A hose clamp with an ear-like structure which is adapted to be selected strengthened to achieve desired holding ability and/or re-tightening forces, as needed. This is achieved in one embodiment by complementary ear-like structures in the overlapping inner and outer band portions with the free ends of the inner and outer band portions connected with the corresponding overlapping, respectively, overlapped band portion. In addition or in the alternative, the ear-like structure is strengthened by external and/or internal strengthening members made of spring steel with predetermined spring characteristics whereby in one particular realization, the strengthening member can be readily installed and disassembled from the ear-like structure by the insertion and removal of pin-like retaining members.