If you’re looking for well-made menswear accessories, Fort Belvedere has you covered. They offer incredible products that you won’t find anywhere else.
I read the Gentleman’s Gazette long before I started writing about menswear. As a history buff, I loved that the site provided extensive context for menswear staples.
The site is an indispensable resource for formalwear, in particular. It was the first resource I consulted when writing my black tie guide.
Gentleman’s Gazette offers not only informative articles and videos, they also have an extensive online shop — Fort Belvedere.
Last fall, I met Raphael and Teresa Schneider and the rest of the GG gang at the Belvedere Bash in Minneapolis. It was an event I won’t soon forget. Not only did I make several new friends, I loved the workshop sessions.
My main takeaway from Raphael’s presentation was that a mindboggling amount of time and attention goes into creating a new Fort Belevere product or colorway. While looking over samples later at the event, I could easily see the quality.
Not long after the Bash, I was thrilled to receive an email asking if I’d like to receive some samples for review.
After months of rigorous testing, here is my unbiased, unsponsored Fort Belvedere review.
Fort Belvedere History
First, we’ll start with some background information.
Years ago, Gentleman’s Gazette fans asked where they could find items featured on the channel. Raphael often admitted that they were vintage — in other words, there wasn’t a reliable place to source similar items.
According to a Gentleman’s Gazette Q&A, GG began selling products in their online shop, Fort Belvedere, around 2013.
Today, Fort Belvedere has an extensive catalog of menswear accessories, clothing, fragrances, and more.
Why the High Cost?
One of the first things you’ll likely notice as you browse Fort Belvedere’s website is the price point. Prices are likely higher than you’ve seen before. You may be shocked to see $500 gloves, $400 cufflinks, and $45 boutonnières.
Why such high prices?
First, consider this statement from FB:
“For us, quality starts with the design of a product. Beginning with the purpose of the piece, we analyze and then design the item to be functional, beautiful and durable. Subsequently, we source the best materials for that purpose and test them. We look at the raw hides of animals and the way they are dyed, we compare silks and printing processes, and test durability so we can decide what works best. Moreover, we choose the specific yarns, interlinings, metals, etc., in order to ensure our product provides a great value.”
As I mentioned, when I attended the Belvedere Bash last year, Raphael led a workshop. He explained in great detail what it takes to create a Fort Belvedere product. I was absolutely astounded at the painstaking effort he, Teresa, and the team exert throughout the process.
He also passed around firsthand samples of quality Fort Belvedere products and inferior items so attendees could see and feel the difference.
I learned that something as seemingly insignificant as the type of fabric lining the cash pocket of a wallet can affect the user’s experience. Thus, the team carefully considered cash pocket lining fabric options before personally testing what they believed was the best option for their slim wallet.
I’m not exaggerating when I say that no detail was overlooked when designing these products.
I’ve reviewed many items throughout my career, and these are some of the most impressive I’ve ever come across. While the prices may be a deterrent to some (and if you’re on a very tight budget, rightfully so), I truly think they are justified.
Fort Belvedere Review (X Items)
Here is my hands-on look at Fort Belvedere’s products:
Evening Scarf in Black and White Silk Satin
When I attended the Belvedere Bash back in October, I saw formal evening scarves for the first time.
I remember trying one on and thinking, “This is pretty cool. I want one someday.”.
Traditionally, evening scarves were worn with formal evening overcoats. True evening coats are incredibly rare these days.
Instead, you can wear them with your fine wool overcoats while traveling to soirées.
Not only that, you can wear evening scarves inside as well.
Wearing one is a great way to stand out at a black-tie event but in a classic, elegant way. It’s a much better option than wearing an outrageous-colored tuxedo or otherwise breaking conventional black-tie rules at a formal event.
I’ve already worn my evening scarf on several occasions, including to and from formal events.
I tried wearing it draped over my shoulders hanging down outside of my overcoat as well as tucked underneath my outerwear. The latter is more discrete, but the former allows the scarf to be on full display — demonstrating its elegant drape and fantastic fringe.
Not only that, when draped over the shoulders the double-sided nature of the scarf is more visible. I think that it’s quite visually interesting when a slice of the black silk side is just visible behind the cascade of white fabric.
Be warned, though — it does draw attention.
After one fantastic evening event, I took a stroll around town while wearing my evening scarf and gloves. It was quite late, and I was the only one out on the otherwise deserted streets.
On the way back to my car, a man appeared seemingly out of nowhere. He crossed the middle of the street and made a beeline for me. His dress and demeanor were very suspicious. My gut instinct was to continue walking confidently at the same pace and pretend to ignore him.
I could see in my peripheral vision that he looked me over before passing mere feet away from me and disappearing into an alleyway.
All this to say, there are times that you may want to fly under the radar and avoid wearing a conspicuous white silk scarf with a tuxedo. Use your common sense. (What was I thinking?)
With that tangent aside, I’ll mention that I’ also wore the scarf (always white-side out) indoors before my formal event that evening started. Since the occasion was black-tie optional (with few people opting for a full tux) — I opted to remove the scarf before the program began.
In that instance, I didn’t want to draw attention to myself, especially considering it was a particularly somber occasion.
One reviewer on Fort Belvedere’s site mentions frustration at the inclusion of a prominent “Fort Belvedere” green tag at the bottom of the white side of the scarf.
I don’t have a problem with it at all. For one thing, the tag is well-made. Also, it’s attached with a single green stitch on each corner. One could simply carefully snip the stitches to remove the tag without damaging the scarf. (I’ve considered removing the tag but have not yet done so.)
At $305, this scarf certainly isn’t for everyone. However, if you attend formal occasions frequently and are looking for ways to add dimension to your formalwear, the Fort Belvedere scarf is a great option.
White Men’s Evening Leather Gloves Unlined
Like a quality silk evening scarf, white leather gloves are another piece of formalwear from a bygone era.
White gloves were once an essential part of a gentleman’s formal wardrobe. However, they are becoming increasingly uncommon.
To me, wearing formal white gloves shows that the wearer possesses a certain respect for tradition.
Fort Belvedere’s evening gloves are unlined and designed to fit snugly for an elegant look.
These handsewn Napa leather gloves have three points on the back of the hand and a button closure.
They also have contrasting black leather quirks (the area that goes over the web of the fingers).
I’ve worn these gloves perhaps five or six times so far. They are very comfortable despite their close fit. Being unlined and well-fitting, they allow for greater dexterity than any other gloves I’ve ever worn.
With these on, I can perform tasks that require fine motor skills. For example, I can easily tie my shoes or button small buttons.
Like my evening scarf, I’ve found that they are great to wear while driving to and from formal events. I’ve also worn them walking around town after events.
I haven’t yet worn them inside, even though it is perfectly acceptable according to traditional black-tie norms. The last few formal events I’ve attended have been in a rural environment, and I, again, didn’t want to go against the grain.
However, in the next year or so, I intend on attending a formal event in London, and I’ll certainly wear them then.
Light Tan Men’s Dress Leather Gloves
I was surprised to find two pairs of light tan cashmere-lined leather gloves (sizes 7.5 and 8) included in my package from Fort Belvedere.
Similar to the evening gloves, these are crafted from Nappa leather and are handmade in Hungary.
Like all of the FB gloves I tried, they too have a button closure. In this instance, the button is faced in black leather, matching the black leather trim at the wrist.
The inclusion of forchettes allows for increased movement and comfort.
The cashmere lining is extremely comfortable and helps to keep in warmth. I wore these gloves on a late evening walk, and I couldn’t help thinking how much better they were than the old running gloves I used to wear with my wool overcoats.
While they are great gloves, I find myself gravitating much more strongly towards the FB peccary gloves.
I, for one, really love my peccary gloves (more on them in a moment). Surprisingly, I rarely find that they are too warm, even on more mild days. I do tend to run cold, so this may not be the case for everyone.
Also, I much prefer dark-colored gloves over lighter variants.
Although I understand that traditionally, men’s gloves come in many different colors, I feel most comfortable wearing black or dark-colored gloves. Of course, this is simply a matter of personal preference.
Peccary Gloves in Charcoal Black with Rabbit Fur Lining
While blown away by the peccary gloves I examined at the Belvedere Bash, I wasn’t sure if they were for me. Before requesting a sample, I sent Raphael the following question:
“I’m a bit apprehensive of peccary leather because, as I understand it, the peccary is a threatened species. During the Belvedere Bash, you explained a bit about peccary leather harvesting — would you be able to please explain a little bit more about how the leather is sourced sustainably in a way that doesn’t negatively harm the peccary population?”
Raphael replied:
“Peccary leather is controlled by Cites…
CITES, which also covers all sorts of exotic leathers and animal products, has a clear understanding of how many animals are harvested or killed and if that is sustainable. If they see a problem, they put it on a different list.
For example, shark skin leather was freely tradeable up until now. Now it is part of Cites, and you have to comply with all regulations. Because of this, the entire production chain is much more regulated than, let’s say, cowhide or lambskin.”
Looking into Cites, I learned that it stands for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. It is an international trade agreement that assures that specimens aren’t overharvested in a way that threatens the survival of the species.
Satisfied by his answer, I requested a pair of fur-lined peccary gloves.
I have to say — they are incredible!
They are very warm and, of course, remarkably comfortable. They worked great for me down until about -15 or 20 degrees Fahrenheit. At that point, quality mittens are preferable for long outdoor excursions.
That said, they’re also still quite comfortable at 30 to 45 degrees and even above.
These gloves are a matte charcoal black with dark green quirks.
They were made with one-piece hand-cut construction out of peccary leather. Artisans in Hungary spent eight hours in the process.
The rabbit fur lining shed somewhat during the first few wears, which is to be expected. That issue has diminished significantly over time.
The gloves, like all the other pairs of Fort Belvedere gloves I tried, have gauntlet buttons. This feature completely eliminates my gripe about the Dent’s gloves I reviewed a while back. I absolutely detested how the Dent’s gloves would constantly catch on my coat sleeve, leaving my wrist exposed.
I actually leave the gauntlet buttons on my peccary gloves done up as I find my hands still go in and out easily without the leather stretching at all.
These gloves look more “chunky” than the other two pairs. That’s because they are fur-lined and built to be able to withstand extreme conditions. However, they still look elegant. I wear them frequently with my formal wool coats.
I’ve shown these gloves to several friends. Every single time I let a friend try them on, they’re amazed at just how cozy and comfortable they are.
I fully expect that I’ll still be getting use out of these gloves 10, 20, or even 30 years in the future. They’re that well-built.
Out of all of the Fort Belvedere items I’ve tested, these are probably my favorite.
Yes, they’re expensive — coming in at the eye-watering price of $500 a pair.
Are they worth it?
Honestly, I think they are.
Let me explain.
These gloves are advertised as “The best lined gloves money can buy.” Unlike the thousands of signs for the world’s best cup of coffee, this is a claim I actually believe. I truly think that these are most likely the absolute best lined gloves available on the market.
I’ve heard Raphael speak at length about the research, materials sourcing, manufacturing, and testing that’s gone into Fort Belvedere’s peccary gloves. It’s clear that it’s been a passion project for him and the Gentleman’s Gazette team for years.
Hearing just how much work has gone into making these gloves a reality, I highly doubt anyone else has taken the trouble to create at this high a level.
Think about it — the best in the world. For comparison, suits from some of the best bespoke makers can start at $10k and go way up into the stratosphere from there. With that in mind, $500 for the best gloves doesn’t seem so outrageous.
If you have a passion for quality, comfort, and durability, I’d recommend saving up for a pair of Fort Belvedere’s fur-lined peccary gloves.
White Linen Pocket Square with Burgundy Red Handrolled X Stitch
This pocket square is unique, in part, because of its unusual size. It is made to fit comfortably in a suit’s breast pocket without falling down.
Also, it’s crafted from quality Italian or Irish linen. Craftsmen painstakingly hand-roll the edges and hand-stitch a contrasting ‘x’ pattern around the entire perimeter.
This is my first linen pocket square. Up until this point, I’ve only owned cotton and silk varieties. I really like this pocket square’s texture and quality finish. It’s fast becoming one of my favorite suit accessories.
I like that it doesn’t fall down into my pocket over the course of the day like my small white silk pocket square. Also, the contrast stitching on a white base provides some visual interest without deviating too much from my typical pure white silk pocket.
Speaking of which, if I do want an all-white square, I can simply readjust this one so that only the white fold is visible.
At $75, this item, once again, commands a high price. I think that $75 is very reasonable, and were I to find this pocket square out “in the wild” I’d be happy to pay that price.
Alpaca Scarf Double Sided in Dark Blue and Grey
I’m convinced that a dark-colored alpaca scarf is one of the most versatile winter accessories a man can own.
One reason that this is my favorite scarf is because it is thinner than most of the other scarves I’ve worn. While thin, it is very warm.
Additionally, it is double-sided. I always wear the charcoal side out, but I like how sometimes the lighter side is partially visible. It creates intrigue to an otherwise monotonous, dark-colored ensemble.
Being alpaca, this scarf is hypo-allergenic — so it won’t irritate your skin or sinuses.
The length is perfect. I typically wear the scarf draped over my shoulders and tuck the ends under my coat or let them hang loose if my coat is unbuttoned.
If I was to only own one scarf, this would be it.
Dress Socks (And Evening Socks)
Fort Belvedere sent me three pairs of socks — Navy Blue & White Two-Tone Solid Formal Evening Socks, Over The Calf in Black Silk Socks, and Shadow Stripe Ribbed Socks.
They are of the best quality and made in Italy. These socks are crafted from luxurious silk and/or cotton.
You can wear the silk socks with a tuxedo and feel comfortable, thanks to their hand-finished craftsmanship.
Unlike with your run-of-the-mill mid-calf “dress” socks, these reach all the way over the calf. Thus, there is no chance of accidentally exposing your unsightly leg hair while you’re dressed to the nines.
Not only that, the Fort Belvedere team put extra attention into making sure that these socks won’t lose their ability to stay up over time.
The shadow stripe socks have subtle color variations that look interesting but are not at all eye-catching. They are great to wear with a regular business suit.
The other two pairs, however, are meant to be worn with formalwear.
Fort Belvedere’s black silk socks are advertised as the finest socks in the world. I believe it!
According to the listing:
“Combining exceptional cotton for structure and comfort and superlative silk for a marvelous luster, these socks are made from the best materials available. Utilizing highly specialized machines with an extremely rare 280 needle configuration, they have also been crafted to the highest possible standards for exceptional breathability, supreme comfort, and a glorious silky sheen…”
The silk formal socks are only for, you guessed it, formal events. Due to their delicate nature, don’t expect them to last nearly as long as your thick wool hiking socks. However, formal events are all about celebrating the moment and not worrying too much about practicality.
They are very elegant and pair well with my tuxedo.
The Two-Tone Solid Formal Evening Socks are slightly more casual than their black counterparts as they can be worn with a suit as well as formalwear.
I’ve worn them at a few black-tie events and loved the extra panache they provide.
Overall, all three pairs of socks would be a good buy.
Boutonnière
I’ve only ever worn a boutonnière at siblings’ weddings — until recently, that is.
At the Belvedere Bash, I was gifted a beautiful, realistic-looking silk boutonnière.
And when I say “realistic”, I mean it! It looks so close to the real thing. However, unlike a live flower, it won’t wilt on you.
Made in Germany with custom dyes and a secure threaded-wire stem, this correctly-proportioned artificial flower is of the utmost quality.
I wore it to a black-tie event a few months back.
However, for whatever reason, I haven’t worn it much since. Maybe it’s because I already regularly wear several accessories and I think that adding a boutonnière might be too much.
While perhaps not my cup of tea, I can say that these Fort Belvedere boutonnières are well-made and realistic. I’d challenge you to find better ones on the market.
Slim Cardholder Wallet in Full-Grain Leather
I use Fort Belvedere’s slim wallet daily. It’s by far the best wallet I’ve ever carried.
For a detailed explanation why, check out this article.
Monkey Fist Knot Cufflinks — 925 Sterling Silver Platinum Plated
The platinum-plated monkeyfist silver cufflinks have exceedingly fine detail. The quality is superb.
They do, however, take some getting used to, as I initially found them quite difficult to put on. However, after a few wears, my dress shirts “got used to them”. What I mean is that they’ve become easier to put on over time.
I love these cufflinks. It’s hard to overstate how much I like them.
While I have several other pairs of cufflinks in my collection, I don’t think I’ve worn any of them since this pair arrived.
Each pair is crafted by a German master jeweler according to the conventions of the Golden Age of Menswear. Their size is perfect — not too big, not too small.
Since they’re platinum-plated, they won’t tarnish. There’s no polishing required!
They’re also nickel-free, so you won’t have to worry about any potential negative reactions on your skin.
The box is very nice, too.
Unfortunately, my box broke this week while I was closing it. However, that’s such a minor inconvenience, it doesn’t detract at all from the cufflinks’ stunning craftsmanship.
Roberto Ugolini Fragrences
I was surprised to find several fragrance vials among my samples. Come to find out, Fort Belvedere is the only source for genuine Roberto Ugolini fragrances in the United States.
To be honest, I know very little about fragrances, so I won’t attempt an in-depth review. I will say, however, that Roberto Ugolini offers delightful variety.
My favorite colognes of the bunch would probably have to be Marzocco (a sweet and creamy scent) or Blue Suede Shoes (which is woody and spicy).
Black Grosgrain Faille Evening Shoelaces
Fort Belvedere’s made-in-Italy black grosgrain shoelaces are perfect for evening wear.
They are only available in black because they’re meant for formal occasions. While one can wear regular black shoelaces with their highly-polished Oxfords, formal ribbon-like laces demonstrate that you’ve considered every detail.
According to Fort Belvedere, even if you regularly lace your shoes tightly and pull them very hard, these laces won’t snap.
I enjoy trying to incrementally improve my black-tie ensemble. Even if only to a small degree.
Wearing proper evening shoelaces is the perfect way to subtly show you’re a true menswear enthusiast.
Conclusion
I’ll say it again, these are some of the highest-quality products I’ve ever had the pleasure of reviewing.
There are very few “cons” I could find to contend with the great many “pros” of Fort Belvere’s products.
Yes, the prices are high, but, as I’ve explained, I don’t think that they’re at all outrageous for what you’re getting. At any rate, I think it’s better to have products that command high prices than to cut corners on quality.
Brands often have one or a handful of star products and some mediocre ones. It’s baffling how Fort Belvere sustains quality in different domains — it’s not just the textiles or metalwork that is well done; it’s everything. They just do things right.
What product from Fort Belvedere do you want to try out? Let me know in the comments!