Etiquette for Ties & Suspenders

There are several ways to tie a necktie

After Gordon Gekko solidified suspenders as a power suit must-have accessory in the movie Wall Street, corporate America followed suit and the trend reigned big through the 1980s. After that, suspenders experienced a downturn for all but the most stalwart of wearers. However, recently a resurgence has taken place and a whole new generation of men are embracing suspenders, along with neckties and bow ties, to express their individuality.

History

While a version of the tie is said to have been popular in the time of French King Louis XIV, the design as we know it today became popular in both Europe and America during the 1920s. Suspenders, or braces as they are sometimes called, originated in London in the 1820s. The inventor, Albert Thurston, owned an emporium and held a long and respected career producing gentlemens' accessories.

Suspenders

Suspenders should sit comfortably over the shoulders and reach down to the pant level in the front and back without too much adjustment. Suspenders may be worn with either a long necktie or a bow tie, and the tie and suspenders should match the shade of the shoes. Suspenders are not worn with a belt, and the clip-on variety should be avoided. Traditional suspenders have two holes at the end of each strap, front and back, that attach to small buttons on the inside of the pant waistline. If a pair of trousers does not have these, a tailor can add them for a small fee.

Ties

Ties are a very common accessory in business and special occasions. Conventionally, ties are worn with long-sleeve shirts, and accompanied by a blazer or suit jacket. If there are belt loops on the pants, a belt should be worn, in a shade matching the shoes. Pants with belt loops are not intended to be worn without a belt and clip-on ties are not acceptable.

Variations for the Necktie

There is only one way to tie a bow tie, with several variations on the finished look of a necktie. The most popular necktie styles are the cross knot, four-in-hand, half-windsor, windsor, Prince Albert and small knot. The four-in-hand and windsor are the most traditional. Ties are typically one-size-fits-all, and once tied should fall to about the waistline with the narrow end tucked behind the broad end.

Tuxedos

Tuxedos are the most common formal dress option for men and can be worn with both ties and suspenders. In fact, men's formal pants do not come with belt loops, so suspenders are a very popular option with tuxedos. Alternatives include a cummerbund or vest and tie combination. The classic tuxedo is accessorized with a bow tie, however a simple black necktie is a suitable alternative.

References

• Ben Silver: History of the Tie
• Albert Thurston: Over 180 Years of Traditional British Craftsmanship
• The Morning News: Men's Fashion
• Ben Silver: The Knots