Why Men Stopped Wearing Suspenders

Summary

Suspenders, once a staple in every stylish man's wardrobe, have largely disappeared in favor of belts over the past 50 years. While suspenders offer superior comfort and have historical roots dating back to the 18th century, their decline is tied to changes in trouser design, the rise of casual fashion, and the increasing popularity of belts, especially post-World War I. Despite a brief resurgence in the 1980s, modern trousers with belt loops and lower waistlines have made suspenders a niche accessory. Today, belts are the dominant choice for most men, leaving suspenders as an outdated, yet still stylish, alternative.

Takeaways

• 😀 Suspenders were once an essential part of every stylish man's wardrobe, but now they are rarely seen and hard to find in stores.
• 😀 Today, belts outsell suspenders by a margin of 100 to 1, highlighting the dramatic shift in menswear trends.
• 😀 Suspenders offer superior comfort compared to belts by distributing weight across the shoulders instead of cinching the waist.
• 😀 Suspenders are particularly beneficial for individuals with harder-to-fit body types, such as those with a larger midsection.
• 😀 Many men appreciate the freedom and better fit that suspenders provide, with some even reporting improved posture when wearing them.
• 😀 Despite their advantages, suspenders fell out of fashion due to changing trends and the rise of the belt as a more practical accessory.
• 😀 In the 16th century, men used a variety of devices, like drawstrings and girdles, to keep trousers up before suspenders were invented.
• 😀 Suspenders were first introduced in 1736 by a French ribbon manufacturer and became widely popular in the 19th century.
• 😀 The innovation of elastic suspenders in the 1820s made them more comfortable and ensured a better fit throughout the day.
• 😀 After World War I, the introduction of lower-rise trousers and belt loops made belts more practical, leading to the decline of suspenders in men's fashion.
• 😀 Hollywood stars like Clark Gable and Humphrey Bogart contributed to the rise of belts in the 1930s, pushing suspenders out of mainstream fashion.
• 😀 Despite brief moments of resurgence, such as in the 1980s with the Wall Street look, suspenders never regained their former prominence in men's wardrobes.
• 😀 The main reason for the decline of suspenders is the shift in trouser waistlines and the widespread design of pants with belt loops, making suspenders incompatible.

Q & A

What is the main reason for the decline in popularity of suspenders over the last 50 years?

The main reason for the decline of suspenders is the rise of belts, which became more popular as trousers began to be designed with belt loops. Additionally, changing fashion trends, particularly after World War I, contributed to the fall of suspenders as belts became more practical and fashionable.

How do suspenders compare to belts in terms of comfort?

Suspenders are generally considered more comfortable than belts because they distribute the weight across the shoulders, whereas belts cinch around the waist. This can be particularly beneficial for people with a larger midsection, as suspenders avoid the tightness around the waist.

Why were suspenders considered an essential accessory in the 19th century?

In the 19th century, suspenders were an essential accessory because they were the primary tool used to keep trousers up, especially when breeches (knee-length trousers) were popular. They were a functional, practical item for men of all social classes.

When did belts first become used specifically to hold up trousers, and how did this change fashion?

Belts began being used specifically to hold up trousers in the 1920s, marking a shift from their previous role as a utility item. This change in fashion coincided with the introduction of belt loops on trousers, and the belt gradually became a staple of men's fashion, replacing suspenders.

How did World War I influence the popularity of belts over suspenders?

During World War I, resources for manufacturing clothing were limited, and designers began creating trousers with a lower waistline to save on fabric. This style of trousers, along with the addition of belt loops, made belts a more practical and efficient choice for holding up trousers, contributing to the decline of suspenders.

What role did Hollywood play in the rise of belts and the decline of suspenders?

Hollywood played a significant role in promoting belts over suspenders, particularly through stars like Clark Gable and Humphrey Bogart. Their widespread visibility in films helped solidify the belt as the modern, fashionable accessory for men, further pushing suspenders out of mainstream fashion.

What innovation in the design of suspenders made them more comfortable in the 19th century?

The introduction of elastic materials in the mid-19th century made suspenders more comfortable, as they provided a snug fit that stayed in place throughout the day. The X and Y designs for the back of suspenders, introduced by Albert Thurston in 1822, also became widely popular.

Why did belts become a more common fashion item than suspenders after World War I?

After World War I, there was a cultural shift towards more casual, lower-rise trousers, which were designed with belt loops. The practical nature of belts, combined with the rise of casual fashion and Hollywood's influence, made belts the preferred accessory, relegating suspenders to a less fashionable status.

What was the impact of the 1980s on suspenders, and why was this resurgence short-lived?

In the 1980s, suspenders briefly regained popularity due to the 'power suit' trend, where they were associated with success and authority. However, this resurgence was short-lived because by the 1990s, suspenders once again fell out of favor as casual fashion and the influence of younger generations took over.

Why are suspenders considered 'old-fashioned' today, despite their advantages?

Suspenders are considered old-fashioned today because of the widespread use of belts, the rise of casual fashion, and changing cultural perceptions. Social media influencers and fashion trends have contributed to the idea that suspenders are outdated, despite their comfort and timeless appeal.