What is disclosed is an object holder for securely retaining a 3-dimensional object while it is being printed in a direct-to-object print system and a direct-to-object print system configured to use various embodiments of the object holder of the present invention. In one embodiment, the object holder comprises a frame configured to slideably traverse a support member positioned parallel to a plane formed by at least one printhead configured to eject marking material on to a surface of an object. A flexible belt is positioned around an inside of the frame to form a circle. One end of the belt is fixed to the frame. An opposite end of the belt passes through an opening in a side of the frame. Pulling the belt through the opening tightens the belt encircled around the object in the frame. A lock prevents the belt from loosening after it has been pulled tight.