Because suspenders are such a traditional accessory, they come with a few rules on how they’re to be worn. While they’ve now become more of a fashion statement, some basic guidelines still apply, so read on for tips on how to avoid any suspenders faux-pas, and how to always be on point with your suspenders game.
Should I wear suspenders with or without a belt?
You should never, ever wear suspenders with a belt. If your trousers have belt loops, that’s ok as long as there is no belt. Wearing suspenders as well as a belt is considered to be bad form. So: belt loops = ok, belt = not ok.
What are the best kinds of pants for wearing suspenders?
Historically, suspenders were used to hold up pants. They were designed specifically so that they would hold trousers up elegantly, without causing any bunching or tightness around the waistline.
Ideally, the best type of pants to wear with suspenders is a pair without belt loops that has buttons sewn on the inside for suspenders to loop onto. If you don’t have buttons on the inside of your pants, they can be sewn on, making wearing loop suspenders easy to wear. If your trousers have belt loops and no buttons, you can still wear a pair of suspenders, just make sure you choose a pair that clips on. While slightly less elegant, clip suspenders can be affixed to the waist of your pants with ease.
Suspenders can be worn with pretty much any kind of trousers. Loop or button suspenders are considered the most elegant, while clip suspenders are slightly more casual. For formal events, button-on suspenders, preferably in black or white, are required.
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How should I wear suspenders with jeans?
Wearing suspenders with casual denim is a modern occurrence. Because of this, there are no hard-and-fast rules about how to wear the two together, but our advice is this: keep it simple, and use it as a way to express your personality and style. We like clip-on suspenders for ease of wear and versatility, and we love the idea of bright, bold colors and patterns paired with simple denim. Our favorite types of jeans to wear with this look are slim-fit or skinny jeans in a darker wash, and we like them rolled up at the cuff for an extra stylish touch.
How should I wear suspenders with a suit?
Because a suit is considered formal (or at the very least semi-formal), we recommend wearing suspenders that button on rather than clip on suspenders. Choose a simple style in a color that is either complementary to your suit, or that is in contrast for a nice pop of unexpected color. If you choose to wear clip-on suspenders (this is ok for a business suit but never ok for a tux), make sure that the metal hardware on your suspenders matches any other metal you are wearing, such as your shoe buckles.
What kinds of outfits and accessories can I wear with suspenders?
You can wear suspenders with pretty much any kind of outfit you like. You can wear suspenders with a tux for a formal occasion, with a suit for work, or even with jeans or shorts for a more casual look. We’ve got some style guides to help give you some ideas about how you can incorporate suspenders into your wardrobe, and which accessories work best with every look.
I'm an avid enthusiast with a deep understanding of men's fashion and accessories, particularly when it comes to suspenders. My expertise in this realm stems from a combination of personal experience, extensive research, and a keen interest in classic and contemporary styles. I've delved into the nuances of suspenders, exploring their historical significance, evolving fashion trends, and the art of pairing them with various outfits. Allow me to share my wealth of knowledge on the subject.
Wearing Suspenders with or Without a Belt: One cardinal rule in the world of suspenders is never to wear them with a belt. The reasoning behind this is not just a matter of aesthetics; it's rooted in functionality. Suspenders are designed to hold up trousers on their own, and the presence of a belt can create a clash in both form and function. If your trousers have belt loops, it's acceptable as long as you refrain from wearing an actual belt. This guideline ensures a clean and polished appearance.
Best Pants for Wearing Suspenders: The ideal pants for suspenders are those without belt loops, featuring buttons on the inside for suspenders to loop onto. Historically, suspenders were crafted with this purpose in mind—to elegantly support trousers without causing bunching or tightness around the waistline. If your pants lack these buttons, they can be sewn on, facilitating the use of loop suspenders. Alternatively, pants with belt loops can still accommodate clip suspenders, offering a slightly more casual look. For formal events, opt for button-on suspenders, preferably in black or white.
Wearing Suspenders with Jeans: The fusion of suspenders with casual denim is a contemporary trend, allowing for greater flexibility in styling. While there are no rigid rules for this pairing, simplicity is key. Clip-on suspenders are favored for their ease of wear and versatility. Bright, bold colors and patterns can be effectively paired with simple denim. Slim-fit or skinny jeans in a darker wash are recommended, and rolling up the cuffs adds an extra touch of style.
Wearing Suspenders with a Suit: Suspenders with a suit require careful consideration, especially for formal or semi-formal occasions. Button-on suspenders are the preferred choice, complementing the sophistication of a suit. Choose a style that either complements or contrasts with your suit color for a tasteful appearance. While clip-on suspenders are acceptable for business suits, they are discouraged for formal events like black-tie affairs or tuxedo occasions. Matching the metal hardware on your suspenders with other accessories, such as shoe buckles, ensures a cohesive look.
Outfits and Accessories with Suspenders: Suspenders can be seamlessly integrated into a variety of outfits, ranging from formal to casual. Whether paired with a tuxedo for a formal event, a suit for work, or even jeans or shorts for a laid-back look, suspenders offer versatility. Style guides can provide inspiration on how to incorporate suspenders into your wardrobe, along with recommendations for accessories that complement each look.
