The History of Suspenders
From the start of the 18th century to the present day, suspenders have played an important role in men’s fashion throughout the centuries.
The earliest version of suspenders was called bretelles, which emerged in France in the 1700s. During this time period, they were used for undergarments. Suspenders, also known as braces in British English, were introduced more at the beginning of the 18th century. Originally, they were made of ribbon or cloth that held up trousers. Braces were fastened to trousers using buttons. Today, this style is known as formal suspenders.
In the 1820s, British tailor Albert Thurston invented what we know today as the modern suspenders. He designed H-shaped back straps, which evolved into the X and Y shapes that are more commonly used today. Suspenders were made of canvas or woven wool during that time. They were the accessory to keep trousers in place before belts were popular in fashion.
Samuel Clemens, also known as Mark Twain, patented a design for “Adjustable and detachable straps for garments” in 1871. This design allowed men to take their suspenders on and off easily. The suspenders feature metal clasps instead of cloth loops that can attach to their trousers or pants. Today, these can be known as convertible suspenders or clip suspenders. Mark Twin played a huge role in introducing this fashion accessory to Americans.
At the start of the 1900s, suspenders were very popular. Many men wore them to work and formal occasions. They were made of elastic materials, allowing for flexibility and all-day comfort.
During the early-mid 1900s, belts started entering the fashion world. This began to overshadow suspenders, while some would still wear them for formal occasions and certain work occupations. Suspenders were worn by soldiers and other civilians at this time. It was not until World War II that suspenders were back on the rise due to fabric rationing, affecting belt production.
During the mid-1950s, suspenders experienced a decline in everyday use, and belts retook popularity. However, suspenders were still commonly used in formal and professional settings. The debate between belts and suspenders still exists today; everyone has their own preference. Many prefer suspenders for the style and comfort compared to belts. During the 1980s, many celebrities and public figures wore suspenders, adding a retro flair to their ensembles. This caught the eye of many people and they also incorporated suspenders into their outfits. Many people paired their suspenders with more casual attire and jeans during this time.
Throughout their history, suspenders have been versatile and functional accessories, adapting to changes in fashion and societal trends while maintaining their practical purpose. Today, suspenders are associated with formal attire and trendy fashion statements. They are also worn for practical reasons in the workplace, from construction workers to business people. Many wear them now for their vintage style and incorporate them into their fashion attire.
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