HISTORY
Suspendershave a long history, starting in 18th century France. Suspenders as we know today, have been similar in designtothe model British designer Albert Thurston first started manufacturing in the 1820s (he likely referred to them as braces, as was and is popular in Britain). Times sure have changed.
While suspenders originally existed solely to hold up your pants, they fell to the wayside when pants were created to fit people normally. This did not last long, as belts later took over, despite Doctors often recommending suspenders to overweight patients. "There are more big stomachs caused by the wearing of a belt than any other one thing I know of," said a Chicago doctor named Dr. V. S. Cheney in 1928.Life magazinereported that in 1938 60% of American men chose belts over suspenders.
TODAY
Suspenders today have been left out of the limelight to say the least. Certainly we all remember the likes of Gordon Gekko in Wall Street, painting the picture of suspenders as an upper-class formal look. We know suspenders today to be typically associated with formalwear. How could we forgot the checkerboard suspenders sold throughout Hot Topics all over the US in the early 00's? Today, suspenders stand in a middle groundwhile fashion moves around them. No one has considered updating them, until now.
WHAT MAKESBETTER THAN BELTSDIFFERENT
Simply put, suspenders are better than belts. This isn't true all the time, but it is in our case, as we redesigned the traditional suspenders for use in 2019. Our pants are different than they were in the 1820's, and fashion has had some minor changes too in the past 200 years. We no longer own pants that have buttons for suspenders, nor do we have the five minutes it may take to attach those suspenders to pants. Clips are easier. Our unique jumbo clips provide the samestrength as buttons, yet the ease of clips. The Y-back allows you to attach suspenders quickly, even while standing. Our adjusters are smooth as butter to create a versatile genderless suspender. The designs are playful enough to wear with tees and sophisticated enough for a tuxedo. Our elastic is extra comfy in order to achieve all-day comfort. We set out to create the best suspenders in the universe,and we believe we got pretty darn close.
AboutBetter Than Belts;Suspendersfor the modern human
Better Than Belts(BTB) was founded by siblings Tori and Tyler Farley who are alumni of Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. Tyler’s weight fluctuated due to health issues and he grew tired of tightbelts. He wanted to buysuspendersbut found everything on the market to be costumes / novelty goods,formal wear, and construction apparel. No clothing brand was making a suspender durable and good-looking enough to replace abelt. Cue BTB, a modern suspender that is comfortable and versatile. As he neared launch, Tyler recruited his sister Tori who has extensive experience with startups, growth marketing, and analytics. The BTB Kickstarter raised $11,400 in one month, bringing the project to life and spreading quality, genderlesssuspendersto our first wave of dedicated customers. Thesuspendersare made in New York, USA of the highest quality components sourced from around the globe.
As a passionate enthusiast with a deep understanding of fashion history and accessories, particularly suspenders, I can confidently share my expertise on the subject. My knowledge is not just theoretical; it extends to practical insights and historical contexts that help illuminate the evolution of suspenders over time.
The history of suspenders traces back to 18th century France, with a notable shift in design attributed to the British designer Albert Thurston in the 1820s. Thurston's contribution, referred to as braces in Britain, laid the foundation for the suspenders we recognize today. These accessories initially served a utilitarian purpose—holding up pants—but saw a decline in popularity when pants were designed to fit more comfortably, leading to the rise of belts.
The shift towards belts gained momentum, despite doctors like Dr. V. S. Cheney in 1928 advocating for suspenders, especially for overweight individuals. In 1938, Life magazine reported that 60% of American men preferred belts over suspenders. This marked a turning point in the perception and usage of suspenders.
Fast forward to the present day, suspenders have largely been associated with formalwear, with iconic portrayals like Gordon Gekko in Wall Street contributing to this image. However, the article introduces a modern take on suspenders through the brand "Better Than Belts" (BTB).
BTB, founded by siblings Tori and Tyler Farley, recognizes the changing landscape of fashion and the need for a contemporary approach to suspenders. Tyler's personal experience with weight fluctuations and discomfort caused by tight belts led to the creation of suspenders that are not only functional but also comfortable and stylish. The brand acknowledges the evolution of pants and fashion over the past 200 years, introducing innovations such as jumbo clips for easy attachment, a Y-back design for quick wear, and smooth adjusters for versatility.
What sets BTB apart is its commitment to creating genderless suspenders that are both playful and sophisticated. The elastic material used in their suspenders prioritizes all-day comfort, addressing the contemporary lifestyle needs. The founders, Tori and Tyler Farley, bring a combination of personal experience, market understanding, and innovative design to the table.
Furthermore, the article notes that BTB suspenders are manufactured in New York, USA, using the highest quality components sourced globally. The brand's Kickstarter campaign successfully raised $11,400, indicating a strong market interest and support for their unique approach to suspenders.
In conclusion, the history of suspenders reflects their journey from utilitarian accessories to fashion statements. The resurgence of interest in suspenders through brands like Better Than Belts demonstrates the adaptability of this accessory to contemporary styles and the ongoing evolution of fashion preferences.
