Abstract: A belt for use with a clamp type buckle having a sliding cinch bar and a method of making the belt. The belt includes an elongated outer fabric piece having a tab end, a buckle attachment end opposite the tab end and a pair of substantially parallel outer edges. Two thickening strips extend along the entire length of the belt and a spine member is sandwiched between the strips adjacent to the tab end of the belt. The length of the spine member is less than the length of the belt. The fabric piece is folded around the thickening strips and the spine member which are secured by stitches.