Less expensive white formal braces

[BackInTheJox]

Looking to buy a pair of white formal braces, but I'm not about to drop $80+ on the Thurstons. Can anyone recommend a reasonably decent looking alternative that's not so pricey?

And yes, I realize that for some of you with money burning holes in your pockets, 80 bucks for these seems like nothing. That's not really the case for me, so please refrain from the unhelpful "just shell out the $80 or live forever in embarrassment with your ****** braces" type responses. I don't expect to find something of Thurston quality at half the price; however, I am looking for something that will still appear rather "formal" and not look too terrible.

Thanks.

 

[E TF]

A couple of plain white options here, at Darcy clothing.

 

[Macallan]



I am looking for something that will still appear rather "formal"

By formal, do you mean the British view (i.e. black tie) or American (i.e. work wear)?

Whatever view it is, wear what you like- braces are not supposed to be seen; however, on the chance that they may be seen, keep it simple (like plain white).

TM Lewin have decent braces £25-30, I think they are made by Albert Thurston but not to the same quality as 'Albert Thurston' branded braces.

 

[Andysrus]

With a brooks brothers corporate discount these come to under $80: http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Forma...dwvar_075C_Color=WHIT&contentpos=51&cgid=0233

If you catch a 30% sale they will be even less. I have those and have always been very happy with them.

Good luck in your search.

 

[BackInTheJox]

Thanks for the replies so far, guys!

By "formal" I mean the British version (i.e. black tie). I plan on wearing them with my tuxedo; and, you touched on precisely the reason I don't want to spend too much on them . . . no one should really see them, but on the off chance I do end up taking my coat off for whatever reason, I want them to look nice.

Edit: Also, I live in the US, so some overseas options may be less feasible (with higher shipping costs and such).

Edit 2: I see that the Darcy ones would still only come out to 24.50 pounds ($37.50 or so). Not a bad deal.

 

[BackInTheJox]

I generally hate Mens Wearhouse, but would these be a poor choice? It seems like the quality is probably around the same as the Darcy/Lewin ones (or maybe not, I don't really know), and they'd be the same price as the Darcy ones for me, but much easier to purchase locally.

http://www.menswearhouse.com/shop/p...0430_12751_700183664_-1_700000430_____default

 

[AmericanGent]

By formal, do you mean the British view (i.e. black tie) or American (i.e. work wear)?

Whatever view it is, wear what you like- braces are not supposed to be seen; however, on the chance that they may be seen, keep it simple (like plain white).

TM Lewin have decent braces £25-30, I think they are made by Albert Thurston but not to the same quality as 'Albert Thurston' branded braces.

Oh yes, Americans have no idea what formal means. Thank you for the subtle insult.

 

[AmericanGent]

Looking to buy a pair of white formal braces, but I'm not about to drop $80+ on the Thurstons. Can anyone recommend a reasonably decent looking alternative that's not so pricey?

And yes, I realize that for some of you with money burning holes in your pockets, 80 bucks for these seems like nothing. That's not really the case for me, so please refrain from the unhelpful "just shell out the $80 or live forever in embarrassment with your ****** braces" type responses. I don't expect to find something of Thurston quality at half the price; however, I am looking for something that will still appear rather "formal" and not look too terrible.

Thanks.

It is always hard to get the quality made look with out the price that comes with it. Look at Amazon and http://www.suspenderstore.com/. If you write them they might have white formals.
Robert Talbott Protocol has some mid-range formal items but I don't see any suspenders on their site.

We have white suspenders for military dinner dress- they are made in the USA, so they must be available somewhere. If you need help tracking that down let me know.

 

[aravenel]

Check eBay. I just bought some Thurston white moire braces for about $50.

 

[smoothmoose]

If you still need your suspenders, I am getting my satin ones here. They have multiple color options...

http://www.beltoutlet.com/solsatsus.html

 

[Brock Zeigler]

White braces with braided ends are considered correct for formal wear.

http://www.darcyclothing.com/shop/braces/cord-end-narrow-1-wide-button-on-braces-br732.html