The thousand shades of the braces

Suspenders are an object of desire, not just a matter of practicality

The term brace derives from the French "braces". They appear for the first time during the French Revolution, and were used to support long trousers without buttons. The suspender is the single band of fabric or leather that supports the trousers, hooking them to the front and back, passing over the shoulders. We are used to using them in pairs in the plural (like socks), braces.

Traditionally, the straps are parallel in the front and intertwined in an "X" at the back, or joined in a "Y" shape. They are attached to the trousers by means of buckles, buttons or clamps. Initially the fabric for the suspenders was the Box Cloth, a thick and almost plush fabric that does not last long.

Today most are manufactured in elastic synthetic fibers, conceived in a great variety of colors and designs. The risers in their present form were designed in 1820 by Albert Thurston, owner of a convenience store at 27 Panton Street, Haymarket, London. Using this idea, he immediately made it a hallmark of his fashion line. However, Mr. Thurston could never have invented suspenders if about ten years earlier, the English nobleman Lord Brummel had not definitively legitimized the use of long tube trousers called breeches, or breeches, making them a fundamental element of dandyism, true and your own new lifestyle.

In Victorian England they immediately became synonymous with extreme elegance, so much so that Albert Thurston in 1851, in the Great Exhibition in Hyde Park, London, received an Honorable Mention for the excellent quality of his products. From that moment, Albert Thurston became a benchmark for quality in gentlemen's accessories.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, the use of military uniforms marginalized its use, preferring the more sober belt. However, the suspenders continued to be used under jackets and vests and on sight, especially for children. In the 1930s, the braces used by the characters of a TV series "Piccole rascals" (original name The little Rascals ") filmed in the USA between 1922 and 1938 remained famous.

here the conjunction with childhood, almost as if wanting to resume the old habits when mothers made their children wear this accessory to keep pants that were still too wide and long. More recently, cinema and television have made famous braces in ver se interpretations: Paul Newman and

Robert Redford in the film "The Sting" and MichaelDouglas in the film "Wall street" where this accessory covers a characteristic feature of the clothing of Gekko, the ruthless financier. Larry King the well-known American anchorman has always worn suspenders for 25 years on his famous Larry King show on CNN; I quote the famous quote used to announce the farewell to his historic program: “The time has come to hang up my suspenders”.

The suspenders are an accessory that offers itself to many interpretations, knows how to adapt to different styles, always giving a touch of originality and professionalism. To wear them well, they will need to be tight enough not to slip over your shoulders. The suspenders attach to the trousers via clamps or buttons. Those who habitually use this accessory prefer the buttons on the inside of the trouser waist, abhorring those with a "clip" closure, perhaps more practical but certainly devoid of real interest from an aesthetic point of view and masculine elegance. Wearing suspenders helps a lot to slim your figure unlike the belt that cuts the body in two. It always keeps the trousers in the correct position resting along the leg by touching the shoe in a constant point, regardless of the movements and the circumference of the belly. It highlights the vertical line, so as to attribute a correct one

proportion to the figure, giving a unique aplomb. Compulsive for the tuxedo, white moiré, with attacks in fabric of the same color, keep the sobriety of the black / white contrast of the iconic black tie style firm. Ideal for wearing under a waistcoat, suspenders should not be left exposed, so they should be worn under a buttoned jacket. Not surprisingly, I advise the groom on his wedding day to prefer them to the belt. They go well worn under formal clothes, with elegant work looks, always to be alternated according to the clothing you have chosen to wear because the suspenders are not all the same and need to be combined both in colors and fabrics with the rest of the 'clothing.

The suspender also lends itself well in the casual outfit, under a sporty chic jacket in shetland wool, as in the informal deconstructed seersuker, the effect will always be original and tasteful, as well as a particular effect will be obtained by wearing the suspenders over the shirt. perhaps with a check pattern, thus keeping them clearly visible. Today some dare more, especially lovers of the hipster style, in this case they come
worn over a t-shirt and jeans. The suspenders worn in the right way are not only beautiful in themselves but give a touch of style and class that never hurts. Putting on suspenders means owning an original and refined accessory, capable of making a difference.
Two little tips and a quote. Attaching the suspenders to your pants before putting them on will make everything easier. Never wear the belt together with the suspenders, it is considered a misstep in terms of style.

Mario Soldati argued: “suspenders are an object of desire, not just a matter of practicality”.