A Style Guide on How to Wear Fashionable Suspenders

Suspenders have been a long-time fixture on the fashion scene, but there are still plenty of people who are discovering how cool they are to wear. If you’re interested in learning more about this versatile fashion accessory, keep reading for the full overview of contemporary suspender style.

Fashion vs. Function

Depending on your personal wardrobe interests and needs, you may want to wear suspenders for fashionable reasons or because you’re looking at them as a functional item. Suspenders can be both things and work perfectly fine as a fashion accessory or an alternative way to keep pants from slipping down.

As a fashion item, suspenders are very cool and versatile. For one thing, they’re constructed of multiple types of materials. You can find them in different casual and upscale fabrics, and some are made with rustic materials such as leather. In addition to material variety, they also come in a wide range of fashionable colors and patterns.

When it comes to function, suspenders are your go-to belt alternative. The classic two-straps over the shoulder with fasteners still works like a charm for holding up all manner of pants. Heavy-duty styles are available for those who work in fields that require rugged work clothing.

Are there Styles for Men and Women?

Generally, all styles of suspenders can be worn by males and females alike. While you are free to look for styles under specific genders, these styles are merely suggestions and not fashion rule requirements. When shopping for suspenders, keep in mind that they are designed to be suitable for all personality types and body types.

What is the Difference Between Button-on and Clip-on Suspenders?

There are two basic styles of suspenders that you should become familiar with: button-on and clip-on. When you see these descriptions, they refer to the type of end attachments at the bottom that are necessary for connecting suspenders to pants.

Button-on suspenders. The classic button-on suspenders are iconic for their leather ends featuring two slender straps with buttonhole openings. They attach to buttons located on the inside of a pair of pants. In general, this style is considered classy and sophisticated, and they are often worn with business suits or formal attire. If you need to add buttons to pants to wear these, you can obtain buttons and sew them onto pants yourself or ask a dry cleaner or tailor to do the task for you.

Clip-on suspenders. Some styles feature metal clips attached at the end, and these clips can be found on casual and dress styles. Basically, clip-on styles are easy to attach and take off, and many prefer this style for convenience.

What is an X-Back?

The X-back suspenders are a style that features backstraps that form an “X” pattern. Basically, two straps crisscross at some point and there are two straps that attach to the back of the pants. This style is ideal for those who want solid functional support for holding up pants in addition to fashion.

What is a Y-Back?

The Y-back suspenders create a “Y” formation that includes two short straps at the top and one long strap that goes down the back. Depending on the design, there may be one clip or two button-on ends for attachment. This is a sleek, trendy style admired by many.

Suspenders and Width

Another great thing about suspenders is that they come in several widths, and you are free to wear them skinny or wide depending on your preference. The thinnest styles range from 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch. Standard widths are 1-inch, 1.25-inch and 1.5-inch with 2-inch styles being the widest. Your choice of width may depend on fashion preference, comfort or functionality.

Choosing the Right Size

Shopping for suspenders is fun, but you do need to be mindful that you select the right size for you or the person you’re buying them for. The right fit means all-day comfort. The wrong fit may cause discomfort. To help you find the right size, the SuspenderStore has convenient sizing guides that correspond with a child’s age or an adult’s height. Because styles may be constructed differently, it’s a good idea to always double check for size.

Adjusting for Fit

Once you have the right size, adjusting for fit is an easy task thanks to adjusters attached to each front strap. If you’ve ever wondered how to put on suspenders, we can give you that answer right now as it relates to fit. Simply slip the straps over each shoulder, clip or button the end attachments to your pants, and then use the handy adjusters to loosen or tighten the straps until they feel completely comfortable. That’s it!

Wearing Dress Suspenders

Dress suspenders refers to styles that can be worn with a nice business suit, business casual separates or formal suits. For formal dressing, such as upscale suits for weddings, button-on suspenders made from quality materials such as satin and silk are a posh choice. You have more style leeway with standard suits and separates, and most classic colors and patterns are suitable work attire.

Wearing Casual Suspenders

Go with your most creative and trendiest fashion desires when choosing suspenders for casual outfits. Anything goes, so you can wear any color or pattern with jeans, khakis, slacks, shorts or skirts, and you can easily get away with wearing fun novelty styles.