|
 Suspenders is an accessory deeply rooted in
men's wardrobe, though women who could not put up with such glaring inequality,
borrowed and successfully incorporated this stylish item into their own
wardrobe. They've been relegated to bankers and period movies until now. Today,
when the boundaries of men's and women's fashion are becoming increasingly
blurred, no one can argue the power of unisex, and some go as far as saying
that suspenders in their present-day form suit women better than men. However,
there is no need to be so categorical, as men wear suspenders as a tribute to
traditions, while for women it's a way to experiment and explore new fashion
territory. Contemporary women will find
any color, style, fabric or hardware in the ladies suspenders category.
Trousers, jeans, skirts, jumpers or overalls can be elevated by a pair of
suspenders. Wide or thin, fancy fabric or casual, women raise suspenders to a
high-style elegance all their own.
First devised in the 19th century, suspenders
were common items until the war made men more accustomed to belts.
Because of
their image as underwear, men switched to belts during the 1930s as the
waistcoats which had hidden braces became worn less. This also signaled
the
switch of position of the buttons from the outside of the waistband to
the
inside. Though the return of fuller-cut trousers in the 1940s revived
braces,
they did not dominate over belts again to the same extent and their
popularity
has waned since then. Suspenders are always and unfailingly used as an
alternative to the usual belt. This isn't entirely a matter of choice,
as
suspenders are made to be worn with a particular variety of pants. The
trousers
for suspenders have buttons for attaching the tabs, either on the
outside
(traditionally) or on the inside of the waistband, which does not have
belt
loops. The trousers also have a high back in the fishtail shape, though
this is
not so common now; this
shape has an additional adjuster strap at the back as well as the two
side
adjusters placed on most belt-less trousers.
While they have been in and out of fashion
over the last century (alternating with belts in general preference),
they are
becoming popular again following the resurgence of styles seen in period
dramas
such as the 2008 remake of Brideshead Revisited.
Suspenders are also a typical part of skinhead
and punk fashion. In skinhead and punk fashion suspenders are typically
between
3/4" and 1" in width. To some skinheads the color and placement
(either up around the shoulders or down around the waist) of suspenders
may
have political significance.
Materials used for making suspenders have also
changed over time, with newer additions such as rayon, a hard-wearing
synthetic
fiber, now offered as well as the standard boxcloth (a fuzzy woolen
cloth).
Silk, though traditional, is not long-lasting.
Suspenders may have owed some popularity to
the lack of options in trousers. One pair of suspenders will make many
pants,
even ones with waists which are several sizes too big, fit comfortably.
For
those who prefer a more relaxed and casual style, suspenders offer great
versatility, as they can be attached to jeans or suit pants, especially
if the
print or pattern matches the color of the tie or scarf. If you opt for
all-out-casual
style, characterized by carefully arranged disregard to your appearance,
your
choice is wearing suspenders with jeans and denim or cotton shirt with
top
buttons open. In this case suspenders should not be clashing in color
with the
shirt, but to stand out as bold accessory, for instance, if you choose
to wear
a monochrome beige shirt, go for printed brown suspenders, while
monochrome
braces will fit perfectly with multi-color or bold-printed shirt.
Women have always rocked the look of
suspenders since they started wearing menswear trends. These suspenders
impart the feeling of old school men's suits, but yet they bring a touch
of
femininity to the outfit. So this trend is nothing new, a resurfacing
recycled trend, but more feminine, more adorable, and better suited for
today's
modern woman.
Some of the hottest bottoms today come paired
with matching suspenders, and even Hollywood is quickly catching on -
Lauren
Conrad, Agyness Deyn, Keira Knighly, and Kate Moss among others.
Suspender
bottoms are hitting it big this year, providing plenty of women a hefty
amount
of suspender styles that are sure to satisfy and flatter the needs of
every
type of woman.
If you're into unisex, pair wide leather suspenders
with a white tank top and wide trousers, a declaration of love to a
menswear
style, especially if accessorized with narrow-brim hat or fedora. When
paired
with classic white shirt and pencil skirt or a more free-style blouse
and long skirt,
or pants/jeans, suspenders decorated with embroidery or other ornaments
reinforce the image created with other accessories such as shoes or
bags.
Suspenders no longer just hold up pants.
Suspenders are worn for fashionable fun and to show support for cause.
This
versatile accessory is a must in any men's wardrobe, and a welcome
addition to a
woman's wardrobe.
|
