Suspenders are leather or fabric straps wrapped over the shoulders to keep up trousers or skirts. The straps may be elasticated, and most straps are woven cloth creating an X or Y shape at the back. Suspenders are typically connected to skirts and trousers with clips or buttons employing leather tabs at the edges.
In British English, a suspender belt, or suspenders for short, is a garment used to catch up stockings called a garter band in American English.
Good quality intelligent suspenders were conventionally considered white-collar or upper-middle-class wear. They were fastened to skirts or trousers by buttons stitched onto the waistband. There are comparatively few current manufacturers in the UK, but the classic button-on ‘reform’ end is publicly available in the United States. In traditional or formal settings, it is contemplated a faux pas to wear both belt and suspenders simultaneously, though this has not forever been the case. Further, suspenders have traditionally deemed an undergarment and, as such, were considered to be inappropriate to be seen.
Why You Should Wear Suspenders
Increased comfort: Belts cinch your pants around your waist. Anyone who’s ever worn a belt knows that you have to tuck and re-tuck a shirt again when wearing a belt. On the other hand, Braces make your trousers hang from the shoulder, essentially letting them float around your waist. It takes a bit of acquiring, but the comfort and freedom of movement this allows is second-to-none.
Vertical lines: Braces immediately add two vertical lines to your trunk. If you are a small or heavyset body type, this is hugely advantageous. These vertical lines convey height to fast men and serve to slim heavyset men.
General nattiness: Suspenders look rakish for several reasons. First, their rarity relative to belts gives them some instant style points. Second, they occupy the same visual plane as your shirt and tie, which means that they offer an additional opportunity to accessorize in terms of color and pattern. While this presents a different challenge, the payoff is exponential.
Though you might conceive suspenders as a formal accessory, you can combine them with casual outfits. So whether you want to build a fun weekend feel or an angular punk vibe, we’ve got loads of ideas for you here. Plus, we’ll accord tips about choosing the best suspenders and accessorizing them for a million-dollar look!
Jeans and Button-Up
A chambray button-up perceives this look from the office to the streets. A button-up shirt is the most popular pairing with suspenders, but the appearance is a little formal. An easy chambray shirt matched with denim bottoms holds this outfit from being too muggy. Add some personality with a fashionable pair of footwear or a hat. Light-wash jeans, a chambray shirt with the sheaths rolled up, and some wilderness boots are an excellent choice for a casual feast date.
Shorts and Tee
Suspenders and shorts are a thing! Combine a fashionable pair of suspenders with denim shorts and a plain tee or tank to build an ultra-cool and casual look. Feel easy to go wild with the accessories here—everything from a fedora to a remarkable pair of sunnies will serve with this minimalist outfit. Put collectively distressed denim shorts, a white tank, and a couple of red suspenders. If you like your shorts on the taller side, pick a pair with a straight cut.
Flannel Shirt
Flannel tops are informal to the core. Pick a thin flannel shirt, including fitted, so it’s not too bulky under the suspenders. Add your preferred pair of chinos or jeans and some work boots for a simple outfit. A red-and-black flannel including dark jeans and black Timberlands are an excellent match for black suspenders.
Jeans and Tee
Jeans are the ideal pairing for suspenders. Glide into your preferred pair of denim jeans so you can stay informal and comfy. Combine a plain tee for a minimalist expression or a graphic tee to dispense off your fun side. Dark-wash jeans present this look a bit more elaborate, while light-wash jeans furnish a further laid-back vibe. A worn-in set of boot-cut jeans, skinny black suspenders, and a plain white tee would be a perfect outfit for stopping out an open mic night with your friends or strolling through town with your sweetie. Finish off your dress with black boots or a gorgeous pair of pumps.
Tank and Distressed Denim
Put on torn-up jeans and a solid-colored tank top before slipping into your suspenders. Attach some combat boots and studded ornaments to finish your look. If it’s cool, clutch a leather or bomber jacket on your style out the door. Try matching a plain white tank with black suspenders and skinny, black, distressed denim jeans. A pair of wrist cuffs, sunglasses, and some lace-up boots achieve this outfit perfectly. Let suspenders hang down by the sides for a punk benefit, willingly carrying them over your shoulders!
Skinny Suspenders
Go for a thin pair of suspenders to retain your look casual. Commonly speaking, reserve wider suspenders for more formal occasions. Instead, stick with skinny having a Y-back design for the most modern, everyday option.
Fitted Top
A tight shirt generates a streamlined look. Instead, opt for a form-fitting long-sleeved shirt or crop top. To endure with the theme, prefer a fitted pair of trousers. Suspenders in a brilliant color can carry your outfit to the next level. Black skinny jeans, a gray crop top sweater, and black boots create a trendy look when paired with suspenders. However, avoid wearing a bulky sweater with suspenders, as the fabric could get bunched up.
Skirt and Tank
Couple patterned suspenders with a tank top in a mutual color. Then, add a skirt in a pleasant neutral. Finally, add some booties and a necklace for a fashion-forward choice that’s certain to turn heads—in a significant way! A plum-colored hoop skirt paired with a colored top and printed suspenders would be great for weekend adventures ranging from brunch to shopping. Natural flats and an oversized white handbag are the perfect way to finish off this outfit.