today, every belt is still made in High Springs, Florida using the same principles Jeff and Linda built the business on: quality materials, personal touch, and designs that last.
Our commitment to American-made leather belts and real personalization sets us apart—and our fonts are a big part of that tradition.
Ready to Personalize a Belt That’ll Last?
-
Pick your belt style
-
Choose your font
-
Add your name
-
Get a belt that lasts 10 years (or more)
Shop Custom Name Belts
Explore Font Styles
Browse Western Belts