We Turned Our Supply Chain Upside Down—Here’s Why

The Belt That Took Two Years to Recreate

When you start a business, you quickly realize things can’t be perfect from day one. At Jelt, our belts have always been sewn and assembled in Montana, but we’ve spent years improving our supply chain, piece by piece. Two years ago, we set our sights on a bigger goal: fully sourcing our elastic in the United States. It took years of searching to find the right manufacturer who could create our belts from recycled plastic—without losing the look and feel that makes Jelt unique—but we finally did it.

Why We Decided to Change Everything 

In 1990, about 50% of clothing purchased in the U.S. was made domestically. Today, it’s closer to 2%.

We’ve always been proud that our products are made from recycled plastic, but we wanted to take it further. Could we make our belts entirely on U.S. soil?

Producing products overseas comes with a larger carbon footprint. It also distances you from the people making your products and makes it harder to keep a close eye on quality. We knew that if we could find a U.S. facility capable of producing the same high-quality elastic from recycled plastic, we had to bring production closer to home.

The Journey to U.S. Manufacturing

We spent months searching for the right elastic manufacturer. It’s a long process—communicating exactly what is needed, waiting for samples, making changes, and trying again. Today, our elastic is produced in North Carolina from U.S.-sourced recycled plastic.

Historically, our belts were made from recycled water bottles. Bottles are one of the most common sources of recycled plastic because they’re relatively clean and consistent. But now, our recycled plastic comes from industrial waste—excess scrap left over from other plastic products. Instead of heading to a landfill, this waste is transformed into the fabric that makes our belts.

What Makes the New Black JeltX Special

The Black JeltX has been a best-seller for years. It’s adjustable, comfortable, and matches everything. We ran out of black elastic in May 2025 and, instead of restocking with our old supplier, we made the tough call to wait until we had the first U.S.-produced elastic.

When we finally received the finished product, we knew we’d made the right choice. The Black JeltX looks and feels exactly like the belt you’ve loved for years—but now it’s made even closer to home.

We can’t wait for you to get your hands on it.

Looking Ahead: Patterns and Progress

We’ve got so many fun new patterns on the way—think bold florals, mountain landscapes, and more. And just like the Black JeltX, these will all come from our new North Carolina facility, using recycled plastic.

Our commitment is to keep improving our supply chain so you know you’re supporting the most sustainable option available. With only 2% of clothing made domestically today, we’re proud to offer a fully U.S.-made, sustainable belt.

Our next big step? Making our buckle from recycled plastic. (Spoiler: we’re REALLY close.)

Closing: Why It Matters

Small shifts in supply chains make a big impact. American-made products reduce the carbon footprint of the things we wear, and at Jelt, we’re proud to be part of that movement. At our core, we turn waste into something that lasts—keeping things local and making products that fit into your everyday life.

This Thursday, August 18th, the Black JeltX will officially be back in stock (and better than ever). Shop here.

Questions? Reach out anytime: amy@jeltbelt.com.