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An Everyday Fashion Essential Made From Water Bottles

by Katie Wallace | Updated: September 16, 2019

When you think about recycling, fashion and design probably don’t come to mind. But did you know that awesome accessories can be made using recycled water bottles? We recently tried out some colorful stretchy belts that help solve several problems. Jelt Belts hold up pants, they are made from recycled materials and they inspire social change. Made in Montana, Jelt Belts combine fashion and function in a streamlined belt designed for men, woman and kids.

This post was sponsored by Jelt. All opinions are our own.

Jelt Belts effectively keep pants up while riding bikes

Effectively keeps pants up

We received a few Jelt Belts to try out and my kids have been wearing them daily. Especially for kids who are sometimes in between sizes, a stretchy belt is great to keep pants up while kids are exploring and riding bikes. I’ve worn my digital camo belt with jeans and shorts alike. The design of these belts is great; no fuss, with a comfortable snugness that keeps pants up.

Jelt Belts have a length of sturdy elastic that’s made from recycled water bottles and a no-metal buckle that easily slides together. These belts have a grippy rubber gel texture on the side that touches your clothing, which effectively keeps the belt in place. My daughter sometimes wears her Jelt Belt with a pair of shorts that doesn’t have belt loops, with no issues of it slipping down. If you do have belt loops, a Jelt Belt easily slips through the belt loops and snugs around the waist.

Jelt Belts come in general sizes XS, S, M and L. The belts measure specific lengths, but they stretch a few more inches to create a perfectly snug fit. The XS size fits kids, which I found comparable to the kid’s size 9/10.

An everyday fashion essential made from water bottles

Streamlined design that’s easy to put on

The streamlined buckle is another great Jelt Belt feature. It easily fits together and lays flat. The colorful elastic strap stretches comfortably to keep pants just tight enough. Kids can easily connect and disconnect this belt by pressing on the two buckle halves which slide apart.

My 7-year-old daughter enjoys picking out her own clothing and coordinating her own outfits. She started talking about wearing a belt because she’s often between sizes. A belt is very helpful to snug up loose pants, especially when a smaller clothing size would be too tight. I often buy my kids the next size up for some of their clothing so they can wear it for a long time. A Jelt Belt is a practical and stylish accessory for my daughter to wear with her favorite pair of jeans or jean shorts.

Jelt Belts effectively keep kids pants up

Looks good with everything

I love wearing accessories that go with lots of different outfits. The Jelt Belt design combines both fashion and function that coordinates with a variety of fashion styles. Jelt Belts come in classic colors such as black, teal and white. I especially like the digital camo pattern which adds some subtle color to any outfit. You could wear these colorful bands with the typical shorts and t-shirt look or with a dressier tunic.

Jelt Belts prevents awkward wardrobe mishaps

Prevents awkward wardrobe mishaps

It’s easy to go without a belt, until you realize you need a belt. When my toddler wants to be picked up and is particularly squirmy, I realize I need a belt. Sometimes a pair of shorts in my size feels a bit loose, which is easy to remedy with a streamlined Jelt Belt. And when you have to unexpectedly bend over without thinking to pull up your pants first, these stretchy belts have you covered.

Jelt Belts are designed by a Pacific Northwest entrepreneur

Designed by a Pacific Northwest entrepreneur!

Jelt Belts are made in the United States in Montana by entrepreneur Jen Perry. She founded Jelt as a social enterprise to create a universally-needed product and inspire change in her community. Jelt Belts are manufactured by women sewers living on rural Montana ranches. They’re also produced at the womenโ€™s prison in Billings, through the Montana Correctional Enterprise Program. This privileged program breaks the cycle of incarceration by interviewing, training and paying the women, giving them the skills and confidence needed to live a more productive life when released. Not only are these belts a very practical wardrobe essential, they also help produce community change!

Overall, Jelt Belts are a great fall fashion basic that go with many different outfit styles. You would never guess the strong elastic is made from recycled water bottles. Also these cool belts are a clever gift idea because they are uniquely designed and practical for everyday use.

You can choose from many Jelt Belt colors and shop hats and hoodies too! Will you go for classic black or something a little brighter?

everyday fashion jelt belt accessory

Katie Wallace
Katie Wallace

Hi, I’m Katie! I live with my husband and 4 kids in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. I love Jesus, coffee, creative projects, photography, and traveling. I’ve previously worked as a web designer, journalist, and barista. I hope you enjoy our creative projects and family adventures!

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Nina Bosken
Nina Bosken
6 years ago

Wow that’s so cool that they’re made out of recycled bottles! I love it! Do they make any other things besides belts?

Reply
Jessica
Jessica
6 years ago
Reply to  Nina Bosken

Hi Nina! Thanks so much for the nice comments about our small, woman-owned brand! We make a variety of branded hats and apparel that you can check out on our website but belts are our jam. You can check out all of our styles and colors at jeltbelt.com and enjoy… Read more »

Reply
Heather
Heather
6 years ago

What a great initiative! Love that these are made from plastics that would otherwise add to the pollution problem.

Reply
Jessica
Jessica
6 years ago
Reply to  Heather

Hi Heather!

Thanks for the kind words and for supporting our small, woman-owned brand. As a thank you to Katie’s readers, enjoy 15% off jeltbelt.com with promo: CREATEPLAYTRAVEL.

All the best,

The Jelt Team

Reply
Marysa
Marysa
6 years ago

What cute belts! I love how kid-frendly they are. We have had some belts in the past that just didn’t work out because they were too stiff and too fussy. These look great!

Reply
Jessica
Jessica
6 years ago
Reply to  Marysa

Hi Marysa,

Thanks for the kind words and for supporting our small, woman-owned brand. As a thank you to Katie’s readers, enjoy 15% off jeltbelt.com with promo: CREATEPLAYTRAVEL.

All the best,

The Jelt Team

Reply
Garf
Garf
6 years ago

Wow, belts made with water bottles. I can hardly tell they are made with water bottles. They look cute!

Reply
Jessica
Jessica
6 years ago
Reply to  Garf

Hi Garf,

Thanks for the kind words and for supporting our small, woman-owned brand. As a thank you to Katie’s readers, enjoy 15% off jeltbelt.com with promo: CREATEPLAYTRAVEL.

All the best,

The Jelt Team

Reply
Alex Vitte
Alex Vitte
6 years ago

These belts are super cute and perfect for kids since they are stretchy !

Reply
Jessica
Jessica
6 years ago
Reply to  Alex Vitte

Hi Alex!

Thanks for the kind words and for supporting our small, woman-owned brand. As a thank you to Katie’s readers, enjoy 15% off jeltbelt.com with promo: CREATEPLAYTRAVEL.

All the best,

The Jelt Team

Reply
Chastity
Chastity
6 years ago

So cute these belts are! I am not a belt person because it never fits my waist well. These are so cute and fun with jeans

Reply
Jessica
Jessica
6 years ago
Reply to  Chastity

Hi Chastity,

Thanks for the kind words and for supporting our small, woman-owned brand. As a thank you to Katie’s readers, enjoy 15% off jeltbelt.com with promo: CREATEPLAYTRAVEL.

All the best,

The Jelt Team

Reply
Natural Beauty And Makeup
Natural Beauty And Makeup
6 years ago

Wow, belts made of recycled water bottles ๐Ÿ˜ฒ That’s so cool! The Jelt belt looks great and I would love to give it a try โ˜บ

Reply
Jessica
Jessica
6 years ago
Reply to  Natural Beauty And Makeup

Hi there,

Thanks for the kind words and for supporting our small, woman-owned brand. As a thank you to Katie’s readers, enjoy 15% off jeltbelt.com with promo: CREATEPLAYTRAVEL.

All the best,

The Jelt Team

Reply
Catherine Santiago Jose
Catherine Santiago Jose
6 years ago

Wow, that is so amazing that these days many of recycled items our being sell everywhere. This belt is so cute and proved that we do better, better from the old days. Hoping to see and buy more recycling products.

Reply
Jessica
Jessica
6 years ago
Reply to  Catherine Santiago Jose

Hi Catherina,

Thanks for the kind words and for supporting our small, woman-owned brand. As a thank you to Katie’s readers, enjoy 15% off jeltbelt.com with promo: CREATEPLAYTRAVEL.

All the best,

The Jelt Team

Reply
Terri Steffes
Terri Steffes
6 years ago

I think the belts are adorable! It’s nice that they have different designs and that they also have smaller belts for the kids. Thanks for introducing me to this brand!

Reply
Jessica
Jessica
6 years ago
Reply to  Terri Steffes

Hi Terri,

Thanks for the kind words and for supporting our small, woman-owned brand. As a thank you to Katie’s readers, enjoy 15% off jeltbelt.com with promo: CREATEPLAYTRAVEL.

All the best,

The Jelt Team

Reply
eli
eli
6 years ago

Ooh I love seeing that more and more products are being made from recycled materials! I worked with a swimwear company before that made their swimsuits out of recycled plastic! So cool.

Reply
Jessica
Jessica
6 years ago
Reply to  eli

Hi Eli,

Thanks for the kind words and for supporting our small, woman-owned brand. As a thank you to Katie’s readers, enjoy 15% off jeltbelt.com with promo: CREATEPLAYTRAVEL.

All the best,

The Jelt Team

Reply
Ashley Rollins
Ashley Rollins
6 years ago

These belts are so cute. But even bette,r I love that it’s made from recycled materials!

Reply
Jessica
Jessica
6 years ago
Reply to  Ashley Rollins

Hi Ashley,

Thanks for the kind words and for supporting our small, woman-owned brand. As a thank you to Katie’s readers, enjoy 15% off jeltbelt.com with promo: CREATEPLAYTRAVEL.

All the best,

The Jelt Team

Reply
Sue-Tanya Mchorgh
Sue-Tanya Mchorgh
6 years ago

I love how cool these Jelt belts look. I would definitely get one.

Reply
Jessica
Jessica
6 years ago
Reply to  Sue-Tanya Mchorgh

Hi there,

Thanks for the kind words and for supporting our small, woman-owned brand. As a thank you to Katie’s readers, enjoy 15% off jeltbelt.com with promo: CREATEPLAYTRAVEL.

All the best,

The Jelt Team

Reply
kumamonjeng
kumamonjeng
6 years ago

I love these fashion outfit, super cute and I think the belt really is a bonus and add in more taste to it.

Reply
Jessica
Jessica
6 years ago
Reply to  kumamonjeng

Hi there,

Thanks for the kind words and for supporting our small, woman-owned brand. As a thank you to Katie’s readers, enjoy 15% off jeltbelt.com with promo: CREATEPLAYTRAVEL.

All the best,

The Jelt Team

Reply

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Hi, I'm Katie and we are the Wallace family! We homeschool, go on adventures, and travel internationally with our four kids. I hope you enjoy our creative ideas on Create. Play. Travel.

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๐Ÿ’ก Essential tips for traveling with our 4 kids! ๐Ÿ’ก Essential tips for traveling with our 4 kids!

๐Ÿงณ Pack light with items that do more

We bring clothes that mix and match, quick-dry layers, fold-flat totes, and activities that encourage creativity. Think art supplies and travel board games. The less we carry, the more we can explore.

๐Ÿฅช Eat often and try new flavors
We use snack stops and meals to experience local culture. Bakeries, fruit stands, and small cafรฉs become our favorite spots. 

๐Ÿž๏ธ Choose simple adventures over packed days
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๐Ÿ“ฑ Use screens sparingly
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๐Ÿ”ฆ Encourage curiosity
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In Lyon our cozy home had beautiful living spaces and a swimming pool that our kids absolutely loved.ย ๐Ÿ’ฆโ˜€๏ธ

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We visited the Trevi Fountain in Rome during Easte We visited the Trevi Fountain in Rome during Easter weekend. โ›ฒ๏ธโœจ Even though the streets of Rome were packed, this site had crowd control security, who only let a few people down in front of the fountain at a time.

We stood in line for 10 minutes, and were given unrushed time to take photos and video clips in front of this iconic landmark. ๐Ÿ“ธ We have no idea whether this is normal, but it was such a special highlight in Rome! 

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๐ŸŒ‰ Destination Highlight: Tower Bridge, London! ๐ŸŒ‰ Destination Highlight: Tower Bridge, London! ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง

Tower Bridge ended up being such a memorable stop! The walkways offer amazing views of the River Thames and the city skyline.

โœจ Fun facts:

Tower Bridge opened in 1894 after eight years of construction.

Itโ€™s a bascule bridge, meaning the roadway lifts up for tall ships to pass through.

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A day exploring London with four kids! โ˜€๏ธ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง

Here are a few of our favorite family-friendly spots ๐Ÿ‘‡

โœจ Big Ben & the London Eye โ€“ Iconic landmarks and amazing views around Westminster.

๐ŸŒ‰ Tower Bridge โ€“ An interactive, educational stop that our kids absolutely loved!

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