how-to-wear-suspenders-correctly
How do I best wear my suspenders?
There are many questions to consider when wearing suspenders. How should they be worn for your build? What is the best width for your figure? Where should the braces sit when you stand upright? How do you attach the buttons to your pants? Is it best to wear loops or clips on your pants? What color of suspenders looks best? For this reason, we have compiled and answered all the questions.
You will find all the answers below in our suspenders lexicon.
We think it is important to answer all your questions in detail. That is why we have addressed the most frequently asked questions here. Do you still have any questions? Call us or email us, we will be happy to advise you personally. Here are the questions and topics that we can answer in advance:
Summary:
3. Which color should I choose?
4. Wear a belt and suspenders at the same time?
1. Do I wear my suspenders with loops or clips?
We recommend that you always wear suspenders with loops on trousers and suit pants (and therefore with buttons so that you can attach the loops to them). Our Dandy Willem model shows you a nice example of this fashionable combination. If you prefer to wear suspenders with clips, that's of course perfectly fine. If you ask us, however, suspenders with clips are more suitable for your grandpa than for the stylish gentleman. Why should you wear suspenders with loops? For the following four reasons:
- A model with loops simply looks a bit more stylish (do we really need to explain that!?)
- A model with loops prevents the fit of your trousers from being adversely affected by the clips being fixed to the waistband.
- Suspenders with loops, unlike many models with clips, do not have sharp edges that can damage the trousers.
- The model with loops has character and underlines your sense of aesthetics and your eye for fashionable details.
Still don't want to wear suspenders with loops? No problem: the brands Profuomo , Albert Thurston and Hein Strijker also include clips with each pair of suspenders. This means you can always decide for yourself which version you want to wear with your trousers, tailored suit or jeans. We also have several models that only come with clips .
1.1 How far apart should I place the buttons for the loops on my waistband ?
If you want to wear suspenders with loops - and we're just assuming that you do - then you'll need extra buttons for your trousers or suit pants to attach the loops.
Not every clothing store or men's outfitter automatically adds extra buttons to their trousers. So if you are having a tailor-made suit made, ask if extra buttons for suspenders can be added. If this is not possible, you can also have the buttons added later by a tailor. In most cases, you will pay no more than 7 euros for this at the tailor around the corner. The correct distances and dimensions for attaching the buttons can be found in the drawing below.
Distance between buttons on the waistband.
Video: Suspenders and buttons. How exactly does it work?
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1.2. Do I place the buttons on the inside or outside of the waistband?
You can place the buttons on either the inside or outside of the waistband. However, it is generally common to place the buttons on the inside of the trousers. In the past (way back!), the buttons were placed on the outside. Nowadays, however, it is common to place the buttons on the inside of the waistband. Below you will find examples of both variants. This will give you a better idea of what each method looks like and you can decide for yourself which you like best.
Example 1: Buttons on the inside of the waistband
Example 2: Buttons on the outside of the waistband
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2. At what height should the adjusters of my suspenders be?
2.1. What is actually meant by the term adjuster?
Adjusters are the sliders/adjustment clips (usually at chest height) on the straps of the suspenders. With the help of these sliders, you can individually adjust the height of the suspenders.
2.2 What is the ideal height for adjusters?
There is no set standard for the optimal height, as the ideal height of the braces is determined by how comfortable they are to wear. However, if we were to talk about an ideal height for the adjusters, it would generally be between the navel and the collarbone. However, the adjusters should never be near your ears (i.e. on your shoulders) and should not hang in the lower part of your stomach, anywhere near the waistband. Anything in between is possible as far as the height of the adjusters is concerned.
2.3 Let us summarize again :
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The adjusters on the straps of your suspenders should ideally be somewhere between your navel and your collarbone.
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Some men wear the adjusters lower and some higher. Anything is possible.
2.4 Video: Adjusting the length .
Watch the video below to see how you can adjust the length of the suspenders using the adjusters. Please note that our model Roel is wearing tailored trousers. These have a much higher waist than normal trousers. The adjusters sit relatively high. On regular trousers and suit trousers, the adjusters are a little lower.
3. Which color suspenders fits best?
Are you wondering what color suspenders should be worn with what color shirt and pants? There is only one answer: there is one rule and that is that there are no rules. Men with suspenders are adventurers, so do what you like and what you feel comfortable with. But if we can give you some advice, it is the following:
- The color of the leather (the loops of your braces and the triangle on the back) should be matched to the color of your shoes . If you have brown shoes, it is best to choose brown leather for your braces. If you have black leather shoes, it is best to choose braces with black leather, and so on. Different colored leathers (for example, we have braces with white leather, pink leather, blue leather or green leather in our range) can be worn with any outfit.
- The straps of the suspenders should preferably not be the same color as the shirt, but should create a fashionable contrast . Make sure that the colors of the straps harmonize with the rest of your clothing. For example, if you have a light blue shirt, you should not wear light blue suspenders, but rather dark blue versions.
- Oh yes, with a tuxedo you should wear suspenders in (muted) white or black.
Please take a look at our section on colourful suspenders and the colourful variations .
4. Can I wear a belt and suspenders at the same time?
No, it is better not to wear a belt and suspenders at the same time, unless you have an excess of self-confidence. However, if you want to give your appearance a confidence boost with this combination, be our guest!
5. Sizes and lengths
5.1 What length should I choose?
Many men ask themselves which length is best for them. The answer to this question is: in principle, the length is not that important, unless you are very tall or a little more heavily built. If this is the case, we advise you to choose slightly larger and longer braces. Most people find out which size offers the best comfort when trying them on. In our webshop, braces are available in the following lengths:
- 110 cm (this is the original Mediterranean size, of which Hein Strijkers has some models)
- 117 cm (Hein Strijker and Albert Thurston suspenders)
- 120 cm (Profuomo, Michaelis and Henri Rouseau)
- 125 cm (Sir Redman suspenders)
- 130 cm (Michaelis and Henri Rouseau)
- 150+ cm extra long suspenders (Daspartout)
For the sake of simplicity, we have created a table in which we compare different body sizes and statures with the length of the braces. This is a rough indication and of course there are always exceptions. Are you unsure about the size or length of your braces? Just give us a call or send us an email. We will be happy to advise you personally.
| length | stature | suspenders |
| Shorter than 1.85 meters | Medium | 110-125 cm length |
| 1.85 - 2.05 meters | Medium | 117-130 cm length |
| 95+ kg | 117-130 cm length | |
| 115+ kg | 130+ cm length |
To clarify: The man in the photo is our model Roel. He is 1.82 meters tall and weighs 73 kilograms. He is wearing suspenders that are 110 centimeters long. We hope that this will give you an idea of the height at which the adjusters should be in relation to your height.
5.2 Tip: An extra centimeter through the loops .
Suspenders with loops are usually one centimeter longer than suspenders with clips. This extra centimeter can make all the difference when in doubt. So when in doubt, choose suspenders with loops.
5.3 Which width suits me best?
When choosing this fashionable accessory, you should consider the following: the thicker the straps of the braces, the more corpulent you will appear. If you want to look slim (and hip), you should choose a narrower strap variant. In our DutchDandy webshop we offer the following widths:
- 2.5 cm (narrow)
- 3.4 t/m 3.6 cm (normal model)
- 4.0 cm (wonderfully wide, Wall Street look)
6. The only rule: There are no rules.
Suspenders are back in style . And not only that. You no longer wear them just to keep your trousers in place, but also to make a statement and tell your own story. Suspenders are a reflection of your character. Wear them with pride and a big smile on your face.
And above all, don't worry about any rules.
