A ratchet belt system includes a belt having a notch strip extending along a portion of the length thereof. The notch strip is formed of a plurality of adjacent notches, each being configured to engage a ratcheting tab of an associated buckle. In an embodiment, the tab is coupled to a release lever that is oriented toward a receptacle portion of the buckle for ergonomically improving the release mechanics and preventing accidental release of the engaged tab a user is leaned forward in a seated position. In another embodiment the belt includes a first notch strip about a first surface of the belt and a second notch strip about a second surface of the belt opposite of the first surface, thereby providing a reversible ratcheting belt. Other improvements include accessories configured to engage with the ratchet belt system for display and storage thereof.