sign in sign up
<<
Home , Suspenders

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

10 Rules for Wearing Suspenders. Number 1 is a Must!

How can you trust a man who wears both a & suspenders? The man can't even trust his own pants”- Frank, in the movie Once upon a Time in the West

Suspenders (referred to as braces in Britain) is one of the very few classic men’s accessories used to judge a true gentleman. It was as though this stylish accessory went extinct for a while, but guess what? They are back! and this time around, they are here to stay.

Sometime ago, I wrote An Introductory Guide To Wearing Suspenders and if you've read it you will agree with me that suspenders are truly a timeless accessory for men that offer both function and style. So today we are going a step further to talk about the rules for wearing men's suspenders. So gentlemen, here are the 10 Rules you should consider when wearing your suspenders.

TEN (10) RULES FOR WEARING MEN’S SUSPENDERS

#1. NEVER WEAR SUSPENDERS WITH A BELT

KOBI KOACHMAN ULTIMATE GUIDE TO MEN’S STYLE – 1st Edition 2016 – MRKOACHMAN.com

Here is that one formular you must always remember as far as wearing suspenders is concerned.

Belt + Suspenders = Bad Dressing

Trousers with belt loops are meant for Belts, but can still be worn with Suspenders. However, without belt loops (but have side tabs and/or buttons) is best for Suspenders, and should NEVER be worn with a Belt.

However, if you have decided to stick to suspenders, have your tailor remove the belt loops of any trousers worn only with suspenders, and replace with buttons on the inside of the waistband to accommodate button suspenders. Alternatively, have your tailor make new high stylish trousers that will be perfect for suspenders.

#2. NEVER WEAR SUSPENDERS WITHOUT A (FOR PROFESSIONAL LOOK)

KOBI KOACHMAN ULTIMATE GUIDE TO MEN’S STYLE – 1st Edition 2016 – MRKOACHMAN.com

Unless you are Larry King, when wearing your suspenders for work or a special occasion, it is best to keep them tucked away beneath your jacket. Although, you can remove and hang your when within your office/work space but when going out [perhaps for meetings], you must remember to put it back on. This rule does not apply when you are wearing suspenders for a casual look, for instance pairing it with chinos or .

#3. CHOOSE THE RIGHT TYPE OF SUSPENDERS - BUTTONS vs. CLIPS

KOBI KOACHMAN ULTIMATE GUIDE TO MEN’S STYLE – 1st Edition 2016 – MRKOACHMAN.com

There are basically two types of Suspenders, the Button-on type and the Clip-on type. For professional look/settings, you should wear suspenders that utilize buttons not clip. Wearing suspenders with metal clips that clip to your waistband of your trouser, are considered less professional.

#4. CHOOSE THE RIGHT STYLE OF SUSPENDERS - Y-back vs. X-back

In terms of style of suspenders, you can either opt for y-back or x-back styles. Y-back suspenders form a "Y" on your back and X-back suspenders form an "X". X-back suspenders provide better support because they can be spaced wider apart, but they are both adjustable and can easily hold your trousers up and firmly.

#5 NEVER WEAR THE "H"-BACK STYLE OF SUSPENDERS

KOBI KOACHMAN ULTIMATE GUIDE TO MEN’S STYLE – 1st Edition 2016 – MRKOACHMAN.com

Never wear the “H” style of suspenders, they were the first style that came into existence and are now outdated. So if you still have these, perhaps it was handed over to your dad from your Grand Pa and from your dad to you, please keep it where they belong - at the base of your big cloth box and that's if you can't burn them. Please help us all, terminate its existence...never hand it over to your son.

#6. CHOOSE THE APPROPRIATE SIZE OF SUSPENDERS

Although suspenders can be adjusted to raise or lower the pants, it is still advisable to consider the size when buying. Ensure you choose the right length when shopping for suspenders. If you are very tall it’s best you go for long suspenders to avoid slouching when walking.

#7. CHOOSE THE APPROPRIATE TYPE OF TROUSERS FOR YOUR SUSPENDERS

KOBI KOACHMAN ULTIMATE GUIDE TO MEN’S STYLE – 1st Edition 2016 – MRKOACHMAN.com

Note that high-waist trousers are typically considered best for suspenders. Low-waist pants are designed to work best with belt and they offer less support for your stomach. Have your tailor make high-waist trousers for you if you've decided to stick to suspenders instead of belt.

#8. ENSURE YOUR SUSPENDERS MATCH WITH THE COLOR OF YOUR , SAME WAY YOUR BELT SHOULD MATCH

If you are wearing in combination with suspenders, the color of your suspenders must match the color of your dress shoes (important for professional occasions). However, if you are just new to suspenders, I'll suggest you first maintain black colored ones as these are popular because of their flexible neutrality. When you've become comfortable wearing that one color and you plan on getting more, then you can experiment with different colors while maintaining the basic rules.

KOBI KOACHMAN ULTIMATE GUIDE TO MEN’S STYLE – 1st Edition 2016 – MRKOACHMAN.com

#9. ENSURE YOUR SUSPENDERS AND METAL BIT COMPLEMENTS YOUR ENTIRE OUTFIT

Match the leather fabric found on the ends of suspenders to your shoes, in the same way you would match a belt. Make sure the suspender’s color matches or compliments with your tie, , or other colors in your outfit. In addition, as a general rule, you should also match the metal part of your loafers, suspenders and cuff links. If it’s gold in color, ensure your cuff links, metal bit of your loafers, and metal bit of your suspenders are gold as well. Same thing goes when it’s either black or silver.

#10. FOR A CASUAL LOOK, CHOOSE ONLY CLIP-ON TYPE OF SUSPENDERS

It's true that suspenders will go with everything from your corporate attire to your casual ensembles and really some men love to pair suspenders with a more casual look. However,

KOBI KOACHMAN ULTIMATE GUIDE TO MEN’S STYLE – 1st Edition 2016 – MRKOACHMAN.com

the occasion and your outfit determines the type of suspender to pick. You must avoid wearing the button type of suspenders when wearing your casual attire...choose only the clip-on type instead.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I hope I've been able to share enough tips on how to wear this stylish accessory which is fast becoming a must-have fashion item for modern gentlemen. I also hope these pictures above have given you some idea on how to wear a pair of men’s suspenders yourself.

KOBI KOACHMAN ULTIMATE GUIDE TO MEN’S STYLE – 1st Edition 2016 – MRKOACHMAN.com