How do I best wear my suspenders?

How do I best wear my suspenders?

There are many questions to consider when wearing suspenders. How should they be worn based on your build? What is the best width for your figure? Where should the adjusters sit when you're standing upright? How do you attach the buttons to your trousers? Is it best to wear loops or clips on your trousers? What color suspenders look best? For this reason, we've compiled and answered all of these questions.

You will find all the answers below in our suspenders lexicon.

Wie trage ich Hosentraeger?

We believe it's important to answer all your questions in detail. Therefore, we've addressed the most frequently asked questions here. Do you still have questions? Call us or email us; we'd be happy to advise you personally. Here are the questions and topics we can answer in advance:

Table of contents:

1. Loops or clips?

2. Height of the adjusters .

3. Which color should I choose?

4. Wear a belt and suspenders at the same time?

5. Sizes and lengths


1. Do I wear my suspenders with loops or clips?

We recommend always wearing suspenders with loops on trousers and suit pants (and therefore with buttons so you can attach the loops). Our Dandy Willem model shows you a beautiful example of this fashionable combination. If you prefer to wear suspenders with clips, that's perfectly fine, of course. However, if you ask us, 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 has a bit more style (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 your trousers.
  • The looped model has character and underlines your sense of aesthetics and your eye for fashionable details.

Hosenträger mit Knopfen

Still don't want to wear suspenders with loops? No problem: Profuomo , Albert Thurston , and Hein Strijker brands include clips with every pair of suspenders. This way, you can always decide for yourself which style you want to wear with your trousers, tailored suit, or jeans. We also have several models that come with clips only.

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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 you do—then you'll need additional 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're having a custom-made suit made, ask if they can add extra buttons for suspenders. If that's not possible, you can have a tailor add the buttons afterward. This usually costs no more than €7 at your local tailor. The correct spacing and dimensions for attaching the buttons can be found in the diagram below.

Distance between buttons on the waistband.

abstand zwischen den Knöpfen

Video: Suspenders and buttons. How exactly does it work?

Suspenders and buttons. How exactly does that 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's generally customary to place the buttons on the inside of the pants. In the past (way back!), buttons were placed on the outside. Nowadays, however, it's more common to place the buttons on the inside of the waistband. Below, you'll find examples of both options. This will give you a better idea of what each method looks like and help you decide for yourself which one you like best.

Example 1: Buttons on the inside of the waistband

Knot on the inside of the pants

Example 2: Buttons on the outside of the waistband

button

 

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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 suspender straps. These sliders allow you to individually adjust the height of the suspenders.

2.2 What is the ideal height for adjusters?

There's no set standard for the optimal height, as the ideal suspender height is determined by comfort. However, if we were to talk about an ideal height for the adjusters, it would generally be between your navel and collarbone. However, the adjusters should never be near your ears (i.e., on your shoulders), nor should they hang in the lower abdomen, anywhere near your waistband. Anything in between is possible in terms of adjuster height.

How to wear suspenders

2.3 Let us summarize this again :

  • The adjusters on your suspenders' straps should ideally be located somewhere between your navel and your collarbone.

  • Some men wear the adjusters lower, some higher. Anything is possible.

2.4 Video: Adjusting the length .

Watch the following video to see how to adjust the suspender length using the adjusters. Please note that our model, Roel, is wearing tailored trousers. These have a considerably higher waist than regular trousers. The adjusters sit relatively high. On regular trousers and suit pants, the adjusters are located a bit lower.

Adjust suspender length

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3. Which color suspenders fit best?

Are you wondering which color suspenders go best with which color shirt and trousers? There's only one answer: there's one rule, and that is, there are no rules. Men with suspenders are adventurers, so do what you like and what you feel comfortable with. However, if we could offer you some advice, it would be the following:

  • The color of the leather (the loops of your suspenders and the triangle on the back) should match the color of your shoes . If you wear brown shoes, choose brown leather for your suspenders. If you wear black leather shoes, opt for black leather suspenders, and so on. Other colored leathers (for example, we have suspenders in white leather, pink leather, blue leather, or green leather in our range) can be worn with any outfit.
  • The suspenders' straps should preferably not be the same color as the shirt, but rather create a fashionable contrast . Make sure the colors of the straps harmonize with the rest of your attire. For example, don't wear light blue suspenders with a light blue shirt; rather, opt for dark blue ones.
  • Oh yes, with a tuxedo you should wear suspenders in (muted) white or black.

Suspender color

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's better not to wear a belt and suspenders at the same time unless you're overly confident. However, if you want to give your look a confidence boost with this combination, be our guest!

5. Sizes and lengths

5.1 What length should I choose?

Many men wonder which length is best for them. The answer to this question is: length isn't really that important unless you're very tall or a bit more heavily built. If this is the case, we recommend choosing slightly larger and longer suspenders. Most people figure out which size offers the optimal comfort after trying them on. Suspenders are available in the following lengths in our online shop:

  • 110 cm (this is the original Mediterranean size, of which Hein Strijkers carries 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 your convenience, we've created a table comparing different body sizes and statures with the length of suspenders. This is a rough guide, and of course, there are always exceptions. Are you unsure about the size or length of your suspenders? Just give us a call or send us an email. We'd 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's wearing suspenders that are 110 centimeters long. We hope this gives you an idea of the height at which the adjusters should be in relation to your height.

Suspender length

5.2 Tip: An extra centimeter through the loops .

Suspenders with loops are typically one centimeter longer than suspenders with clips. This extra centimeter can make all the difference in the world. So, when in doubt, choose suspenders with loops.

5.3 Which width suits me best?

When choosing this fashionable accessory, keep the following in mind: the thicker the suspenders' straps, the more corpulent you'll appear. If you want to look slim (and hip), you should opt for a narrower strap. We offer the following widths in our DutchDandy webshop:

  • 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're no longer just wearing them to keep your pants 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.

And above all, don't worry about any rules.

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