How to Wear Suspenders (and Why They’re Great for Shorter Men)
Looking for a pair of suspenders to add to your wardrobe? This guide will tell you everything you need to know.
Okay, let’s start by figuring out why and when you’d want to wear suspenders.
If you prefer reading, read on!
Table of Contents
suit | tie | suspenders | sunglasses (similar) | shoes | bag
This is especially true if you’ve ever worn pants that are a little loose around the waist. Extra material bunches up under your belt, which isn’t comfortable, and your pants droop throughout the day.
Of course, just because suspenders are a more logical solution than belts doesn’t mean you’re going to wear them all the time.
In fact, I wear belts more often than suspenders, just because I don’t “dress up” very often.
For me it comes down to dress code. If I’m wearing a casual outfit, such as jeans and a t-shirt, I wear a belt because suspenders would look a little weird.
But if I’m dressing up (like if I’m wearing a suit), I try to avoid belts. I much prefer the comfort and aesthetic of side adjusters or suspenders.
Going beltless with suits is especially great for shorter men because it eliminates a horizontal line that cuts you in half visually. This elongates your legs and makes you look a little taller.
So I make sure all of my trousers come with side adjusters and/or suspender buttons.
If you own trousers that have belt loops and don’t have suspender buttons, you can add buttons and remove the loops yourself or at the tailor for just a few dollars.
Some suspenders even come with an extra set of buttons that you (or your tailor) can sew into your pants.
Choosing the Right Suspenders
Okay, we know that suspenders are a great way to keep your pants up, especially for formal outfits. Let’s talk about how to wear them.
There are really only two things to consider: the size of your suspenders and the color (or style).