The surcingle belt is of impeccable quality and I couldn't be more pleased. The leather has a nice texture and is reasonably thick. The cotton is dyed as expected and also seems sturdy. The buckle is solid brass, brass being the only metal for a gentleman's belt.
The pattern belt is clearly lower quality and workmanship; cheaper leather and lower quality assemble left me a little disappointed. The leather is just a single piece, not stitched and rather thin. I also had to substitute my order at the last minute because J. Press is really a retail store and their online inventory is not automatically updated--they sold out between when I placed my order and when they gathered the constituent parts the next morning. The buckle is slightly lighter, but also solid brass.Also noteworthy, both belts were mostly a cheaper alternative for these needlepoint belts that I covet to convey a summer state of mind. A non-leather belt is an excellent way to bring summer into professional or semi-professional attire. It is probably on the boarder of acceptable for a gentleman's causal look, one doesn't want too much out of the ordinary at the same time, but can be done correctly.
Finally, the pocket square has not yet been tested. I've purchased it for use with my pearl gray linen suit because linen on linen would be odd and I think the silk will offset nicely. I'm still considering a non-silk tie, but I don't think my date would take very well to anything too nontraditional (in her eyes) because "this is the only time I'll meet many of her friends."
The tremendously poor shipping experience has me second-guessing my intention of ordering some Shetland sweaters in the fall, but my satisfaction with the products will keep me from deciding just yet. Perhaps I'll stop at 82 Mt. Auburn Street on my way to Maine.
Rating:
Not the best