It's a wash between barathea and boxcloth. I don't wear elastic.

 

Thanks. So barathea in summer and boxcloth in winter it is then.

 

For me it's: belts or side tabs in summer; boxcloth in winter; barathea in spring and fall. But boxcloth only comes in solid, so if for some reason I want to wear a pattern or stripe in winter, I reach for the barathea. I have maybe eight pairs of boxcloth but countless pairs of barathea.

 

My one pair of MTM Samuelsohn side tab trousers fall down too much. I'm sure a bespoke pair would fit better but I'm really starting to like the look of thin dress belts anyway (slide buckles + belt straps in particular).

I plan on placing an order for a summer weight suit this winter (so it will be ready by summer) and will get belt loops on those trousers

 

I don't have a great deal of success with side tab trousers either, but I do own some, and the suits are otherwise OK, so ...

 

My one pair of MTM Samuelsohn side tab trousers fall down too much. I'm sure a bespoke pair would fit better but I'm really starting to like the look of thin dress belts anyway (slide buckles + belt straps in particular). I plan on placing an order for a summer weight suit this winter (so it will be ready by summer) and will get belt loops on those trousers

I am one who finds braces more comfortable than belts...in summer as well as in winter.

I have come to believe there is no real difference in terms of coping with the heat, but individuals do seem to feel that there is. Whether this is psychological or a result of how different individual's bodies deal with heat, I cannot say. The basic argument in favor of belts is that braces add an additional layer of fabric over at least parts of one shirt and the added pressure of the shoulder straps increases heat and lessens comfort. The counter is that braces mean one's trousers are less tight in the waist and provide more air to circulate. As to the additional fabric, an appropriate pair of summer braces should be of a light enough fabric to be barely noticeable. Moreover, well-fitted and appropriately-adjusted braces should not result in one feeling any pressure on one's shoulders. That said, the choice remains an individual one. I live in the heat and humidity of Washington, DC . I wear braces year-round and have never experienced any discomfort as a result of the temperature that would have been offset by a belt. However, I appreciate the fact that colleagues on this Forum and elsewhere have found belts (or side adjusters) to be a better personal choice.

I would add that how one's trousers are suspended is only one (and a very minor) element in how one's clothing might affect comfort in hotter climes: the weight, breathability, and texture of one's undergarments, shirt, and suit; how well each of these garments fits; and even the colour of one's clothing will all play a role in this.

 

I don't have a great deal of success with side tab trousers either, but I do own some, and the suits are otherwise OK, so ...

With my side tab -- or DAKS top-- trousers, I am usually pulling them up most of the day. It's part of the fun of it! But seriously, if I were wearing a belt instead, I'd probably be doing the same.