Recommendation needed on suspenders (braces if you prefer)

[dba]

Hi,
I recently purchased a dark brown DB suit with tan pinstripes. This is the first suit I have purchased with trousers minus belt loops, so I am in the hunt for a set of suspenders. I would prefer to purchase online as currently overseas but will be in San Jose and Orlando in Septemeber so could check some local stores/outlet malls as well. I am not looking to sink a lot of money to accessorize a suit I probably won't wear all that often. Also, I would prefer an elastic pair over a model with leather shoulder straps. I was hoping to find something possibly with tan colors straps and dark brown connectors but the closest I have able to find was cream straps (I liked those) with light brown connectors (not so much)...buttons not clips and prefer plain or a simple stripe or pattern, not a pair with pictures. Does anyone have any recommendations in the $25-$65 range?

thanks!
dba

 

[Film Noir Buff]

Although not against the law, I would not try to match my braces to my suit. However, if that's what you want, you can find traflagar braces on ebay in new condition for about that amount. Whether the exact color scheme you want exists, I can't say/

 

[Manton]

Many, many elastic options here:

http://www.classicwardrobe.co.uk/-/P.../-/Braces.aspx

However, keep in mind that leather is not your only option apart from elastic. "Barathea" (really rayon, but not bad looking) is another. I have many pairs from this company (Thurston) in their barathea, and they look nice, wear well and hold up great. The very top example, in tan barathea with brown leather ends, sounds like just what you are looking for.

 

[dba]

Originally Posted by Film Noir Buff

Although not against the law, I would not try to match my braces to my suit. However, if that's what you want, you can find traflagar braces on ebay in new condition for about that amount. Whether the exact color scheme you want exists, I can't say/

As I am treading new ground here, what general rules of thumb exist when it comes to brace selection? I am unaware.

Dba

 

[dba]

Originally Posted by Manton

Many, many elastic options here:

http://www.classicwardrobe.co.uk/-/P.../-/Braces.aspx

However, keep in mind that leather is not your only option apart from elastic. "Barathea" (really rayon, but not bad looking) is another. I have many pairs from this company (Thurston) in their barathea, and they look nice, wear well and hold up great. The very top example, in tan barathea with brown leather ends, sounds like just what you are looking for.

Thanks for the link. I had seen a few Thurstons on eBay but looks like this Bromleys has several models in schemes similar to what I was looking for. Are they an English brand? I actually will have an 11 hr. layover at Heathrow so maybe I could purchase a pair then at one of the many airport stores. I figure the inflated price might offset the shipping charges, lol.

dba

 

[Manton]

Yes, they are English. FYI, I have never seen a price lower than what Bromley's is charging. I think even Thurston's own website charges more.

 

[Film Noir Buff]

Originally Posted by dba

As I am treading new ground here, what general rules of thumb exist when it comes to brace selection? I am unaware.

Dba

I would not say that there are necessarily general rules to brace selection but in terms of color and pattern matching. For men, I think it is best to avoid looking contrived and one way to do that is effect a certain randomness in the outfit and to seek out contrast which is in step with the idea that you didnt put too much thought into what you chose (even if you actually did) and to avoid the dress principles that women employ.


I would indulge myself in a pair of button tab braces of your own fancy, irrespective of how they fit in with a specific suit, shirt or tie.

 

[Manton]

Originally Posted by dba

As I am treading new ground here, what general rules of thumb exist when it comes to brace selection? I am unaware.

Dba

The traditional rule, or maybe default starting point, is to match them to the suit. Though "match" is really the wrong word, but go with a color that complements the suit. Otherwise, you can try to complement the tie, or else go with something totally contrasting but harmonious (gray suit, blue tie, wine braces).

The leather ends should go with your shoes: black with black, brown with brown. The brown match does not have to be exact. White ends go with any color shoe, but are especially good with black.

 

[dba]

Well the beige edge ones caught my eye right of the bat so maybe that's a sign, lol. I will be wearing a darker brown shoe with a hint of red so was set on the dark brown ends though I am fairly open on the straps themselves. I will try to attach a picture of the suit. For good measure I will also try to attach a picture of the beiges ends. Per the previous post, I am also trying to visualise how other colors may look. Was thinking maybe the navy/wine stipe could give me some versatility with other outfits, but maybe I am going down the wrong path, lol. I'll try to include a pic of those too. Those have black ends though and would relegate me to a black shoe. I have always been comfortable with black shoes brown pants but some of my "stylish friends" have advised otherwise. I guess I could always wear by Dr. Martens wintips which are black with a brown platform, lol.

dba