To set the foundation, all children should wear braces to keep up their pants and/or skirt. Braces hold up pants as the child's hips are not fully developed – refer to my previous post for a full explanation.
The latest evolution in braces/suspenders for children is to have button-on style braces in the front and then a Y-back strap in the back that attaches to a single button – see below.
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| Braces attach to pants with a single strap | Proper button braces |
This is a step backward, not forward, for wearing braces – let me explain. Button-on braces are more stylish and sturdy than clip-ons. Clips pop-off a lot faster than buttons. The brace strap attached by 2 buttons at the rear is twice as sturdy as having only 1 button in the rear. And it’s at the rear where most of the strain on the braces is placed, as the child bends forward and twists over the course of the day. So why have clothing manufacturers using only 1 button instead of 2? Here are some possible reasons:
- the single strap at the back allows the suspenders to be lengthened and adjusted as the child grows. However, this can be accommodated with other braces with the levers on the front straps. In fact, the best type of braces for children have an adjustable lever on the rear strap so the back junction can also be moved to accommodate the child's size.
- there is less material, so the pants don’t cost as much to manufacture. Costs should not determine style!
- some straps do not have metal clips (levers), which avoids them from snapping off and hit the child. Braces are not meant to be so tense and tight that they release their potential energy when the buttons come off. The straps should be firm and comfortable, not tight.
Give children proper pants with braces, and let them play!
Discussion time:
- Have you bought kids pants or skirt with only 1 button in the rear?
- What do you think about this style?
I have just bought my youngest daughter a pair of red clip on braces on-line. I hope she likes them but she likes dungarees so I think she will!! I'm wearing Black clip suspender braces with pinstripe trousers and my eldest daughter has 4 pairs. One of them with neon moustaches. It must run in the family, I love the feel of braces as opposed to belts more women should wear them!!!
ReplyDeleteI really love to read your blog and I love the photos on pin interest as well .
Keep up the great work!!
Andie
@Andie: Thanks for the encouragement. It's good to hear that other people enjoy reading this blog and learning about suspenders and braces.
DeleteGlad to hear that your family enjoys wearing braces. Keep on wearing them!
Hi Back to Braces, do you have an email so I can contact you? I have a personal question about braces and I need your opinion. Thank you
ReplyDeleteFederico
@Federico: I would be happy to answer your questions about braces. You can contact me at backtobraces (at) gmail (dot) com
Deleteok thank you. I sent you an email
DeleteFederico
Hey, very nice site. I came across this on Google, and I am stoked that I did. I will definitely be coming back here more often. Wish I could add to the conversation and bring a bit more to the table, but am just taking in as much info as I can at the moment. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteElastic Shoulder Brace
Keep Posting:)