[isospin]

I'm finding lately that I'm constantly having to adjust my pants (jeans, especially) as they keep riding down. Getting smaller belts hasn't really helped, as it is primarily due to my body shape.
I'm tried suspenders and they work, but I dread the look
Does anyone know of any "hidden" suspender options? For now I have switched my style to be more casual - jeans or 5 pocket pants with a quarter zip or henley which I don't have to tuck in, that way the suspenders can go under. However I have a collection of nice shirts and ties, and miss being able to dress more formally at times.

 

[Mike Petrik]

I'm not sure why you dread the look. Suspenders are a time-honored classic option for gentlemen wishing to secure their trousers. They have the advantage of being more effective than a belt and more comfortable too, especially for men who no longer sport a washboard stomach. They are considered essential for formal wear and acceptable options for casual, cocktail and business wear. But there are complications. First, there is notion that braces must be covered by a jacket since they are underwear not to be seen. This is a misconception derived from an altogether different rule -- that jackets should normally not be removed in public -- a rule widely understood to be much more relaxed these days. I urge you to pay this underwear canard no mind. Suspenders are worn over one's shirt and serve the same purpose as a belt. They are not underwear. Second, not all braces are equally appropriate for all levels of formality, but if you are looking for an initial pair that can work with most casual clothing as well as less formal business contexts you might consider braided leather. For additional information and inspiration I encourage you to visit the Trafalgar and Thurston websites and take a peek at the link below.

https://trendsuspenders.com/blogs/fashion/suspenders-with-jeans

 

[SG_67]

I believe Fred Garvin illustrated this how to with an elaborate network of trusses.

 

[derum]

While I don't understand your dislike of braces/suspenders showing, there is apparently a solution.


I can't speak for how good or not they are, but one has to admire the gentleman for providing a solution to such a d
sensitive issue.

 

[richard warren]

I recently overcame my misgivings and bought some cheap clip on suspenders from Amazon (Dockers brand with the front pieces made of cloth not elastic) and after having taken some needle nose pliers and tightening the connections, they work really well in holding up jeans, cords, and khakis at my waist.

I rarely go out without some sort of sports coat or even (gasp) orphaned suit jacket (I like to hear them scream) so they are not too visible. When I want to really cover them I wear a vest.

 

[eagle2250]

^^
Is there a rule prescribing that 'braces worn must be covered(!)'? :icon_scratch: Many that I have seen/owned are simply too handsome to be hidden away. One should wear such, loudly and proudly! Just a thought.

 

[derum]

^^
Is there a rule prescribing that 'braces worn must be covered(!)'? :icon_scratch: Many that I have seen/owned are simply too handsome to be hidden away. One should wear such, loudly and proudly! Just a thought.

I think that it's because they were historically worn underneath a waistcoat and were classed as underwear. The buttons for fastening were on the outside of the waistband too. Thankfully, things progress and the movement of the attachment buttons, decline of the vest and lowering if the waistline on trousers all helped put the "underwear" tag to bed. Wear them loud, wear them proud! (or not, as you prefer)

 

[Troones]

I have a light tan/beige pair that I enjoy wearing. While they are not "hidden", they are also not overly noticeable if people get a glance at them. I do usually keep my jacket on in the office though. So go for a neutral color and see how you feel in them. You may find that you like the look and go for more bold colors after a while.

 

[Flanderian]

Discreet? You betcha! :happy:

Take your pick. (I've got the pair all the way to the right! )

 

[Mike Petrik]

Discreet? You betcha! :happy:

Take your pick. (I've got the pair all the way to the right! )

View attachment 29508

I have two of those (wine and pens) and dozens more. Comfortable, handsome and fun. And the notion that they are underwear is as ill-informed as it is quaint.

 

[Oldsarge]

Discreet? You betcha! :happy:

Take your pick. (I've got the pair all the way to the right! )

View attachment 29508

You, too? I received a compliment on mine a week ago Sunday from our most attractive young soprano.

 

[Woofa]

Discreet? You betcha! :happy:

Take your pick. (I've got the pair all the way to the right! )

View attachment 29508

I have that same pair. Learning to fly fish is on my bucket list.

 

[Oldsarge]

Depending on your age and the state of your shoulders, you might consider Spey casting. For us older sports, it's a lot easier on the tendonitis.

 

[richard warren]

I believe the “rule” used to be that a gentleman did not expose his waist, hence the existence of vests.

I never worried about covering my suspenders, until I recently got some clip on ones to wear on casual pants. Not that there’s anything wrong with them, just not a look I favor. Feels good, looks bad.

 

[eagle2250]

I believe the "rule" used to be that a gentleman did not expose his waist, hence the existence of vests.

I never worried about covering my suspenders, until I recently got some clip on ones to wear on casual pants. Not that there's anything wrong with them, just not a look I favor. Feels good, looks bad.

That is just about as accurate and succinct a comparison of belt wear vs wearing suspenders, as I am aware of! I've a pair of Colonel Littleton's (all) leather braces that I've worn in full view on two occasions. Alas, on each occasion I must admit to garnering a few sideways glances from those around me! :crazy: While such can easily make one self conscious, it didn't gravely injure or kill me on either occasion. LOL.

Please excuse the grammar error...I couldn't think of any way to put it!

 

[isospin]

My reservation about suspenders mostly stems from the fact that almost no one at work wears them. I have no doubt they are perfectly acceptable to wear exposed, but clearly there is the Larry King effect - most of my peers would immediately place suspender wearers to be in a totally different age bracket. That link showing different looks with braces is pretty cool though; One of these days i'll dare to try one of those styles and see!
I tried the no saggs, but those suck. For one, I found them to be stiff and uncomfortable. At my job which requires being seated at a desk, the discomfort isn't easy to ignore. Furthermore, the bulge around the waist from wearing these is quite noticeable. Looks a bit clownish, imo.
@Flanderian, I love those designs! So cool.

 

[derum]

For those who think you should never wear a belt and braces.......

 

[Matt S]

For those who think you should never wear a belt and braces.......

View attachment 30502

Nothing wrong there. The holster belt is holding up the holster and not the trousers. The braces are the only thing holding up the trousers. Neither is able to do the other's job.

 

[derum]

Nothing wrong there. The holster belt is holding up the holster and not the trousers. The braces are the only thing holding up the trousers. Neither is able to do the other's job.

I know, it's humour.

 

[Matt S]

I know, it's humour.

I know. I found it very amusing.