Trousers With Braces Buttons? Top 99 Best Answers

Are clip-on suspenders hopelessly cheesy? If a man wears suspenders, should he only stick to suspenders with buttonhole tabs? These are good questions and they deserve good answers.

There is a case for clip on suspenders and this case is much stronger than the best case that could ever be made for the clip on tie or bow tie. There are a few good reasons why some men should wear clip-on suspenders at times, and why all men should feel comfortable experimenting with them. The GentleManual sets the landscape in Everything You Need to Know About Suspenders, but what’s missing is a clear statement as to why men shouldn’t thoughtlessly resort to clip-ons.

Clip-ons aren’t traditional…or are they?

Clip-on suspenders have been around since 1894, and the argument “You shouldn’t wear clip-on suspenders because they’re not traditional” is a tough one to hold. With over a century of history, they are as classic as only a “classic” could be. Scroll through collections of vintage photos and you’ll see clip-on suspenders galore, from 1900’s millennials to early punk rock bullies. The inheritance is not the problem. The real problem with clip-ons these days is twofold.

First, many of the big stores that sell everything from fertilizer to frozen french fries sell clip-on suspenders in their men’s departments. Market ubiquity, affordability and ease of use are the main advantages of mass-produced clip-on suspenders, most of which are made of semi-elastic material. It is precisely this prevalence of low-priced clip-ons that raises concerns about their credibility on the street.

As belts (and buckles) returned to the forefront of fashion, clip-on suspenders continued to appeal to three main types of men: those who were used to suspenders but never came on board with suspenders; those who didn’t care to actively show “a look”; and those whose sense of style tended to be at odds with trendy notions of what was considered fashionable. Today the situation is a bit grim. To be perfectly clear, too many men are wearing clip-on suspenders with features that make the fashion police wish they’d pull more than disapproving grimaces.

Clip-on suspenders are old-school. That is not the problem.

And that’s the second problem: all clip-on suspenders suffer a little from association guilt. It may be unfair, but that’s the way it is, and a man with clip-on braces risks finding himself in the same situation as a man with a bow-tie: if you’re wearing a bow-tie (the purist argues), you should take your time and make an effort to learn how to tie one; and if you wear suspenders, accept the extra expense and hassle of attaching buttons to the inside of the waistband and wear suspenders with button plackets. This is a school of thought.

Device vs Accessories

But just how strong is the analogy between clip-on ties and clip-on suspenders, really? To solve the problem, we must note an important difference, the difference between a device and an accessory.

Don’t think of a device as a prosthesis or as category names for things like ovens and toasters. Understand the word “device” as ready-to-use and as a direct reference to a specific function. If braces (or belts or anything else) are worn solely or primarily for function and utility is paramount, then they are devices, not accessories. Suspenders, like belts, are a means of fastening pants.

Some men find suspenders more comfortable, comfortable, or more flattering than a belt, depending on their stature and perhaps their occupation. If you wear a tool belt or work belt at work, or if a belt buckle interferes with your ability to get comfortably close to a workbench, workstation, countertop, or piece of equipment, braces may be the way to go. And if function is your overriding consideration, then there’s nothing wrong with clip-ons and there’s a lot right.

utility? Do it. Style? Tread lightly.

On the other hand, if you intend to wear suspenders with a tailored or tailored suit (in which case you don’t even need a belt) or specifically as part of a stylish ensemble, and you don’t really need them to hold up your pants, then your suspenders aren’t device, but an accessory. Here the analogy with the bow tie is very apt: if you can’t choose the right bow tie and tie it properly, it might be best not to wear one; and if you occasionally trade in your belt for a pair of suspenders, embrace the opportunity and take it seriously. If you wear suspenders with a passion for fashion and an eye for being someone’s eye candy, clip-ons can make or break your intended look.

Why the buttons really matter

Suspenders fastened with buttons (or rivets) can bring their own problems, but here’s their main benefit: They indicate that you’ve made a very conscious choice to wear suspenders. Anyone can strip their belt, buckle on a pair of alligator-lock suspenders, and introduce themselves as a carefree dandy. And let’s be snooty for a moment: buttonhole suspenders aren’t typically available at Target, and buttonhole suspenders often cost a lot more than H&M’s “fast fashion” clips. This is not a criticism or indictment of Target, H&M or Fast Fashion. But whatever clip-ons mean or not, buttonhole suspenders say three things about a man:

He strives to source, own, and wear unique, high quality merchandise – he struggles to get the gear.

He worries about putting his ensemble together—he struggles to get the look.

He cares equally about big details and subtle details and pays attention to their interaction – he strives to get everything right.

Suspenders with a button placket show attention to detail

Let’s say it again: As a household appliance, there’s nothing wrong with clip-on braces. Considered as an accessory, however, clip-ons are the easy way out, and they scream I couldn’t bother with the buttons. And that’s a problem — because anger is the heart and soul of style. Button tabs say you’ve messed with the buttons, and you did so because you appreciate detail and make an effort to look good. Clip-ons dodge the extra steps. That’s the catch.

Buttoned braces are more expensive overall, but the range of products available to you is much more extensive. This is the second reason to have buttons sewn into the waistband of your trews: if you intend to wear suspenders regularly, be prepared for a much wider range of quality options. To avoid getting to the point, but again, the analogy to bow ties is apt: there’s a world of interesting, well-made self-tie bow ties, and there are beautiful, top-of-the-line button-up suspenders.

You have more high-end options when you have buttons.

So: are clip-on suspenders a sartorial atrocity, or just cheap and cheery? The answer is: both. If you’re wearing an expensive suit, or have invested in alterations to give a good suit a tailored fit, then take that extra step and button up the waistband. Clip-ons will drag down your ensemble and undermine the value of tailoring. If function isn’t your primary concern and you’re just experimenting with different casual looks and ensembles, clip-ons aren’t necessarily tacky provided you take them as seriously as any other accessory.

When clip-on suspenders are okay

Suspenders are the one fashion accessory that never goes out of style. In this article you will learn everything you need to know about the classification, selection and wearing of braces.

Our braces guide covers these key points:

What are braces?

How do you attach braces?

How do suspenders work?

How do you adjust suspenders?

What do you wear with suspenders?

When to wear suspenders?

How do I combine suspenders?

How do you put on suspenders?

What are suspenders

Suspenders are an accessory worn for either functional or fashion reasons. They serve to hold up the trousers, similar to a belt. Just be careful not to wear both at the same time. Check out some of our men’s suspenders for good examples.

Suspenders are often made of rubber, elastane or leather. Leather braces are useful in the sense that they don’t stretch and are stable. On the other hand, braces that stretch tend to be more comfortable to wear.

How to attach suspenders

Clip-on braces are easy to put on and are best for beginners. You simply apply pressure to the clip release and allow it to clip into the belt area of ​​your pants.

To attach button suspenders, you need to make sure your pants come with sewn-in buttons. Next, simply wrap the loops around your buttons and you’re good to go. Our button suspenders have 6 buttons so you can wear them straight away.

How do suspenders work?

The method behind braces is pretty simple. One or two straps at the back will hold up the back of your pants, while two straps at the front will hold up the front of your pants.

How to adjust braces

Standard suspenders can usually be adjusted via the front strap. There should be a metal clasp that you can tighten and loosen to adjust your suspenders to your liking. Most leather braces are adjusted using the traditional hole-in-belt system.

What to wear with suspenders

There are many different ways to wear braces and complementary accessories that you can wear with them. Here’s a list of all of our favorite suspender outfits that you might want to try.

Suspenders with jeans:

Suspenders with suit:

Shorts with suspenders:

Suspenders with vest:

Tie and Suspenders:

Suspenders with t-shirt:

Costume with suspenders:

Suspenders hanging down:

When to wear braces

They are many occasions to wear suspenders. Suspenders are most commonly worn on formal occasions. This includes weddings, proms and fancy gatherings. On the other hand, people still like to wear suspenders to add some style to casual wear.

How to adjust suspenders

Pairing suspenders with other accessories or clothing items helps convey a unified and coordinated look. For example, combine a pair of brown leather suspenders with a pair of brown boots and a leather strap watch to create the stylish look of a country gentleman.

Many suspenders look great with matching bow ties, whether for formal attire or with more casual attire like khaki pants and a navy blazer for the traditional Ivy League look. At more festive events and celebrations, bow tie suspenders can really stand out and draw attention. Of course, suspenders with a tie also look great and are often seen in offices and boardrooms.

If you’re looking for a standard pair of suspenders that are universal for multiple occasions, check out our Classic Suspenders.

How to put on suspenders

These simple tips will explain you how to put on your suspenders in a very simple way:

First, attach the back strap or straps to the back of your pants. You should attach the back strap(s) first so that adjusting the length and tightening the front straps is easier if the braces are initially adjusted to a shorter length than your torso. Second, pull the two front straps over your shoulders. Next, attach the two front straps to your pants. Finally, adjust the two front straps to your liking. Remember not to wear a belt with suspenders.

Here’s a good demonstration of donning suspenders:

Thank you for reading our guide to wearing suspenders. Check out this infographic for more information.

If you want to see more suspender outfits, check out our Instagram and Pinterest profiles!

Push the pin through from the bottom of the garment. Place the button on a solid surface, then place a thumbtack over the button and hit the thumbtack firmly with a hammer.

Logger buttons are typically placed on the front of the pants 2 to 3 inches apart, starting about 5 inches from the center front of the pants. At the back, the two buttons in the center of the back should be 3 to 5 inches apart.

Shoulder straps worn to hold pants up

This article is about the clothing accessory that holds up pants or skirts. For the accessory for holding up stockings, see Suspender Belt

A young man wearing braces with handle fasteners, 2013

A man with buttoned suspenders, 2006.

Suspenders (American English, Canadian English) or suspenders (British English, Australian English) are cloth or leather straps worn over the shoulders to hold up skirts or trousers. Straps can be either fully elastic or just elasticated at the attachment ends, and most straps are made of woven fabric that forms an X or Y shape at the back. Suspenders are usually attached to skirts and pants with clips or buttons with leather tabs at the ends.

In British English, a garter belt, or suspenders for short, is a garment used to hold up stockings. This is called the Garter Belt in American English.

history [edit]

There have been several precursors to suspenders over the past 300 years, but modern suspenders were first popularized as “suspenders” in 1822 by a London haberdasher, Albert Thurston. They were once worn almost everywhere, due to the high cut of mid-19th and early 20th-century skirts and trousers, which made a belt impractical. During the nineteenth century suspenders were sometimes called galluses.[3][4] Samuel Clemens, known for his work as author Mark Twain, patented “Adjustable and Detachable Straps for Garments” (ADSG), becoming one of the first to receive a US patent for suspenders in 1871.[5]

Having lost popularity during World War I as men became accustomed to uniform belts, suspenders were still common attire in the 1920s. Due to its “underwear” image[6], some men switched to belts in the 1930s as vests (USA/Canada) or vests with hidden suspenders were worn less frequently. This was also signaled by the switch in the position to secure buttons from the outside of the waistband inwards. Life Magazine reported in 1938 that 60% of American men chose belts over suspenders. Although the return of fuller-cut trousers in the 1940s revived suspenders, they did not resume dominating the belt to the same extent. However, in the UK they remained the norm to be worn with suits and suit trousers.

fashion [edit]

While suspenders have been in and out of style over the last century (generally preferred to alternate with belts), there has been a brief resurgence of interest, possibly due to the styles featured in films such as Wall Street. [Citation needed] Many business people, including news anchors (like Larry King in the United States)[8] and professionals[9] such as lawyers, still wear braces.

Skinny clip-on style suspenders are also a typical part of skinhead and, to a lesser extent, punk fashion. In skinhead and punk fashion, suspenders are typically between 3/4″ and 1″ wide.

The materials used to make braces have also changed over time, with newer additions such as rayon, a durable synthetic fiber, now being offered. Generally a high quality elastic webbing rayon is the fabric used to make suspenders, with silk webbing or tubular suiting fabric from mills such as Dugdale Bros of England also being used.

Suspenders can be measured in a number of ways to ensure the correct fit. To measure suspenders accurately, start measuring from the back pant line, then cross over the opposite shoulder to the front pant line. Add a few extra inches for adjustments if needed.[10]

usage [edit]

Elegant suspenders of good quality were traditionally seen as dress for clerks or the upper or upper middle class. They were made to be fastened to skirts or pants by buttons sewn onto the waistband.[8] There are relatively few current manufacturers in the UK, but the classic ‘Reform’ button-on end is also fairly common in the United States.

In traditional or formal settings, wearing a belt and suspenders at the same time is considered a faux pas, although historically this has not always been the case. Also, suspenders were traditionally considered underwear and as such were considered inappropriate to be seen.[6] From the time of their invention until World War II, the waistcoat or a sweater or cardigan for coolness in summer covered suspenders to prevent indecency. Similarly, sweaters and jackets kept shirt sleeves hidden. However, in the interwar period men began to remove jackets in public and so over time this sensibility was eroded. Perhaps only in Great Britain do some “die-hards” still consider it “gauche”[8], for example to wear brightly colored suspenders without a jacket. In general, it is now considered acceptable fashion on both sides of the Atlantic for men’s suspenders to be seen.

The suspender pants have buttons to fasten the leather tabs; These can either be on the outside, traditionally, or on the inside of pants that don’t have belt loops. For belt loops, buttons would be sewn to the inside of the waistband. Such trousers may also have a high back in a fishtail shape, although this is not so common now; [8] This style can also have an additional adjustable strap at the back as well as the two side adjusters that are attached to most beltless pants. Buttons should be placed about 3 to 3.5 inches (7.6 to 8.9 cm) apart, equidistant from the back seam. On the front, the first button should be placed over the main pleat or crease, with the second button spaced about 3 to 3.5 inches (7.6 to 8.9 cm) apart. It is important to place the buttons in the correct position as pants with suspenders should be a bit loose to hang properly.

In the 2000s, it became fashionable for some younger women to wear suspenders, a style that evolved from mod styles in the late 1960s to punk rock and skinhead styles in the late 1970s through the 1980s. A particular representative of this fashion was the Eurythmics singer Annie Lennox, whose fashion style, with her dark suit and red suspenders, resembled cross-dressing as a male character.

There’s not much a fat guy can do to flatter his figure. It’s more about damage limitation. But braces actually make a lot of sense for corpulent or obese men, men whose actual waists are larger than their hips. A belt combats the body physics imposed by a beer buckle, and it’s bound to be a futile task for a bare belt to hold up your pants. That’s why so many men wear their stomachs over their pants. Suspenders, on the other hand, allow the waist of the pants to stay close to the physical equator, while with a belt they would slip up to the Tropic of Capricorn. Thus, braces help normalize the fit for the fat and control the plumber’s unsightly butt. Suspenders also feature vertical lines that slim a man. I say let your pants hang loosely from your shoulders while you consider your body.

In No Time to Die, James Bond wears Albert Thurston’s dove gray suspenders with his “Desert” pinwale corduroy suit by Massimo Alba. This has met with criticism because the suit trousers have belt loops. This criticism first surfaced when Daniel Craig was spotted filming in Matera, Italy, and recently a still in Entertainment Weekly showing the suspenders and empty belt loops reignited critics.

Is it wrong to wear braces (sometimes called suspenders in America) if the pants have belt loops?

The simple answer is no, it’s not a big faux pas to wear suspenders if the pants have belt loops. It’s a minor faux pas at worst and something best avoided, but it’s long been accepted among well-dressed men.

If Bond were wearing a belt in the belt loops at the same time, that would be wrong, because a belt serves the same purpose as suspenders: to support the trousers. As Henry Fonda’s character in Once Upon a Time in the West said, “How can you trust a man who wears both a belt and suspenders? Man cannot even trust his own pants.”

Wearing a belt and braces together is the origin of the idiom ‘belt and braces’, and according to the Cambridge Dictionary this means ‘the use of two or more actions to be extra careful about something when only one is really necessary’. That’s the real faux pas.

Empty belt loops aren’t a bad thing, especially in Bond’s case since he still uses a contraption to hold up his pants. That’s not to say empty belt loops look good. It isn’t, but that doesn’t make it a huge faux pas.

American prêt-à-porter suit trousers traditionally have belt loops, but also buttons for suspenders in the waistband. Americans have commonly worn suspenders with their belt-loop pants for over half a century. People are not expected to remove the belt loops from their dress pants when wearing suspenders, particularly since the belt loops are commonly sewn into the waistband of pants and are difficult to remove. Some men like having the option of wearing either a belt or braces.

Wearing suspenders with empty belt loops marks a suit as merely a ready-made suit, which is Bonds. Wearing suspenders with pants with belt loops is no more a faux pas than wearing a ready-to-wear suit.

By wearing suspenders with belt loops, James Bond shows that he is wearing a ready-to-wear suit. This is the first ready-to-wear suit James Bond has worn since Timothy Dalton was Bond. According to The New York Times, the suit was bought by Massimo Alba in sizes 50, 52 and 54, and the suit in the film is said to look like it was off the shelf because the costume department didn’t remove the belt loops.

However, the costume department added the buttons for suspenders. These pants had no buttons for suspenders. Someone, possibly costume designer Suttirat Anne Larlarb, must have made the decision not to remove the belt loops.

Suits should be worn with the jacket in polite company, and in this case the belt loops and suspenders are usually hidden. Because the Massimo Alba suit jacket is unstructured, it will not retain its shape if left open and the belt loops are exposed.

The biggest problem with wearing suspenders with pants that have belt loops is that belted pants generally have a lower rise than pants designed for suspenders. The medium waist height of the Massimo Alba pants makes them sit a little lower than ideal for suspenders. Wearing suspenders with mid-rise or low-rise pants sacrifices more comfort than style.

While some menswear researchers like Alan Flusser consider it a faux pas to wear suspenders when pants have belt loops, it’s an elitist attitude toward those who can’t have their suits made for them. Flusser says in Dressing the Man that bowing is not a rule, but despite his wisdom, I disagree with him on that.

What about wearing suspenders if the pants are side adjustable? Like belt loops, the side adjusters would not be used when wearing suspenders. One benefit of wearing suspenders is that the waistband of the pants can be looser and therefore more comfortable. Although side adjusters are better hidden than unused belt loops, this unused detail still stays on the pants.

Ultimately, there is nothing wrong with wearing braces if the pants have side adjusters, as long as the side adjusters are not tightened. Then the braces can’t do their job and give the wearer an insecure look, for the same reason that belts and braces don’t belong together.

The ideal way to wear pants is with a raised fishtail back that positions the suspenders as comfortably as possible. Even bar extensions, such as those on Ralph Fiennes’ M suit trousers, can help. Tab extenders are only present on pants that may have alternative support methods, such as side adjusters or belt loops.

Ultimately, personal taste decides whether you can accept suspenders with belt loops. It has historically not been considered a major sin and is nothing to get excited about. But that’s below Bond’s usual fashion standards, and it comes down primarily to Bond wearing a ready-to-wear suit in a way it wasn’t originally intended. Sometimes that can be okay.

INTRODUCTION

Suspenders have made a comeback.

They’re affordable, easy to wear, and a fun addition to your wardrobe. Whether you want to look good at an upcoming wedding, stand out at a formal event, add some flair to your work attire, or jazz up your casual attire, suspenders offer you a colorful and versatile solution for almost any occasion that life chooses your way.

But there is still confusion, above all: Which suspenders are suitable for which occasions? Which colors go with which? Is there a specific width that is correct? Should I choose the clip-on type or the button-on type? Can I wear a belt with my suspenders? How to wear colorful suspenders without looking like a clown?

This guide will answer all of those questions. Plus some you might not know you had.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TYPE OF BRACES

Suspenders come in two basic types:

1) the type that attaches to your pants (or shorts) with clips

2) the way you button your pants

CLIP ON BRACES

Clip-ons can be clipped to almost any pant or pant, so they’re the more versatile of the two. They are also considered to be a bit more casual and look particularly chic with city shorts, funky jeans and fashionable clothes. To attach them to whatever you’re wearing on the bottom half, start at the back by attaching them to the middle of the waistband. Then pull them forward over your shoulders to attach the remaining clips to the front waistband.

Check out our collection of clip on braces here >

Suspenders with buttons

Button-up suspenders are considered a bit more formal than clip-ons. You will also need pants or jeans that have six buttons hidden on the inside of the waistband for the suspender loops to be buttoned on. If your pants don’t have suspender buttons, you can always attach them, either yourself if you’re skilled or have your tailor do it for you. They should be placed so that they are about 1 inch either side of the back center seam at the back of the waistband – meaning they are 2 inches apart – and about 1 inch below the top of the waistband. In front, tuck them into the waistband about 1 inch from the top and 2 inches apart. When you have them on, your suspenders should fall in a straight line from your shoulder to your waist. Start at the back, after buttoning, put on the pants, pull the suspenders over the shoulders and button them in the front.

View our collection of button-up suspenders here >

brace width

For such a relatively thin piece of fabric, suspenders are sure to inspire some strong opinions, particularly on questions of the “right” width. While subtle changes can dramatically affect your overall look, the easiest rule of thumb to remember is that suspender style occurs on a scale: the thinner the suspender, the more casual the look, while at the broader end of the spectrum they go classic and even formal .

If you want to go beyond that, here is an in-depth article on choosing the perfect brace width >

Y BACK VS. X BACK

When braces cross backwards like the letter “X”, they are known as X-Back. If instead they join around the center of the back and become a single strap, like a “Y,” then they are known as a Y-back. Of the two, Y-Backs are considered more current and trendy. While X-Back has two straps that attach to the back waistband – compared to a Y-Back single strap – unless you have unusual trouble keeping your pants up, the Y-Back is the go-to choice or having sloping shoulders Suspender lovers.

FIT/SIZE

One of the really cool things about braces is how easy it is to adjust the fit to your specific proportions. If the braces are leather, the front strap can be loosened or tightened like a belt: via a buckle and holes. All other braces have a metal clip on the front straps that you simply slide up and down until you get just the right length for your frame.

Learn more about braces features here >

FIVE DIFFERENT WAYS TO WEAR BRACES

FIRST THINGS FIRST – NEVER WEAR BELTED BRACES

Before World War II, the waist of your typical men’s trousers was much higher than it is today, fitting right in with the wearer’s actual waist. To keep their pants up, the boys wore suspenders. However, because of wartime rations, manufacturers found they could save fabric (and therefore money) by lowering the waistbands of pants. At the same time, belts began to replace suspenders to keep pants from falling off – which is why wearing a belt and suspenders at the same time is considered quite a style faux pas. Since they both do the same thing, it’s some kind of function overload, and it doesn’t look right.

So remember the basic rule of skillful wearing of suspenders: regardless of the type of suspenders, you should not wear a belt at the same time. Unconvinced? Here are some more reasons why you should never wear suspenders with a belt >

Suspenders for business

Wearing suspenders at work can be as formal as Michael Douglas’ Gordon Gekko Master of the Financial Universe looks in the Wall Street movie we’re discussing here. Or more mid-century modern panache a la Don Draper (here). If you want to wear suspenders with work attire but aren’t sure how to go about it, start with a pair in a more classic shade (navy, black, taupe) that coordinates with the color of your shoes. This combination brings easy authority to any work look, whether you’re mastering the real world—or a virtual one in The Cloud. To learn more about how to pair suspenders for business, read here >

And here’s what types of ties go well with suspenders >

FOR WEDDINGS & FORMAL EVENTS

Suspenders have long been a staple of a groom’s wedding day attire, which has seen a welcome change from less stuffy to more playful and personal. And often it’s the only thing a groom buys new to take his regular go-to suit with him from aisle to aisle—as in: the aisle. For more wedding suspender tips for the groom, click here. And what’s good for the groom is good for the groomsmen! Don’t miss our top tips for accessorizing your side of the wedding reception with high suspenders (here and here). For more ideas, here are 50 groomsmen in suspenders to inspire you.

For formal occasions in general, make sure to pair your suspenders with a quality shirt – French cuffs are always a good choice as they are always stylish, and you can also add some eye-catching cufflinks to your look. Click here for more ideas on how to pair your suspenders with accessories like elegant pocket squares and bow ties. Of course, the quintessence of the formal ensemble is the tuxedo. We’ve got you covered (of course) right here.

Learn more about how to wear suspenders for weddings and formal occasions here >

IN THE CITY

Almost every list of the “world’s most stylish self-respecting men” includes Cary Grant. Especially his iconic gray suit look in the Hitchcock classic North by Northwest (which we review here). Like any style icon, Grant found the “uniform” that best suited his body, stuck with it, and added on-trend flair with accessories. Like suspenders. As a rule of thumb, non-work suspenders tend to be a little skinnier, but if you wear jeans from head to toe, a wider suspender may be just the ticket (you can find more suspenders here). Finally, here are 10 suspender looks by “braces type” to inspire your own casual adventures in stylish suspenders.

DEPEND

This trend has continued to gain momentum as suspenders crept out of the corridors of power and into hipster hangouts and trendy bars around the world. And with good reason: suspenders are an easy (and budget-friendly) way to make a custom style statement. From denim-on-denim outfits to plaid to preppy, we discuss the most helpful guides to casual suspenders here >

ON WOMEN

The world’s most stylish women love to “borrow” (okay, steal) from menswear to add that extra edge and pizzazz to their own look. And what could be sexier than a sexy woman rocking stockings? Here are 50 women who look amazing in garter belts. Also, be sure to check out our expertly edited mini style guide for women in suspenders and see if you agree with our thoughts on men’s and women’s suspenders and the difference between them (hint: not much).

A FASHION EDITOR’S TIPS: Get more suspender inspiration

Suspenders that come with clips allow most pants or shorts in your closet to be suspender-friendly. For the most stylish look, choose a pair with a relaxed fit. If you want to wear a button-up pair, you (or your dry cleaner’s tailor) can always sew buttons into your waistband. Alternatively, you can buy pants (or shorts) that already come with suspender buttons. Here are some of our tips for stylish pants and braces accessories:

How to wear suspenders of any color

From bright fuchsia to not-so-soft yellow to army green, here are our most helpful guides and cool outfit combos to wear any color of suspenders like a style pro:

INSPIRATION: Suspenders on celebrities and in movies

Celebrities look so stylish because they have some of the most talented fashion experts and stylists on their payroll. Therefore, they are a wonderful source of style inspiration, as are the films. For some of our favorite movie moments in suspenders, plus a wealth of ideas to inspire you, check out these:

Because suspenders are such a traditional accessory, there are a few rules about how to wear them. Although they have now become more of a fashion statement, some basic guidelines still apply. So read on for tips on how to avoid braces faux pas and how to stay on point with your braces game.

Pictures over, over, over

Should I wear braces with or without a belt?

You should never wear suspenders with a belt. If your pants have belt loops, that’s fine as long as there is no belt. Wearing suspenders and a belt is considered bad form. So: belt loops = ok, belt = not ok.

Which pants are best for wearing suspenders?

In the past, suspenders were used to hold up pants. They are specifically designed to hold pants up elegantly without creating any creases or tightness around the waist.

Ideally, the best type of pants to wear with suspenders is one without belt loops that has buttons on the inside for suspenders to attach. If you don’t have buttons on the inside of your pants, these can be sewn on, making wearing looped suspenders easier. If your pants have belt loops and no buttons, you can still wear a pair of suspenders, just make sure you choose a pair with clips. While clip suspenders are a little less elegant, they can be easily clipped to the waist of your pants.

Suspenders can be worn with just about any type of pants. Suspenders with loops or buttons are considered the most elegant, while clip-on suspenders are a little more casual. For formal occasions, button-up suspenders, preferably black or white, are required.

Images: unknown, unknown, about

How do I wear suspenders with jeans?

Wearing suspenders with casual denim is a modern event. Because of this, there are no hard and fast rules about how to wear the two together, but our advice is: keep it simple and use it as a way to express your personality and style. We like clip-on suspenders for the comfort and versatility, and we love the idea of ​​bright, bold colors and patterns paired with clean denim. Our favorite pairing for this look is slim-fit or skinny jeans in a darker wash, and we like them rolled up at the cuffs for an extra stylish touch.

How do I wear suspenders with a suit?

Since a suit is considered formal (or at least semi-formal), we recommend wearing button-on suspenders rather than clip-on suspenders. Go for a simple style in a color that either complements your suit or contrasts with a pretty pop of unexpected color. If you’re wearing clip-on suspenders (this is fine for a business suit, but never for a tuxedo), make sure the metal hardware on your suspenders matches any other metal you’re wearing, such as a metal stud. B. your shoe buckles.

Pictures over, over, over

What types of outfits and accessories can I wear with suspenders?

You can wear suspenders with pretty much any outfit you like. You can wear suspenders with a tuxedo for a formal occasion, with a suit for work, or even with jeans or shorts for a more casual look. We’ve put together some style guides to help give you ideas on how to incorporate suspenders into your wardrobe and which accessories work best with each look.

INTRODUCTION

Suspenders have made a comeback.

They’re affordable, easy to wear, and a fun addition to your wardrobe. Whether you want to look good at an upcoming wedding, stand out at a formal event, add some flair to your work attire, or jazz up your casual attire, suspenders offer you a colorful and versatile solution for almost any occasion that life chooses your way.

But there is still confusion, above all: Which suspenders are suitable for which occasions? Which colors go with which? Is there a specific width that is correct? Should I choose the clip-on type or the button-on type? Can I wear a belt with my suspenders? How to wear colorful suspenders without looking like a clown?

This guide will answer all of those questions. Plus some you might not know you had.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TYPE OF BRACES

Suspenders come in two basic types:

1) the type that attaches to your pants (or shorts) with clips

2) the way you button your pants

CLIP ON BRACES

Clip-ons can be clipped to almost any pant or pant, so they’re the more versatile of the two. They are also considered to be a bit more casual and look particularly chic with city shorts, funky jeans and fashionable clothes. To attach them to whatever you’re wearing on the bottom half, start at the back by attaching them to the middle of the waistband. Then pull them forward over your shoulders to attach the remaining clips to the front waistband.

Check out our collection of clip on braces here >

Suspenders with buttons

Button-up suspenders are considered a bit more formal than clip-ons. You will also need pants or jeans that have six buttons hidden on the inside of the waistband for the suspender loops to be buttoned on. If your pants don’t have suspender buttons, you can always attach them, either yourself if you’re skilled or have your tailor do it for you. They should be placed so that they are about 1 inch either side of the back center seam at the back of the waistband – meaning they are 2 inches apart – and about 1 inch below the top of the waistband. In front, tuck them into the waistband about 1 inch from the top and 2 inches apart. When you have them on, your suspenders should fall in a straight line from your shoulder to your waist. Start at the back, after buttoning, put on the pants, pull the suspenders over the shoulders and button them in the front.

View our collection of button-up suspenders here >

brace width

For such a relatively thin piece of fabric, suspenders are sure to inspire some strong opinions, particularly on questions of the “right” width. While subtle changes can dramatically affect your overall look, the easiest rule of thumb to remember is that suspender style occurs on a scale: the thinner the suspender, the more casual the look, while at the broader end of the spectrum they go classic and even formal .

If you want to go beyond that, here is an in-depth article on choosing the perfect brace width >

Y BACK VS. X BACK

When braces cross backwards like the letter “X”, they are known as X-Back. If instead they join around the center of the back and become a single strap, like a “Y,” then they are known as a Y-back. Of the two, Y-Backs are considered more current and trendy. While X-Back has two straps that attach to the back waistband – compared to a Y-Back single strap – unless you have unusual trouble keeping your pants up, the Y-Back is the go-to choice or having sloping shoulders Suspender lovers.

FIT/SIZE

One of the really cool things about braces is how easy it is to adjust the fit to your specific proportions. If the braces are leather, the front strap can be loosened or tightened like a belt: via a buckle and holes. All other braces have a metal clip on the front straps that you simply slide up and down until you get just the right length for your frame.

Learn more about braces features here >

FIVE DIFFERENT WAYS TO WEAR BRACES

FIRST THINGS FIRST – NEVER WEAR BELTED BRACES

Before World War II, the waist of your typical men’s trousers was much higher than it is today, fitting right in with the wearer’s actual waist. To keep their pants up, the boys wore suspenders. However, because of wartime rations, manufacturers found they could save fabric (and therefore money) by lowering the waistbands of pants. At the same time, belts began to replace suspenders to keep pants from falling off – which is why wearing a belt and suspenders at the same time is considered quite a style faux pas. Since they both do the same thing, it’s some kind of function overload, and it doesn’t look right.

So remember the basic rule of skillful wearing of suspenders: regardless of the type of suspenders, you should not wear a belt at the same time. Unconvinced? Here are some more reasons why you should never wear suspenders with a belt >

Suspenders for business

Wearing suspenders at work can be as formal as Michael Douglas’ Gordon Gekko Master of the Financial Universe looks in the Wall Street movie we’re discussing here. Or more mid-century modern panache a la Don Draper (here). If you want to wear suspenders with work attire but aren’t sure how to go about it, start with a pair in a more classic shade (navy, black, taupe) that coordinates with the color of your shoes. This combination brings easy authority to any work look, whether you’re mastering the real world—or a virtual one in The Cloud. To learn more about how to pair suspenders for business, read here >

And here’s what types of ties go well with suspenders >

FOR WEDDINGS & FORMAL EVENTS

Suspenders have long been a staple of a groom’s wedding day attire, which has seen a welcome change from less stuffy to more playful and personal. And often it’s the only thing a groom buys new to take his regular go-to suit with him from aisle to aisle—as in: the aisle. For more wedding suspender tips for the groom, click here. And what’s good for the groom is good for the groomsmen! Don’t miss our top tips for accessorizing your side of the wedding reception with high suspenders (here and here). For more ideas, here are 50 groomsmen in suspenders to inspire you.

For formal occasions in general, make sure to pair your suspenders with a quality shirt – French cuffs are always a good choice as they are always stylish, and you can also add some eye-catching cufflinks to your look. Click here for more ideas on how to pair your suspenders with accessories like elegant pocket squares and bow ties. Of course, the quintessence of the formal ensemble is the tuxedo. We’ve got you covered (of course) right here.

Learn more about how to wear suspenders for weddings and formal occasions here >

IN THE CITY

Almost every list of the “world’s most stylish self-respecting men” includes Cary Grant. Especially his iconic gray suit look in the Hitchcock classic North by Northwest (which we review here). Like any style icon, Grant found the “uniform” that best suited his body, stuck with it, and added on-trend flair with accessories. Like suspenders. As a rule of thumb, non-work suspenders tend to be a little skinnier, but if you wear jeans from head to toe, a wider suspender may be just the ticket (you can find more suspenders here). Finally, here are 10 suspender looks by “braces type” to inspire your own casual adventures in stylish suspenders.

DEPEND

This trend has continued to gain momentum as suspenders crept out of the corridors of power and into hipster hangouts and trendy bars around the world. And with good reason: suspenders are an easy (and budget-friendly) way to make a custom style statement. From denim-on-denim outfits to plaid to preppy, we discuss the most helpful guides to casual suspenders here >

ON WOMEN

The world’s most stylish women love to “borrow” (okay, steal) from menswear to add that extra edge and pizzazz to their own look. And what could be sexier than a sexy woman rocking stockings? Here are 50 women who look amazing in garter belts. Also, be sure to check out our expertly edited mini style guide for women in suspenders and see if you agree with our thoughts on men’s and women’s suspenders and the difference between them (hint: not much).

A FASHION EDITOR’S TIPS: Get more suspender inspiration

Suspenders that come with clips allow most pants or shorts in your closet to be suspender-friendly. For the most stylish look, choose a pair with a relaxed fit. If you want to wear a button-up pair, you (or your dry cleaner’s tailor) can always sew buttons into your waistband. Alternatively, you can buy pants (or shorts) that already come with suspender buttons. Here are some of our tips for stylish pants and braces accessories:

How to wear suspenders of any color

From bright fuchsia to not-so-soft yellow to army green, here are our most helpful guides and cool outfit combos to wear any color of suspenders like a style pro:

INSPIRATION: Suspenders on celebrities and in movies

Celebrities look so stylish because they have some of the most talented fashion experts and stylists on their payroll. Therefore, they are a wonderful source of style inspiration, as are the films. For some of our favorite movie moments in suspenders, plus a wealth of ideas to inspire you, check out these: