Suspenders vs. Belts
Posted by James F. Brown on Feb 10, 2008 - 1:10:28 PM
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A BIT ABOUT BRACES
No, not the kind kids wear on their teeth, and that parents go into deep debt to pay the orthodontist. These braces keep your pants from falling down. That’s what the British call them. Here in North America we call them suspenders. And what the British call suspenders, we call garter belts. Confusing? A bit. But braces (or suspenders) can be a better alternative than belts for holding up your trousers.
For men with larger waists, braces have an advantage. Unlike belts, braces don’t have to be cinched down to work. If the pants are correctly sized, there won’t be any belly “overhang.” Braces also let the pants drape more gracefully on the body.
Also unlike belts, braces are “one size fits all.” Their length is adjustable so that pants hang at the waist, not down on the hips. Once this is done, braces seldom need readjusting.
If you wear braces, they should have tabs with buttonholes that attach to the pants using button sets on the inside of the waistline, two sets in front and one set behind. If your pants don’t have these button sets, any competent tailor can sew them on. Under no circumstances should you ever use braces with metal claws that grab the pants. These will damage pants and, moreover, look terrible. Many braces come with both types of attachments. Keep the button tabs and throw the metal claws away.
It goes without saying that braces and belts are never worn together. It’s one or the other, not both. (The only times I’ve ever seen this are on very senior citizens — octogenarians and up!)
The color of braces should coordinate with the color of your tie, so you’ll need several sets of braces. Brace styles can vary, too. They can be plain and conservative, or a bit wild and colorful, with a multitude of patterns available. Just be sure that the style of braces is appropriate for a particular occasion.
When wearing a tuxedo, braces must be used because tuxedo pants have no belt loops, just button sets. Their color should match the bow tie and cummerbund.
Generally, braces cost less than belts, usually under $25. They can be purchased at most men’s stores and the men’s tailored clothing sections of big department stores such as Macy’s and JC Penney. Online shopping is another option.
Braces typically don’t last as long as leather belts. This is because they’re made of elastic fabric, which can become worn and lose elasticity over time. When this happens, throw ‘em out and buy new braces. In the business, professional, and corporate world, it’s not cool to wear tired, shabby items of attire.
James F. Brown is a business consultant, writer, and expert on professional attire. His e-mail address is jfbrown@LookingGoodForLotsLess.com.
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