Thread: Suspenders

I know a tailor in Costa Rica that has made a few pairs of pants for me in the past. My wife is headed back down there shortly and I am probably going to have him make me a few more pairs. He makes them to my specs (e.g., he put in a small pocket for a pocket watch). I'm thinking about having at least one pair made without belt loops and with buttons for suspenders. Does anyone have any tips or advice on suspender use and a good place to purchase them? I figure the odds are pretty good that some member of this forum makes suspenders. My only concern is keeping my shirt tucked in. The best solution for that I've seen are shirt stays which apparently work great for people in dress uniforms, but I'm not sure how comfortable they'd be given that I spend most of the day sitting in a chair. If dress shirts were made like infant onesies there wouldn't be a problem. I'd also like to give bow ties a shot, but I don't think I permission for that yet.

Ryan

Well, you have a few options.

One is that you can have your trousers cut for braces. They'll be higher waisted, with the buttons, and the waistband will have a V in back to accomidate the suspenders.

If you tell them to put suspender buttons in on trousers with belt looks, they know where they go. I'm sure you know the drill - belt /or/ braces, not both, unless you want to look insecure.

You can get good ones at any fine men's store. Brooks Brothers (really expensive), Jos. A. Bank, Mens Wearhouse (in descending order of price) or probably in any department store. You can get elastic or woven silk, or even woven leather.

Your shirt should be of more than sufficient length. If it's not, buy a tall length shirt. If your waistband fits right, you'll have less problems. I've lost a little weight, and if I wear braces, it sometimes looks like I'm wearing clown pants.

Did I miss any questions? Oh, you want to adjust the suspenders so the brass tabs are somewhere in the middle of your chest, not on your shoulders or at your belly. Other than that, channel Gordon Gekko.

Regarding shirt stays: I use these for dress and service uniforms (think Dress Blues and also for khaki / green pants or "pickle suit"). They are not uncomfortable when sitting, in my opinion, as at that point they are not stretched to nearly their max length. They become uncomfortable when you do a lot of walking or dancing -- at this point the "X" pattern of elastic on the side of your thigh starts to rub the hair off of your legs, which is not a good method of hair removal :P

Despite this, I always wear shirt stays with dress shirts now -- it seems magical to other people to always have a crisp, flat shirt-front.

IMO braces are the only way to go for the well dressed man. The advice already given covers the topic pretty thoroughly. I have always shopped at Banks and found their selection more than adequate. I would however, avoid the leather braces. They do look good, but I found them to be uncomfortable and they make noise when you move.

Originally Posted by TomlinAS

Despite this, I always wear shirt stays with dress shirts now -- it seems magical to other people to always have a crisp, flat shirt-front.

You can also use one of those rubber "invisible tailor" belts that keep your shirt tucked in and your trousers from falling down. Or is that what you're talking about?

I have a few Albert Thurston braces silk and boxcloth. The boxcloth might be a little warm if you live in a hot climate. They are good and have solid reputation in UK. The prices on their site are higher than on other sites but they include shipping. Even if you don't buy from them they have a good site that is fun to visit.
Mats

I wear inexpensive suspenders daily. Not cheap, but decent. It's part of my gimmick at work. I tell customers that if they forget my name, just ask for the big guy in suspenders. Several times it has paid off!

RT

For clarification:

Suspenders clamp onto your pants- utilitarian

Braces are buttoned onto your trousers - elegant

Thank you for that clarification...the only braces I could think of when I read this thread are the kind that go on teeth.