Suspenders - Page 7

Probably because the braces were silk.

Ever since the first day I worse suspenders I haven't worn a belt since.

^ agreed. I like suspenders too. If your hips and waist are on the thin side (mine are) I always have to crank my belt down in order to hold the pants up.

I have to retract myself a little, as I said I wouldn't be wearing a belt with dress trousers again - I still do when wearing an odd jacket. I don't like the suspenders + odd jacket look for some reason.  But suits are a different story...

Clip ons do have a use of course, they enable you to try the effect, and find the best position before sewing on the buttons!

 

Then you can give them to a kid to make a catapult.

In my opinion, one must look at broader changes in men's (particularly gentlemen's) fashion. Back when that convention was established, the majority of suits were still three-piece and while a man might remove his jacket at work or in another semi-public setting, he'd never remove his vest. Therefore, his braces were always concealed. Back then I don't think anyone really wore belts with suits, if for no other reason than they'd bulge under the waistcoat in an unsightly way.

Belts seem to have been more of a working man's accessory. And, speaking of, I don't think there was any faux pas to the heavy braces worn by laborers being seen as they often went sans jacket all together.

If I had to guess I'd guess it was a matter of looking perfectly polished without anyone seeing the "inner workings" of what kept the clothes in the exact right position. It was quite alright for blue collar (or in those days, likely collarless) workers exposing purely utilitarian elements of their outfits, while men in suits would shun the idea as "utility" was the last thing on their minds.

I used to see this on some inexpensive trousers in the 90s (the Jos. A Bank slacks I wore to my own Bar Mitzvah had these, IIRC). I tend to think that guys buying cheaper suits/pants who liked suspenders would care less about the loops still being attached (especially back 15-20 years ago when more guys wore them) so they came that way as a matter of convenience rather than style.

I only wear braces/suspenders with suits. I find them much more comfortable than a belt and do not continuously have to pull up my pants. They also provide continuity throughout the look without the belt dividing me into two halves. I just bought a pair of Drake's narrow braces and look forward to wearing them with my new flannel suit. Should I remove the belt loops?

Yes, I'd say remove the loops. Was there enough material left over (either from making the suit or shortening the trousers) to have side adjusters made? This means you could conceivably wear the suit without braces but not have it fall down (while not showing off the beltless loops).

Thanks...good idea regarding the side adjusters. There should be about 6 inches of trouser material left over, is that enough to make side adjusters? The suit trouser is flat front so side adjusters would look great. Would you wear side adjusters with a pleated pant?

I've never actually had adjusters made myself, but it sounds like that should be enough. Your tailor would know for sure, though.

I'm also pretty sure I've seen side adjusters on pleated trousers as well. I think Paul Stuart does these on most of their suits and some of them are pleated. I can't see any reason not to use them other than ensuring they aren't pulled too tight causing the pleats to open. For that reason, I would imagine they'd work better on a reverse pleat than a forward pleat but again, I don't have any experience here since my trousers are all flat front.

 

I noticed earlier in this thread that you mentioned you either wear suspenders or leave them off. I'm assuming you have different pants for each use, right?

 

Also, what are your personal thoughts on wearing suspenders with an odd jacket? What are your reasons for wearing suspenders vs. no suspenders?

 

And do you go for the white-tipped versions or black/brown tipped versions?

I have side adjusters on all of my pants, but they are sham ones just for looks.

Off my rack, on my older pants they are already pretty fitted so I can wear them sans suspenders, however on my more recent commissions I have been getting them larger in the waist so that with suspenders they "float" a bit.

I guess with an odd jacket it is fine if they aren't seen.

My reasons for wearing suspenders is that they are unbelievably comfortable. I don't ever not wear them anymore.

All of mine have black leather ends. Some people might want to match shoes and such if they are seen, but I don't wear brown shoes so that's not really an issue.

I have had two removable pieces of cloth buttoned onto braces buttons that are attached to the trousers waistband. That way, it creates a mock 'fish tail'. And since they can be detached, trousers can also also be worn without braces.

Ralph Fiennes in the recent James Bond movie sports smth similar.

Interesting, but trousers don't need a fishtail to be worn with braces though.