Preppy Guide to Suspenders
Dapper gents know how to dress. And those who aspire to fashion themselves after the likes of literary geniuses, sophisticated sportsmen and Wall Street’s finest should invest in a necessary mancessory -- suspenders. Originally intended to “suspend” or hold up a man’s trousers, today’s suspenders not only support the look, but also give a fella a whole new style. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Brace Yourself
-
Once considered an undergarment never to be exposed, suspenders have found quite a niche in the modern-day accessory market. As an alternative to belts, suspenders are straps of fabric worn over the shoulders that criss-cross into an "X" or "Y" shape across a man’s back. Traditional and more sophisticated suspenders button directly onto trousers, whereas the contemporary designs clip right on the pant’s waistline. Although the first known suspenders were made with ribbons dating back to 18th-century France, British Designer Albert Thurston fashioned “braces” in 1822, a term used most exclusively in Britain to refer to very high-end suspenders.
Fabric Fashion
-
Depending on your desired look, suspenders are sized in different widths, from very small (one-half inch) to regular (one to one and a half inches) and large (two inches), the latter of which are made more for function than fashion. Most suspenders are made with a stretchy elastic that can come in any color. While non-elastic fabrics include grosgrain, jacquard, oxford cloth, leather and silk, these suspenders are made with a bit of elastic below the crosspatch on the back to allow “some give” for a good fit.
-
Grosgrain Guy
-
Suspenders made of grosgrain have a very tight weave and narrow ribbing, similar in look and feel to ribbon. Since grosgrain suspenders often are styled in a multi-stripe, this classy accessory pairs perfectly with khakis, a chambray shirt and plaid bowtie. Top it off with a newsboy cap to be the ultimate dandy dude.
Oxford Prep
-
The oxford cloth suspender has a distinctive basket weave pattern made with the same material as men’s dress shirts. It only seems natural that a polo-playing sportsman should don a pair of gray trousers and a pinstriped dress shirt with red oxford cloth suspenders for the ultimate "GQ" look.
Jack of Trades
-
Prefer a pattern on your suspenders? Jacquard fabrics (including damask, brocade and tapestries) weave a two-toned pattern into the design and are intended for dressier looks. Take a tailored black suit, pair it with a white button-down shirt with gray/black jacquard suspenders and a skinny tie. Have a Scotch for happy hour.
Leather Lad
-
Braided leather suspenders are for the rugged man who isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. Consider a pair of corduroy pants and a natural-colored Henley with leather suspenders for a day at the horse races. The bet's on you for best dressed.
Smooth Operator
-
The finest in fashion prefer silk suspenders, perfect for rich, luxurious occasions. If a tuxedo is in your future, than black silk suspenders would be the quintessential choice for wedding-day wear.
-
References
- Photo Credit Ben A. Pruchnie/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
