|  «Back To Articles

There Can Only Be One: Belt vs. Suspenders

By manipulating various pieces of your attire, there are a myriad of outfits you can create and stylistic statements you can make with any given two-piece suit. For example, simply unbuttoning a button or two on your shirt immediately gives you a more relaxed look compared to wearing a tie.

Once you've put together a perfectly constructed outfit from head to toe there is only one thing that remains: the decision of whether to wear a belt or a pair of suspenders. Yes, extra emphasis on "or" as they are not to be worn simultaneously. Wearing a belt with suspenders is entirely unnecessary as both do the job of holding your pants up.

On the whole, belts are better suited for professional events. Dressing for job interviews, presentations, or anything else career-related calls for a more understated dress code. When wearing a belt, it is important to make sure that it matches your shoes. Also, although it seems rudimentary, take care to thread the belt through each loop on your pants.

Historically worn by older men, suspenders or braces have recently come back into fashion among younger men. Suspenders are typically more acceptable for occasions when you have some leeway with the dress requirements. Semi-formal events, weddings, and social events provide the perfect opportunities to wear suspenders.

It is customary to wear suspenders with pants that don't have belt loops. While this is not a rule so to speak, the empty belt loops will draw people's attention away from your stylish implementation of suspenders. You can have the belt loops removed from your pants; however, if you want to give yourself the option of wearing a belt in the future simply keep your jacket on for the duration of the event.

There are two main types of suspenders: formal and working. Formal suspenders have button holes and attach to the inside of your pants, while working suspenders have alligator clips that clamp to your waist. The color of the fabric should complement your outfit and the leather ends of the formal suspenders should match your shoes, much like a belt.

If your style is more understated there is nothing wrong with a nice leather belt. However, if you do choose to wear suspenders make sure to wear them proudly!