When it comes to your belt collection, you often wish for something better, like a buckle that more aptly captures your spirited individualism, or a mom who didn't always buy your belts. Take matters into your own hands, with Obscure Belts.

Crafted by an Illinois dude who recently made his triumphant return from Cali, OB's line of quality leather waistwear is distinguished by strikingly sculpted buckles in finishes like black chrome and aged steel with creative latching mechanisms that mandate a bit of trickery and finagling, like a girl from a Catholic high school. Some of the more technically interesting models include the Dial, which operates on a circular clickwheel perched on a curved triangle; the Slider, a rigid-looking square piece of metal that's unclasped, of course, by sliding over the facepiece, and the Excalibur, shaped similarly to the Dial but with a removable pin, and the additional hassle of a dude named Arthur constantly trying to convince you he's the only one who can take it out. Other artistically appealing action comes from waist-cinchers like Logo, a metal ring with a circular bite out of the corner to signify the company's mission to break the mold; the Hindu-inspired and sharply curved Ohm, and the Osiris, which takes its design inspiration from the hieroglyphics of the ancient Egyptians, who, thanks to the Bangles, you can now walk like.

Because leather isn't for everyone, they also have a belt called the Piranha, named for the strong-jawed buckle that sinks its teeth into some rugged canvas, which is nice and all, but pales in comparison to that braided number you look so handsome in, which is perfect for church, and your grandmother's birthday party, and going on dates with nice girls that come from good homes and actually have a brain in their skulls.

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Watch sweet animations of how the buckles work and pick one up for yourself at ObscureBelts.com