Suspenders, or braces as they're called in British tailoring, are one of the simplest ways to make suit trousers hang properly. They've also come back as a finishing detail for weddings and business wear.
Here's how to wear them well.
Why wear suspenders instead of a belt?
A belt holds trousers up by squeezing them at the waist. Suspenders hold them from the shoulders. That changes how the trousers look and feel:
A cleaner line. Trousers hang straight from the waistband to the hem, without bunching at the belt.
More comfort. Nothing presses on your waist when you sit, eat or dance.
Trousers stay put. They don't slide down through a long day or a long reception.
A tidier waist. Without belt loops, the waistband looks smoother under a jacket or waistcoat.
Suspenders or a belt? Never both
One or the other. Wearing a belt and suspenders together is a classic style mistake, because each does the same job. If you're wearing braces, leave the belt off.
Button-on vs clip-on suspenders
How they attach — Button-on (leather tabs): Leather tabs loop over buttons inside the waistband; Clip-on: Metal clips grip the waistband
Look — Button-on (leather tabs): Traditional, tailored; Clip-on: Casual
Grip — Button-on (leather tabs): Secure, won't slip; Clip-on: Can slip and can mark the cloth
Best for — Button-on (leather tabs): Suits, weddings, business; Clip-on: Casual trousers
For suits, button-on suspenders with leather tabs are the traditional choice. If you're ordering custom or made-to-measure trousers, ask at your fitting about adding brace buttons to the waistband.
How suspenders should fit
Adjust the length so the trousers sit at your natural waist and the straps lie flat without pulling.
Not too tight. If your shoulders feel pulled down, let them out a little.
Not too loose. Slack straps let the trousers drop and defeat the purpose.
Trouser rise matters. Suspenders work best with trousers that sit at or just below the natural waist, which is how we usually cut tailored trousers.
Choosing a colour
A simple rule: match the suspenders to your tie, pocket square or the overall palette, not to the suit itself.
Business wear: navy, navy stripe or a subtle pattern that reads as solid from a distance.
Weddings: pick up the wedding colour. Burgundy works with navy and charcoal; light blue suits summer weddings; earthy tones suit tan and olive suits.
Leather tabs: match them to your shoes: black tabs with black shoes, brown with brown.
Our suspender range
We've added five pairs to the studio, each with leather tabs, stainless steel fittings and adjustable length, at A$75 a pair:
Navy Stripe: the most versatile pair, for business and formal wear.
Navy Argyle: a slim strap that reads as solid navy from a distance.
Burgundy Polka Dot: a rich colour that works well across a groom's party.
Sky Blue Stripe: light and fresh for summer and daytime weddings.
Beige & Burgundy Stripe: warm tones for tan, olive and garden weddings.
Browse them all on our accessories page.
Suspenders for weddings
Braces are a great way to keep a groom's party looking matched while each person's suit is fitted to their build. They also look good once jackets come off later in the night. Our wedding suits page covers how we plan a full party.
Frequently asked questions
Are suspenders still in style?
Yes. They're a classic tailoring detail and are popular again for weddings and business wear, especially with waistcoats and three-piece suits.
Should suspenders be seen?
Traditionally they were hidden under a waistcoat or jacket. Today it's perfectly acceptable for them to show, particularly at weddings once jackets come off.
What's the difference between suspenders and braces?
Nothing. "Braces" is the British term and "suspenders" is the American one. In the UK, "suspenders" can also refer to garters for socks or stockings.
Can I wear suspenders with trousers that have belt loops?
You can, but they look best on trousers made for them, with brace buttons and no loops.
Try them with your suit
Come in and try a pair with your suit or your wedding colours. Book a fitting at our Mermaid Beach studio.
