The first origin of suspenders can be traced back to France in the early eighteenth century. At this time suspenders was ribbon attached to the button holes of pants. The suspenders that are popular today and that we are familiar with were designed in 1820 by a British designer by the name of Albert Thurston and we called braces. During this time suspenders were worn more for labored work than they were for fashion. Men wore such high waisted pants that a belt could actually not hold the pants up and for this reason suspender were used.

The first design for suspenders was that of an “H-back” with the fabric of woven wool look similar to an uppercase H. The H-back was changed to an X-back and then turned into a Y back. Today all three styles of suspenders are common, but H backs are rarely worn in formal settings and the H back in often only used in firefighting uniforms.

As of 1871 the idea for adjustable suspenders was patented in the United States Clips were invented in 1894 leading the change of how suspenders were fastened. Instead of buttoning, now it was becoming more common and desirable to clip.

Now suspenders are more statement pieces and are rarely used to hold pants up. British skinheads in the 1960s wore suspenders with their blue jeans to represent the working class. Now, in the 21st century, suspenders show a unique style usually worn by hipsters and fashion forward men and women.

Types of Suspenders

• Y Suspenders: This style of suspenders are for more formal occasions and are also great for business attire. Due to having a single point of attachment on a pant it does give them weaker support than that of the H and X style suspender. Due to the fact that wearing the Y style tends to be less secure it is important to have this type of suspender made with strong and durable material and also have the clasp being of quality material.
• X Suspenders: When fashioning these suspender it is important to a more casual approach. This type of suspenders are typically with clasps due to the fact that buttons on dress pants are in the center of the pant, making it only useful for Y suspenders. If you prefer the look of X suspenders and feel the traditional buttons is more pleasing to the eye one can always get their tailor to make their pants compatible with this type of suspenders.
• H Suspenders: Though this is the oldest style of suspenders it is also the least fashionable. Unless this type of suspender is part of your uniform, such as a fireman or if you are in the military, steer clear.

Width of Suspenders

When buying a pair of suspenders for the first time focus on a wide-range width typically anywhere from one and a quarter inch to one and half inch. This width is not only traditional, but it is classier than a smaller or larger width. For casual and trendy outings you can choose a width of a half inch to one inch. Any width over 2 inches is for function rather than fashion. This thickness is usually found with H suspenders.

Clip On vs. Button End

• Clip Ons: Clip ons were first introduced to the public in 1894. The popularity of the clip on is due to it being less expensive, more user friendly and more compatible with the rest of one’s wardrobe. The only negative finding from wearing clip ons is the metal can damage the waistband of the pants that they are attached to.
• Button End: If one thinks that details are what make an outfit then they should choose suspenders with buttons. Buttons are more deliberate than clip ons because pants have to be made or tailored to support buttons. There are two main benefits when it comes to choosing buttons as a fastener for suspenders. First, the are far more sturdy than clips. They will do a much better job at holding pants comfortably. Second, by choosing buttons one will have more high end options when it comes to suspenders.

The Don’ts of Wearing Suspenders

• Don’t wear a belt while wearing suspenders. The reason for wearing suspenders is to hold up pants. Thus, by wearing a belt one is totally defeating the point of wearing suspenders. This is considered the biggest fashion faux pas when it comes to wearing and styling suspenders.
• Don’t let the suspenders hang down around your pants. Once again, by doing this you are defeating the reason on wearing suspenders. It also gives suspenders a sloppy look.
• Don’t wear jeans or casual trousers: You are not punk and it is not the 1960s British skinhead movement. Wearing anything but nice tailored pants will give suspenders an awkward and unflattering appearance.
• Don’t wear a suspender that has a width that is 2 inches are greater.

The Do’s of Wearing Suspender

• Choose a width that is right for your frame and is appropriate for the occasion. If one has a slender frame they can wear a suspender width that is an inch or so wide. But if you are a larger man this will only make you look bigger than you actually are. Because of this it is important to stick with one and a half inch suspender.
• See suspenders as an accessory to an outfit. Make sure the suspenders match what you are wearing. If the suspenders are of a unique and funky pattern make sure the rest of the outfit is plain and doesn’t compete or clash.
• If the choice is between buttons and clip on suspenders always choose buttons.
• Adjust suspenders so they fit comfortably without putting too much pressure on the shoulders causing indentations. It is also important to readjust suspenders throughout the day to ensure a perfect fit.
• When wearing suspenders make sure your pants don’t sag and that they sit on the hips.

The first origin of suspenders can be traced back to France in the early eighteenth century. At this time suspenders was ribbon attached to the button holes of pants. The suspenders that are popular today and that we are familiar with were designed in 1820 by a British designer by the name of Albert Thurston and we called braces. During this time suspenders were worn more for labored work than they were for fashion. Men wore such high waisted pants that a belt could actually not hold the pants up and for this reason suspender were used.

The first design for suspenders was that of an “H-back” with the fabric of woven wool look similar to an uppercase H. The H-back was changed to an X-back and then turned into a Y back. Today all three styles of suspenders are common, but H backs are rarely worn in formal settings and the H back in often only used in firefighting uniforms.

As of 1871 the idea for adjustable suspenders was patented in the United States Clips were invented in 1894 leading the change of how suspenders were fastened. Instead of buttoning, now it was becoming more common and desirable to clip.

Now suspenders are more statement pieces and are rarely used to hold pants up. British skinheads in the 1960s wore suspenders with their blue jeans to represent the working class. Now, in the 21st century, suspenders show a unique style usually worn by hipsters and fashion forward men and women.

Types of Suspenders

• Y Suspenders: This style of suspenders are for more formal occasions and are also great for business attire. Due to having a single point of attachment on a pant it does give them weaker support than that of the H and X style suspender. Due to the fact that wearing the Y style tends to be less secure it is important to have this type of suspender made with strong and durable material and also have the clasp being of quality material.
• X Suspenders: When fashioning these suspender it is important to a more casual approach. This type of suspenders are typically with clasps due to the fact that buttons on dress pants are in the center of the pant, making it only useful for Y suspenders. If you prefer the look of X suspenders and feel the traditional buttons is more pleasing to the eye one can always get their tailor to make their pants compatible with this type of suspenders.
• H Suspenders: Though this is the oldest style of suspenders it is also the least fashionable. Unless this type of suspender is part of your uniform, such as a fireman or if you are in the military, steer clear.

Width of Suspenders

When buying a pair of suspenders for the first time focus on a wide-range width typically anywhere from one and a quarter inch to one and half inch. This width is not only traditional, but it is classier than a smaller or larger width. For casual and trendy outings you can choose a width of a half inch to one inch. Any width over 2 inches is for function rather than fashion. This thickness is usually found with H suspenders.

Clip On vs. Button End

• Clip Ons: Clip ons were first introduced to the public in 1894. The popularity of the clip on is due to it being less expensive, more user friendly and more compatible with the rest of one’s wardrobe. The only negative finding from wearing clip ons is the metal can damage the waistband of the pants that they are attached to.
• Button End: If one thinks that details are what make an outfit then they should choose suspenders with buttons. Buttons are more deliberate than clip ons because pants have to be made or tailored to support buttons. There are two main benefits when it comes to choosing buttons as a fastener for suspenders. First, the are far more sturdy than clips. They will do a much better job at holding pants comfortably. Second, by choosing buttons one will have more high end options when it comes to suspenders.

The Don’ts of Wearing Suspenders

• Don’t wear a belt while wearing suspenders. The reason for wearing suspenders is to hold up pants. Thus, by wearing a belt one is totally defeating the point of wearing suspenders. This is considered the biggest fashion faux pas when it comes to wearing and styling suspenders.
• Don’t let the suspenders hang down around your pants. Once again, by doing this you are defeating the reason on wearing suspenders. It also gives suspenders a sloppy look.
• Don’t wear jeans or casual trousers: You are not punk and it is not the 1960s British skinhead movement. Wearing anything but nice tailored pants will give suspenders an awkward and unflattering appearance.
• Don’t wear a suspender that has a width that is 2 inches are greater.

The Do’s of Wearing Suspender

• Choose a width that is right for your frame and is appropriate for the occasion. If one has a slender frame they can wear a suspender width that is an inch or so wide. But if you are a larger man this will only make you look bigger than you actually are. Because of this it is important to stick with one and a half inch suspender.
• See suspenders as an accessory to an outfit. Make sure the suspenders match what you are wearing. If the suspenders are of a unique and funky pattern make sure the rest of the outfit is plain and doesn’t compete or clash.
• If the choice is between buttons and clip on suspenders always choose buttons.
• Adjust suspenders so they fit comfortably without putting too much pressure on the shoulders causing indentations. It is also important to readjust suspenders throughout the day to ensure a perfect fit.
• When wearing suspenders make sure your pants don’t sag and that they sit on the hips.