Smathers & Branson

Smathers & Branson is an American accessories label founded in 2004 by Bowdoin College friends Peter Smathers Carter and Austin Branson, who turned hand-stitched needlepoint belts gifted to them into a business. Working from Maryland, the brand hand-stitches every piece and finishes it with leather trim, spanning belts, wallets, card cases, key fobs, hats and Belgian loafers. Motifs lean nautical, golf, collegiate, sporting and holiday, and a custom program serves schools, clubs and corporate gifting. Belts run roughly $195, small leather goods $35 to $145, loafers $395. Distribution includes direct sales and traditional menswear retailers such as J.Press.