Arcade Belts: Built to Move
A normal belt is fine until you bend, sit, ride or climb. Arcade founders Cody Townsend, Tristan Queen and David Bronkie worked that out while skiing around Lake Tahoe, and in 2010 they started making stretchy, washable belts in Olympic Valley, California. The name comes from Townsend's family background in the gaming business, but the idea is all about movement: a belt that flexes with you and stays comfortable all day, whether you're skating, travelling or just sitting at a desk.
Below you'll find what makes an Arcade belt different, how to choose between standard and slim widths, and the mountain people who wear them.
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What Makes an Arcade Belt Different
Arcade's A2 design packs a lot of thought into a simple accessory:
- Stretch webbing that gives when you move, then returns to shape.
- No holes: the buckle adjusts in small increments, so you get the exact fit rather than the nearest hole.
- Low-profile contoured buckle that sits flat under a tucked shirt or jacket.
- Tapered buckle end that slides through belt loops more easily.
- Elastic keeper to hold the loose end in place.
- Metal-free buckle, which makes it handy for travel.
- Machine washable and dryable on applicable models, so check the care details on the one you choose.
Standard or Slim?
Arcade belts come in two main widths. Standard belts are 1.5 inches (about 38mm) wide and suit jeans, work pants and most everyday bottoms. Slim belts are 1.25 inches (about 32mm) and are better for narrower belt loops, dressier pants and many women's jeans. Quest's range includes styles like the Atlas, Blackwood, Carto and Carry Slim, in a mix of colours and patterns. Shop instore or online. We ship Arcade Belts NZ wide.
Mountain People Wear Them
Arcade's roots are in the outdoors, and its ambassadors show it. Big-mountain skier and co-founder Cody Townsend is on the list, alongside climber, photographer and filmmaker Jimmy Chin.
