Elevator tension members are disclosed. The disclosed tension member longitudinally extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a plurality of fibers formed into one or more primary strands or cords extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and a plurality of fibers formed into one or more secondary strands or cords extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and through less than the full length of the belt, and a jacket retaining the primary and secondary strands or cords. The secondary strands or cords have a tensile modulus greater than a tensile modulus of the jacket and less than a tensile modulus of the primary strands or cords. Methods of making the tension member are also disclosed.