The History of Suspenders

The History of Suspenders

Suspenders (American and Canadian English) or braces (British English) are two straps of fabric that hold up trousers. They are often made of stretch material in order to adapt to any body build. Traditionally the straps are parallel in the front and intersect forming an X or a Y shape in the back, attaching to the pants by buckles or buttons.
Suspenders date back to 1820 when an English tailor, Albert Thurston, owner of an emporium in London, designed them and created a brand of his fashion collection.
They immediately became very popular (kings, princes and prime ministers used to purchase them in his boutique) until WWI, when the use of military uniforms put them momentarily on the side, substituting them with belts. However, suspenders were still worn under jackets and vests to hold up long button-less trousers.
Between the 1920’s and the 1930’s, the main character of Our Gang, Alfa Alfa, kept them popular. The American TV series came out in the USA between 1922 and 1938 but was broadcast in Italy in the 1980’s.



Several celebrities have made the suspenders famous:

In the movie “ Wall Street” In “Larry King show” in Radio Londra
Michael Douglas Larry King Giuliano Ferrara

England’s love for suspenders has a lot to do with tradition, while the United States love them for being practical and comfortable.
Nowadays suspenders are back in style, although they have been revisited with a modern flair pertaining to both their shape and material, and have become almost a transgressive accessory.
The major fashion designers have brought them back to the spotlight in many different versions. They are now worn under tweed jackets or tuxedos, but also at view over a shirt to add a fashionable touch to a more traditional look.
There are hundreds of different models of men’s suspenders: with clip-ons, buttons, satin, silk, stretch material, varnished, leather, solid color, patterns, etc.
How to choose the right suspenders then?
For a classic, elegant look and to wear with a tuxedo, opt for shiny satin and silk suspenders, perhaps with leather finishes as they make them more precious.

If you want to wear them with a shirt and jeans, go for the stretchy model with a solid color or even with patterns, to create a more original look.