"Genuine Leather" moniker stamped on the belt is completely meaningless today. As mentioned already, seek top grain leather instead. The fashion industry or whatever sector covers leather goods has taken the liberty of labeling as "Genuine Leather" cheapo products consisting of paper thin leather "veneer" bonded to a substrate carrier that provides the strength and load carrying ability.
Why? Because they can, apparently.
I recently bought a brown belt at Men's Warehouse that was stamped "Genuine Leather." Within 10 days the truth was revealed: paper thin leather veneer had chipped off where belt contacts the buckle, revealing a light gray synthetic substrate of some type. Refunded it pronto.
I'm about a 35 at the belt line and as such neither a 34 or a 36 belt is ideal. Going to look into one of the new Slider Belts with the infinitely adjustable buckle and top grain leather.