Abstract: The present invention provides a belt with an autogenous closure system. The autogenous closure system includes a length of belt strap, and a retainer means that is at least partially affixed to or formed from the belt strap. The retainer means can be a continuous piece of material with one or more slits cut into it to form two or more retainer elements adjacent to each other, or it can comprise two or more separate retainer strips. In operation, the tongue end of the belt strap is threaded through the retainer strips or retainer elements, forming a U-shaped bend around the edge of the retainer element that is furthest from the base of the belt strap and then passing through an aperture formed by the retainer element closer to the base. A method of manufacturing a belt with an autogenous closure system is also provided.