Let me just shoot down the modern misconception that surrounds suspenders. Whenever you think suspenders, you think of nerds, am I right? Suspenders with pants that look like a person is expecting a flood with a white button-up and a bowtie. Well, actually, suspenders could very well be better than belts... And here's why.
First off, suspenders are waaaaaaaaaay more comfortable than belts. You must be thinking, "How is that possible? Suspenders make you look like you always have a wedgie." Well, you don't. It is possible but it's harder to get a wedgie in suspenders than you might think. Belts cinch your waist and, if tightened too tightly, can look mighty embarrassing if you catch my drift. Suspenders do not cinch around your waist but hold your pants up instead. However, you should be warned that if your pants are too big, then a belt would be the way to go because, once again, suspenders do not hold your pants closer to you. They just hold them up.
Another reason is that suspenders are a respectful nod to the past.The first modern suspenders were invented in the early 1800s by Albert Thurston because of the design of pants at the time which had a high cut. This rendered a belt pointless. Everyone wore suspenders until the modern belt was invented in the early 1900s and people started to wear belts again. The reason people began to turn away from suspenders is because the waistcoats that were being worn at the time slowly began to die out.
"But wait, all my pants have belt loops which means I should be wearing belts, right?" Wrong. It's not as formal but you can wear suspenders with pants that have belt loops. Just make sure that the color of the material in the suspenders matches your shoes.
A great place to look for suspenders that are cheap is at your local thrift shop! Who knows? Maybe you'll find it for 99 cents! And if you got that reference, give yourself 10 cool points!
The ultimate reason to rock suspenders and why they are better than belts is that you will stand out from the pack. Not in some weird hipster way but you'll look like a million bucks in them!
But here's a small warning. Suspenders will make you stand out from the pack. Yes. The same reason to rock suspenders is also a warning. You'll stand out. But those who question your decision to wear them should try it for themselves to see how cool they are!
I'll end with a pretty big piece of advice because if I see it in public, I just might approach that person and ask what in the world they were thinking. For the love of God, do not wear a belt and suspenders at the same time!!! Just don't do it.
So, if you dare, let's bring back this classic piece of formal attire and let's ditch those belts!
