A good guitar strap should be invisible—something you don't think about while you're playing. But getting the wrong size means constant adjustment, discomfort, or worse, an instrument that hangs awkwardly across your body. If you're considering a suede leather strap like the Levy's Leathers Simply Suede Series 2 inch strap in brown, understanding sizing and material properties will help you make a confident choice.

What Does MS12-BRN Actually Tell You

The model designation MS12-BRN breaks down into useful information. The MS12 part refers to the Simply Suede Series from Levy's Leathers, while BRN indicates the brown color option. When you're shopping for a replacement or your first quality strap, this model number ensures you're getting the right product. The 2 inch width is the defining specification—this is the measurement across the strap where it contacts your shoulder, and it's the standard width that suits most players.

Understanding the Adjustment Range

The Levy's Leathers Simply Suede Series MS12-BRN adjusts from 36 inches to 52 inches in total length. This range covers most adult musicians and many teenagers. To know if this will work for you, measure your current strap or an existing one you wear comfortably. Start at the button or pin on your guitar's body, run the measurement diagonally across your back or chest (depending on how you wear your instrument), and measure to the other attachment point. If that number falls between 36 and 52 inches, you're in the right range.

Consider your body type and playing style. A shorter musician or someone who likes their guitar sitting high on the chest will need the strap closer to 36 inches. Taller players or those who prefer the guitar lower on the body will appreciate the full 52-inch reach. An extra long version exists if you need even more length, adding 12 inches to the overall adjustment range—worth knowing if you're particularly tall or tend to wear your instrument very low.

Suede Leather: Comfort Versus Maintenance

Suede offers comfort that synthetic materials often can't match. The Levy's Leathers Simply Suede Series uses suede on both the front and backing, which means softness and breathability against your shoulder during long playing sessions. This material conforms gently to your body over time, becoming more comfortable with use. However, suede requires different care than standard leather.

Suede will show wear, dust, and minor stains more visibly than smooth leather. Regular gentle brushing with a soft cloth removes surface dust. For stubborn marks, a suede eraser or dry cleaning cloth designed for suede can help. Avoid water and cleaning solvents on suede, as these can cause permanent discoloration. Store your strap in a dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and deterioration. With reasonable care, a suede strap can last years of regular playing.

When Width Matters: The 2-Inch Standard

The 2-inch width of this Levy's Leathers model is industry standard for good reason. This width distributes the weight of your guitar evenly across your shoulder, reducing strain during extended playing sessions. Narrower straps—typically under 1.5 inches—concentrate pressure into a smaller area and can become uncomfortable. Wider straps exist, but 2 inches provides the sweet spot for most players between comfort and the strap not slipping around too much during movement.

Getting Sizing Right From the Start

The most common mistake is ordering without measuring. A strap that's too short forces your guitar to sit uncomfortably high, limiting your playing range and causing shoulder strain. One that's too long allows the instrument to sag too low, creating awkward angles for your fretting hand and picking arm. The ladder height adjustment feature on the Levy's Leathers Simply Suede Series MS12-BRN gives you fine-tuning capability once you receive it, but you should still start with a model in approximately the right length range.

If you're between sizes or uncertain, remember that you can always shorten a strap more than you can lengthen one. The adjustment mechanism allows reasonable customization, but it has limits. Taking time to measure properly before purchasing saves frustration and ensures you'll enjoy your strap for years to come.

The product in this guide: Levy's Leathers Simply Suede Series 2" Guitar Strap with Loop and Ladder Height Adjustment, Brown (MS12-BRN)