Suspenders

Suspenders are straps worn over the shoulder and have been the proper way to hold up trousers, long before introduction of the belt. They are attached to the trousers using buttons.

Suspender Types

Most suspenders consist of fabric straps, which can be elasticated either entirely or at the attachment ends, and leather loops at the ends to be attached to the trousers. The two types of suspenders are the X-type, which has 2 fastenings in the back, while the Y-type has only one. Generally the Y-type is considered more formal and requires only a single center fastening in the back.

Suspender Buttons

Suspenders have button loops at their ends for fastening. These can be single or double loops. All of them require the trousers to have suspender buttons matching the type of the suspenders to be used.

The buttons for fastening can be attached to the inside or the outside of the trousers. Having buttons on the inside is considered more formal, especially when there is no other garment covering the buttons.