The Story Behind Bands of L.A. Woven Belts
From L.A. dreams to everyday style
Bands of L.A. hails from sunny Los Angeles - big city, bigger dreams, boundless west-coast energy. The label celebrates the effortless, free-spirited lifestyle often associated with that LA creative vibe. Their motto? These bands are for “free spirits, adventurers, dreamers” - people who like to knot a bit of LA into wherever they are.
The idea for the brand sprang from founder Berit Freutel. She’s originally from Germany and lived in Vienna before crossing continents to Los Angeles. Once settled in L.A., she was inspired by the city’s blend of global creatives, dreamers and wanderers - and decided to build a label that captured that energy. Thus, Bands of L.A. was born.
What’s a woven belt all about? And why Bands of L.A. does it differently
Unlike a typical leather belt with a buckle, the woven belts from Bands of L.A. are soft, cotton-based, and designed to tie - so they’re adjustable, unisex, and versatile (jeans, dresses, jackets, even overcoats... whatever works for you)
They’re made from high-quality cotton, vegan, washable and one-size/fits-all. Length is usually around 145 cm, width about 4 cm - which means enough fabric to wrap around, knot, and still have a bit trailing (for that relaxed “I just threw this on” vibe)
Because they’re produced in Los Angeles, each belt basically carries a little piece of that laid-back West Coast energy with them.
Who makes them - the people & purpose behind the belts
Bands of L.A. are small-batch, ethically conscious, and intended for a community rather than a mass-production treadmill. The brand leans into a spirit of inclusivity, creativity and conscious consumption
The belts aren’t about hiding behind a big leather buckle — they’re about embracing simplicity, adjustability, and a handmade, artisanal feel. As they describe it: “a band – free spirits keeping it together. And a knot or two.”
Why a woven belt resonates (especially for those who love ethical / casual style)
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Sustainable & animal-friendly: Because they’re cotton/woven and vegan, they align with conscious fashion values.
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Versatile & gender-neutral: Works on jeans, dresses, jackets. Adjustable sizing and unisex design means it's more inclusive than many traditional belts.
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Easy care & durable: Washable cotton — no complicated leather maintenance.
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Casual coolness: The wrap-and-tie style gives a relaxed, effortless look — not stiff or preppy. It pairs nicely with laid-back outfits, loose cuts, boho layers, or even tailored trousers if you want a contrast.
Why do we love a Bands of L.A. Woven Belt at Jade and May?
We love the brand’s love of natural fibres, comfort, and laid-back styling. The brand feels like it fits with everything we aim to be: simple, unpretentious pieces that feel real, wearable and thoughtful - not flashy. Pieces to fit your life as you move through it, and not just for a season
