Braces with regular non-fishtail back trousers

Hannes · Jan 4, 2011

What is your opinion on converting (removing belt loops & adding buttons) regular medium rise flat front trousers for use with braces?

I don't fancy the combination of belt loops+braces, so I am thinking of either getting some fishtail trousers made or just converting some of my regular trousers, as I have recently discovered the supreme comfort of hanging my trousers with braces.

TimelesStyle · Jan 4, 2011

I use braces on non-fishtail trousers all the time (I'm a rebel like that

). I always have a set of buttons added to my side-tabbed trousers, most of which aren't high rise and none of which have a fishtail back (would completely defeat the purpose of side tabs). I suppose you could always ask your tailor if it's possible to **** the back of the waistband to create a fishtail, but not sure it's doable/advisable.

lee_44106 · Jan 4, 2011

If you like it, do it.

TimelesStyle · Jan 4, 2011

One other thing I'll add: consider buying your braces a size longer than normal if given the option. When I wear a trouser that sits on my hip, I have my regular length braces set almost to their longest, and I have a fairly short torso.

MCH-est.1818 · Jan 4, 2011

I've converted several of my suit trousers--added buttons and removed belt loops--and plan to do it to more of my suits. It makes the suit look more finished when its done. I really like it and definitely recommend it.

countcount · Jan 4, 2011

Originally Posted by TimelesStyle

I use braces on non-fishtail trousers
+1

Hannes · Jan 4, 2011

Thanks for all the answers. I do like the idea of converting my trousers, but I am asking as I read this in Manton's book: "But if your trousers are cut so that they rest on your hips -- as are most ready-made American and nearly all Italian trousers -- then suspenders are harmful: for such trousers sit below the protrusion of your belly (and rare is the man whose belly does not protrude at all) and the suspenders must arc around it, making you look even fatter than you actually are." My odd trousers are mostly relatively low rise Mabitex, Incotex and the like and my suit trousers are styled like them, so I'm afraid it will not fit the style. I think I will give it a try, though.

GBR · Jan 4, 2011

Whilst I think it is a bad idea as few trousers are cut with high enough rise, many will go with it so my only thought is 'if you must do it'. When you next get a suit made, get fish tail trousers with a decent high rise.

bleachboy · Jan 4, 2011

Wait, are we talking about wearing suspenders with odd trousers? I say no, especially if they're low-rise/slim/etc.

Hannes · Jan 4, 2011

Originally Posted by GBR

Whilst I think it is a bad idea as few trousers are cut with high enough rise, many will go with it so my only thought is 'if you must do it'. When you next get a suit made, get fish tail trousers with a decent high rise.
Sounds reasonable.

Originally Posted by bleachboy

Wait, are we talking about wearing suspenders with odd trousers? I say no, especially if they're low-rise/slim/etc.
I was thinking of converting both odd and suit trousers. Why would it be that different with odd trousers - too informal?

amplifiedheat · Jan 4, 2011

If you have trousers that rest on your hips and want to wear them with suspenders, you need a few simple alterations:
1)Sell or give away all low-rise trousers.
2)Buy men's trousers.
3)Have suspender buttons added.
4)Profit.

bleachboy · Jan 4, 2011

Originally Posted by Hannes

I was thinking of converting both odd and suit trousers. Why would it be that different with odd trousers - too informal?

Well, I think we may be in a similar boat -- most of my odd trousers are "slim" -- Mabitex, Tom Ford, Brooks Brothers Milano, etc. They're not necessarily low-rise, and I don't wear them on my hips, but I do think wearing them with suspenders might sometimes be testicle-unfriendly.

Every pair of suit pants I own, though, has a much more generous (traditional) rise, and I always wear suspenders with those.

I don't blame you for wanting to try it out with odd trousers, of course. I love the comfort and ease of suspenders. I just think they might be incompatible with certain pants.

Hannes · Jan 5, 2011

Originally Posted by bleachboy

Well, I think we may be in a similar boat -- most of my odd trousers are "slim" -- Mabitex, Tom Ford, Brooks Brothers Milano, etc. They're not necessarily low-rise, and I don't wear them on my hips, but I do think wearing them with suspenders might sometimes be testicle-unfriendly. Every pair of suit pants I own, though, has a much more generous (traditional) rise, and I always wear suspenders with those. I don't blame you for wanting to try it out with odd trousers, of course. I love the comfort and ease of suspenders. I just think they might be incompatible with certain pants.
My suit trousers are about the same as my odd trousers. Ideally they sit a couple of inches below my belly button, so I wouldn't say the rise is really that low, just compared to fishtail trousers and especially in the back:

compared to

TimelesStyle · Jan 5, 2011

Originally Posted by Hannes

Thanks for all the answers. I do like the idea of converting my trousers, but I am asking as I read this in Manton's book:

"But if your trousers are cut so that they rest on your hips -- as are most ready-made American and nearly all Italian trousers -- then suspenders are harmful: for such trousers sit below the protrusion of your belly (and rare is the man whose belly does not protrude at all) and the suspenders must arc around it, making you look even fatter than you actually are."

My odd trousers are mostly relatively low rise Mabitex, Incotex and the like and my suit trousers are styled like them, so I'm afraid it will not fit the style.

I think I will give it a try, though.

The above advice wouldn't work particularly well for me: I have a flat stomach and disproportionately short torso, so trousers worn at anything but the hip exacerbate the latter.

Hannes · Jan 5, 2011

Originally Posted by TimelesStyle

The above advice wouldn't work particularly well for me: I have a flat stomach and disproportionately short torso, so trousers worn at anything but the hip exacerbate the latter.
Yeah, I guess if you have a flat stomach it will not be a problem.

Do you think the braces work well here?

Braces with regular non-fishtail back trousers

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