Question for boxcloth suspenders owners

[NukeMeSlowly]

I recently got a navy blue (used) pair of Thurstons off of eBay. I noticed immediately that the edges at a number of points are frayed (i.e. little bits of string hanging). How do you guys handle this? Scissors? One of those sweater fuzz trimmers? Or are you just supposed to embrace the fray?

 

[mensimageconsultant]

Take it to a tailor. Fraying is a bad sign. The pants might be wearing out in other places.

 

[Will]

Originally Posted by mensimageconsultant

Take it to a tailor. Fraying is a bad sign. The pants might be wearing out in other places.

Thurston makes braces.

 

[Film Noir Buff]

It depends on the fray. I have had boxcloth braces for years and never noticed fray. That stuff lasts forever. Everyone wears clothes differently, maybe the previous owner lifted heavy boxes all day.


I would usually suggest trimming the fray but I dont know where it is on the brace straps and I would like to see them first.

 

[grimslade]

Sorry to thread-jack, but can someone explain what boxcloth is?

 

[Will]

Originally Posted by grimslade

Sorry to thread-jack, but can someone explain what boxcloth is?

It's a woolen felt-like cloth. According to Albert Thurston:

"Boxcloth,sometimes called 'buckskin', was the ultimate fabric for keeping out the cold in the 19th century. Since then it has continued to be woven in Yorkshire, then finished by being shrunk to half it's original width, which tightens up the cloth allowing it also to be used for making the ultimate classic brace."

It's also used for lining the insides of carriages.

 

[Film Noir Buff]

Originally Posted by Will

It's a woolen felt-like cloth. According to Albert Thurston:

"Boxcloth,sometimes called 'buckskin', was the ultimate fabric for keeping out the cold in the 19th century. Since then it has continued to be woven in Yorkshire, then finished by being shrunk to half it's original width, which tightens up the cloth allowing it also to be used for making the ultimate classic brace."

It's also used for lining the insides of carriages.


They believe it was originally designed for pool tables and then someone got the idea shortly thereafter to use the excess scrap felt for braces. Sensible English thrift actually.