How to Wear Suspenders with a Suit: The Complete Guide

Suspenders were a popular fashion trend in the early 20th century. However, as belts became more common, fewer people turned to suspenders to hold up their dress pants. What's old is new again, and wearing suspenders with a suit is back in vogue!

With the rise in popularity, it’s the right time to remind you how to wear suspenders with a suit. Check out our suit suspender style guide that includes recommendations on how to wear suspenders with a suit or tuxedo, so you can enjoy the comfort and stylish sophistication that are unique to suit suspenders.

Why Choose Suspenders Over a Belt for Your Suit

Suspenders carry the weight of your pants, so they don’t cinch your waist like a belt. There’s no pressure on your waist either, so you’ll feel more comfortable while sitting for longer periods of time. Suspenders also provide a better fit for men with a larger build who have trouble with belts digging in.

When you know how to wear suspenders with a suit, you can also avoid the issue of sagging pants. Wearing suspenders with suit pants does more than distribute weight evenly for a comfortable fit; they’re also stylish, creating a continuous silhouette from top to bottom.

Types of Suspenders: Button vs. Clip-On

Wearing suspenders with a tuxedo is typically the most common choice, but you can also pair suspenders with suits, including three-piece and two-piece styles. In this suit suspenders style guide, we’ll discuss the two basic types: button vs. clip-on suit suspenders.

Button-on suspenders

Button-on suspenders require suit pants to have buttons sewn on. These types of suit suspenders are the more traditional option, featuring loops that attach to the buttons on the suit pants.

Clip-on suspenders

Clip-on suspenders are more versatile than button-on suit suspenders. Clip-ons attach directly to the waistband of your dress pants. Since there’s no need for buttons, you can use clip-on suspenders on any pair of pants.

If you’re looking for suit suspenders that are easy to attach and remove, opt for clip-on suspenders.

How to Properly Wear Suspenders with a Suit: Step-by-Step

Following this step-by-step suit suspender style guide will have you looking sharp and feeling comfortable at your next formal event.

Choosing the Right Suspenders

Wearing suspenders with a suit is a great way to elevate your look. However, it's important to choose the right type. If your dress pants don't have suspenders buttons, avoid using button-on suspenders. Instead, clip-on suspenders are a versatile option that works with any pair of pants, making them a convenient choice

Attaching Your Suspenders

Button-on suspenders:

• Put your pants inside-out and lay them on a flat surface.
• Hook the back-ends onto the center-back buttons.
• Flip the pants over, then fasten the front left tab to the first set of buttons. Repeat step for the right tab.
• Put the pants back on, then close the waistband and pull the suspenders over your shoulders.

Clip-on suspenders:

• Clip the back strap to the center-back of your suit pant waistband (Do not clip onto belt loops).
• Drape the straps over your shoulders.
• Pull your dress pants up as high as possible.
• Clip the front straps evenly on the front side of your suit pant waistband.

The Golden Rule: Never Wear Suspenders and a Belt

When wearing suspenders with suits, skip the belt. Wearing a belt with suspenders is redundant and can make your outfit look cluttered. Follow the golden rule and avoid a fashion faux pas!

Under the Jacket Protocol

During formal occasions, suspenders are traditionally not shown. Thankfully, times have changed, and modern events have shifted the 'under-the-jacket' rule. Nowadays, if you're attending a casual, formal, or semi-formal event, it’s perfectly fine to show your suspenders. However, if you do plan on taking off your jacket and showing off your suspenders, make sure that they're stylish and don't clash with your tuxedo or suit.

Styling Suspenders: Color and Pattern Coordination

Color coordination

Think of suspenders like a tie, except it's hidden behind a suit jacket most of the time. You can’t go wrong wearing suspenders in neutral tones, such as charcoal, navy, or black. You can also add a bit of color with a pocket square!

Pattern coordination

It’s important to balance patterns so that you can pair a solid tie with patterned suspenders or a patterned tie with solid-colored suspenders. If you want to mix patterns, ensure that they don’t clash. If you plan to wear a boldly striped shirt, solid suspenders complement the look.

Suspenders for Different Formal Occasions

Choosing the right suspenders for different formal occasions can enhance your overall look. Here’s a quick guide to help you select the perfect pair for each event:

Formal: Wider suspenders. Stick to classic colors, like navy or black.

Semi-formal and business: Medium width is a versatile option. Solid, dark colors are always a good choice.

Common Suspender Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure you get the most out of your suspenders, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Combining a belt and suspenders
• Using suspenders that are too tight or too loose
• Wearing skinny suspenders at a more formal event (opt for wider suspenders)
• Wearing suspenders outside a vest (you should always wear suspenders with a tuxedo or suit underneath)
• Dismissing proportion. Shorter men should opt for solid colors and avoid bolder patterns, as they create a look that can chop up the torso.

Suspender Fit and Adjustment Guide

When wearing suspenders with suits or tuxedos, the goal is to have them support your pants without being too tight, so they don't dig into your shoulders.

Button-on suspenders:

• Adjust the sliders. You’ll want the front buckles to sit mid-torso, and for your pants to rest without sagging.
• The suspender straps should lie flat against your shoulders.

Clip-on suspenders:

• Adjust the suspenders by sliding the buckle to shorten or lengthen them
• Clip-on suit suspender straps should lie flat against your shoulders

By following these simple adjustments, you can make sure your suspenders provide both comfort and style, giving you a polished, well-fitted look. Ready to perfect your suit or tuxedo ensemble? Shop our selection of high-quality suspenders today!