One night to go back in time to the 1940s

A number of years ago I went to a holiday Christmas party as part of my professional association. The theme was 1940s and the association encouraged people to wear clothes from that decade. People had to pay a nominal fee to go, so only those interested in the social gathering attended. It was nice to see that everyone came dressed up in vintage styles. Ladies wore dresses with puffed shoulders, and A-line skirts with blouses in floral prints, earth tone colors, and stripes. Men wore suits in tweed, vests, hats, and some even with high-waisted pants. While everyone was encouraged to dress up, it was not mandated, but most people did so.

I wore an earth-brown suit with high waisted pants, a white dress shirt and a vintage, wide tie. I wore a vintage pair of stripped, inverse-U tabs, Y-back braces to hold up my pants, with the colors on the stripes coordinating with the colors on my tie. My wife wore a vintage high-waisted skirt with a blouse.

When we arrived, we started mingling. I knew some people from my work place, but there were many others I did not know. 

It was very warm in the hall, so most of the men were removing their suit jackets. I had also removed my suit jacket. 

My wife and I were sitting down talking with two ladies. After exchanging greetings the conversation quickly turned to the 1940s, fashion, and eventually to my suspenders. One of the ladies commented that she liked that my suspenders had buttons, pointing to the exterior buttons on my waistline. This was better than the clips that all the other men in the room were wearing, she said. She had apparently been observing.

Yes, that’s the historically accurate way, I said, and more comfortable way to wear suspenders.

Do you wear suspenders often, the other lady asked?

He does, replied my wife, just like in the 1940s.

I love the look and feel of suspenders, I continued. I wear them to the office every work day.

I like the style, said my wife, reaching in and running her fingers up and down the nearest brace strap.

Another lady joined in our conversation and asked about my brace tabs. She had not seen the inverse-U style before and politely asked how they worked.

I said that when I bend forward, the strap glides along the U. I demonstrated by bending forward. I then stood up straight and demonstrated how the strap glided back into alignment in the middle of the U. I explained that this allows the braces to adjust to my body movement and helps soften the pull on the buttons. 

I sat down again. She politely asked to try shifting my brace strap left and right to see them in action, and I agreed. She pushed the strap left and right, observing how the tab shifted along and inverse-U. That’s very clever, she said, as she released the strap and it aligned into position. 

She commented, I love your button suspenders; it’s so rare to see men wearing them. When I saw yours I had to find out more! 

They are a nice vintage accessory, said by wife. These pants are made specifically for button suspenders, she continued. She prompted me to stand up and turn around, to show my back side. 

Wow, the ladies explained as they admired my fish-tail back trousers - look how the pants are made for his suspenders! My wife slipped her fingers underneath the rear strap and followed the strap down towards the brace tab and then to the exterior buttons. She shifted her fingers left and right and explained how the brace tab moved in sync. Historically, all men wore button suspenders with these types of pants, she said.

That’s right, I said, as the three ladies stared at my back side. These are vintage, fish-tail back trousers that are very rare these days, I said.

It is a beautiful look, said one of the ladies, you are so dapper. In fact, you are probably the best dressed man in this room!

I think so, said my wife with a smile.

Thanks to you, I said smiling.

You can sit down again, one of the lady’s said.

I’m glad I could learn about button suspenders today, said another lady. She said her husband would not wear suspenders, but he may wear them with buttons.

The discussion drifted to another topic.

***

At the end of the night, there was a door prize for the best dressed man and women, as voted by the attendees. The master of ceremonies asked for nominations and 3 men were cheered on and came to the front, including me. The ladies that we had talked with had spread the word and a large group cheered the loudest when it was my vote. One person shouted for me to turn around and show my back side. I did so, and that sealed the top spot for the men’s prize. 

Next voting for the ladies happened. The crowd cheered for 3 ladies, eventually deciding on one of them. She was wearing a vintage knee-length, polka-dotted dress. 

The two of us stood at the front as we accepted our knick-knack prizes. We posed for a photo, standing apart from each other and looking somewhat awkward. She must have detected this because while I was looking at the camera, she pulled back the closest suspender strap to her and held it as the photographer captured the moment. She then released the strap as it lightly snapped back.

Congratulations, she said. I love your suspenders with buttons. They are the perfect vintage accessory.

Thank you, I said. Congratulations to you as well on your vintage dress. She smiled.

We stepped off the front area and people turned back to mingling with each other. But the lady continued talking with me, as my wife joined us. The lady wanted to see my back side again, and slipped her finger underneath my rear strap to shift it and watch the brace tab move. 

She asked if I had bought the suit specifically for this event or if I always wear vintage clothes. He loves wearing vintage clothes, replied my wife. He wears this to the office regularly, she said. 

The lady smiled and said how much she loved the high-waisted pants with the fish-tail back, the button suspenders, the shoes, … the whole style.

Thank you, I said. How about you, I asked, did you buy that dress just for tonight?

She sheepishly said yes, although she was adamant that she has other vintage skirts and dresses that she wears to the office. We had a lengthy conversation about suspenders and vintage clothes. She wanted to prove to me that she did have vintage clothes. She insisted we meet for lunch and we all wear vintage clothes. I was happy to do so.

When the day came for lunch, I decided to wear a grey suit with high-rise pants, a blue dress shirt, and a vintage tie. The pants were supported by inverse-V, Y-back braces with strips of grey, blue, red, and white.

We met at the restaurant. My wife wanted to wear the suspender trend too, so she wore a colorful high-waisted skirt with a nice blouse. The skirt had straps of the same fabric attached, and crossed at the back.

We met our new friend, who had decided to wear a pleated suit skirt with suspender straps, a blouse and a button up jacket with puffy shoulders.

We walked into the restaurant and before we sat down, we took off our suit jackets. The waitress complimented us on our suspenders and how much she appreciated the vintage styles. We all smiled. We had a wonderful lunch talking about various topics.

Discussion time :

What's your holiday plans? Will braces be part of your outfit?

National Suspenders Day 2023

Today is National Suspenders Day, a day to celebrate suspenders and braces! Have you been wearing them lately? I sure have! 

 

Today I’d like to share some of my current favourite pairs of vintage pants and the braces that I wear with them.

 

Vintage Brown Pants
A long time ago, I bought a fantastic pair of vintage, brown pants. However, I don’t think brown would go well with my other clothes, so I didn’t wear it much. But recent I’ve been wearing more brown colours. These pants are so comfortable. They have pleats and sit high on my waist – about 2 inches higher than my belly button. This requires that I wear braces with them, which the pants were historically worn with.

 

Vintage brown pants with thin braces

The brace buttons are positioned above the main pleat and above the side seam, which slants forward slightly. This is very comfortable, and supports the pleat and seam, keeping the pant legs very clean.
The rear has two sets of buttons – one pair closer together for Y-back braces, and one pair farther apart for X-back braces. This gives options and is a nice touch. As the buttons are on the inside of the waistband, people don’t see the unused set of buttons.

 

I was recently wearing these pants with a vintage pair of thin, blue braces, with red stripes running down the side of the straps. The leather tabs are brown, which goes well with the transition to the brown pants. 

My wife and I went on a date to a restaurant and then planned to walk in the nearby park. My wife prefers when I wear thinner braces, and when she saw me wearing this pair she said, “those are vintage pants and braces, I like them.” She ran her fingers up and down the front straps. The straps have lots of elastic stretch in them still, so they stretched out with the tension. She released them and the straps snapped back lightly onto my chest.

“Vintage braces for vintage pants,” I said.

She smiled and tugged on the straps again. 

“You know I like the thin ones,” she said as she released the straps.

 

Rear shot of brown pants with braces

We had a wonderful dinner and then walked around the park, looking at the sunset. As we stood side by side, she had her hand on my back at my rear braces. She turned to face me and tugged on my front braces. 

“I really love these braces,” she said, tugging on them again. 

 “I’m glad you like them,” I responded, “I like them too.”

 

Stripped Navy Pants

Another favourite pair of vintage pants is navy with faint, thin stripes in a darker navy and off brown colours. Unless you are up close you can’t see the stripes in the fabric. The waistband sits very high – three inches above my belly button. The rear seam of the waistband is slightly separated, almost like a fishtail back, but without rising higher.

 

The rear waistband has a small gap

The brace buttons are sewn on the inside of the waistband in the perfect locations: front buttons above the main pleat, which is reverse pleated (very vintage), and above the side seam. On the right hand side of the waistband, between the two brace tabs, there’s a small pocket for a waist-watch, which is very neat. The rear buttons are equally spaced at the back and, with the waist gap, allowing for the waistband to accommodate my breathing. The waistband expands and the brace tabs expand when I inhale. When I exhale, the brace straps ensure that my waistband stays in place. 

 

Stripped braces with vintage stripped pants

 

 

The pockets of the pants are positioned at the side seam, so when I put my hands in them and I’m wearing a suit jacket, the jacket is pushed to the side and both front brace tabs are shown. My wife likes this look. 

Hands in my pockets

 

As my waistband is suspended, there’s a small gap between my chest and waistband, which helps with air movement.

I like to wear vintage, stripped, V-back, inverse-V braces with these pants, as the stripes on the braces coordinate well with the stripes on the pant fabric. The braces are V-back, as they do not have the single strap at the rear, which Y-back braces have. This shows that this pair of braces is very old and vintage. The front brace tabs also show vintage signs as the centre tab is slightly longer than the side tab, allowing the brace straps to sit slightly to the side of my chest.

 

I usually wear a brown, tweed suit jacket that’s speckled. When my wife and I go out, I receive lots of compliments on this vintage look. 

With the suit jacket on

 

One day we were out on the town and were stopped on the sidewalk. A young lady asked to look at my ‘fancy suspenders’, as she called them. She had never seen a pair like this before. I pointed out the V-back and compared it to the Y-back. I also unhooking the right, front brace tab from the buttons to show the longer leather piece. She was amazed. I hooked my brace tabs back on and proceeded to show her the watch-pocket and other features of the pants.

 

The center tab is longer than the side tab

 

You are so stylish, she said, as she asked for a photo with us. I smiled and agreed.

 
After the photo, I had my hands in my pockets. The young lady asked if she could pull a suspender strap. That was polite, as people simply grab hold and pull.

Sure, I said smiling, everyone loves to do that. I opened my jacket and she pulled back a strap, holding it for a moment, and then releasing it.

Thank you, she said, you’ve made my day! I love your look and your suspenders. I’m going to get a pair for myself.

That would be awesome, I said.

We smiled and my wife and I continued on our way.

 

Grey pants

Another pair of my favourite vintage pants is solid, light grey, made of tweed fabric. The rise is high – above my belly button and the waistband is a bit large on me, so I’ve always worn this pair of pants with braces. I like to wear these pants with a multi-colored, stripped, Y-back braces or black, inverse-U tab, Y-back braces. 

 

As the fabric is thick, I wear this pair in the fall and winter months. I coordinate it with a navy or brown blazer.  As I warm up inside, I remove the blazer and remain stylish.

 

Grey, wool pants with stripped braces

 

One Thanksgiving dinner I wore these pants with inverse-V tab, stripped braces. As we sat down to eat, one of my brothers pulled back a front brace strap, watching the strap junction slide along the inverse-V tab. He let go and it snapped back, but landed off my shoulder. 

 

That’s enough, I said, as I positioned the strap back onto my shoulder. My wife walked by and pulled on my rear strap saying, I’m the only who can play with his suspenders!

 

Rear shot of stripped braces

 

After dinner, the larger waist helped with the large meal. My brother loosened his belt a notch. I took the moment to slide my thumb up and down my brace straps and smile as I said, these help with large meals too!

 

We laughed.

 

Light Blue Pants

And last but not least is a light-blue pair of Hollywood-waisted pants. The pants are made of 100% cotton and have an integrated belt loops in the waistband. I need to wear the pants with braces to support them at the right height. I sewed buttons on the outside of the pants. I love wearing this pair with my stripped blue braces as the colors go so well together.

 

Hollywood waisted blue pants with braces

 

This is an unusual pair of pants and I usually get a few heads turning, but that's fine. The buttons on the outside make a statement and signal a by-gone era.

Rear shot of pants and braces

What are some of your favourite outfits to wear with braces?

Shailene Woodley and Iris Law's styles

The actress Shailene Woodley attended the Dior Spring Summer 2023 in Paris on September 27, 2022. She wore a fantastic outfit that I want to commemorate. 

Her menswear inspired outfit features:

• a button-up, polka dot blouse with layered ruffles across her bodice
• high-waisted, beige pants that sit just below her rib cage
• a Hollywood waist, with no belt loops or waistline to clutter up her waist
• the rear of the pants features a fish-tail, v-notch back, held in place by her braces
• navy Y-back braces attach to exterior brace buttons
• a boater hat and pearl necklace

Shailene Woodley's style

These are superb pants. Not only is the cut of the pants flattering, but they are made specifically to wear with braces. She looks fantastic! The braces make a statement, but not overpowering. The high-waisted pants accentuate her legs and make her look taller.

Close-up

Rear shot

 

Iris Law also wore an identical pair of pants, with a light, stripped dress shirt. She opted to let her braces hang from her waist, which I think comes off as unpolished.

Iris Law's style

Who do you think wore this look better? Comment below!

A Father’s Day Gift

I received this from a reader today and thought I'd share it with you:

My husband has mentioned a few times to me (his wife) that his pants kept slipping down. He was more annoyed about it than grumbling to me. While he’s not obese, he is a large man. I decided to help his pants from falling down, once and for all.

I turned to the internet and found suspenders as the solution. At first I opposed them. They are not a current trend. But over the next few days I couldn’t help but think how handsome he would be wearing suspenders. I asked a few of my girlfriends, and they agreed that suspenders has this vintage, classic look, and it would solve his pants problem. 

I went back online and looked at old photographs of men wearing suspenders. I decided that he would wear vintage suspenders that had buttons on the pants, not clips. I would get him a new pair of pants that would be at his waist and have the suspenders hold the pants up. 

It took some time to find a suitable pair of pants, as most waistlines for men’s pants are below the waist. I eventually found a pair of brown pants and sewed buttons into the outside of the waistband. I removed the belt loops so he would not be tempted to use both a belt and suspenders!

My next challenge was to find a nice pair of suspenders. I looked at thrift shops and online.  Most online ones were on the higher range of what I wanted to spend. I eventually found a pair of “Y-back” suspenders with button attachments. I liked the colors that I also got 2 children’s pairs for our 2 boys. I bought new brown pants for our boys as well, and sewed buttons into their pants to go with their new button suspenders. I was now ready for Father’s Day!

The kids and I wrapped my husband’s pants and suspenders. On the morning of Father’s Day our family had made plans to go for lunch at a restaurant with our relatives. Before we left, the boys and I presented him with the gift. He opened it and was somewhat surprised. But our boys encouraged him to wear them. He went into the other room, put on a button-down shirt and the pants. He came out with the suspenders loose on his shoulders. I helped him adjust the suspenders, so the pants sat comfortably at his waist. 

He was unsure at first of the high position of the pants waist, but he was willing to try it. He breathed in and out and his pants didn’t fall. He smiled and thanked me for the gift. He put his hands in his pockets and felt the suspenders react by pulling back on his waistline.

They are very stylish, I said, as I slipped my fingers underneath his front strap and looked at them as he stood there. I like how they attach with buttons.

He agreed and sat down on the couch. He instantly felt relief as his stomach did not have a belt restricting his midsection. He stood up as his hands instinctively reached down to his suspender buttons, and the braces pulled up his pants and did the work for him.

He quickly came around (faster than I did) and was excited to wear the pants to the restaurant. That’s when I surprised our boys with their gifts. I pulled out 2 boxes and presented them. They tore open the wrapping to find their own pair of pants with button suspenders attached. They were thrilled, as they would be just like dad!

They ran to their room to get dress shirts. I came into the room as they were putting their shirts on. They stepped into the pants and pulled up the suspender straps. I helped them adjust the straps. As I did, the younger boy pulled back his older brother’s rear suspender strap, letting it snap back into place with a thump. His brother cringed and immediately pulled his brother’s front suspender strap and released it. They laughed and quickly learned that it’s better not to snap each other’s suspenders.

The boys slid their fingers along the front of their own suspenders, inspecting them as they did. They loved them and I did too! I asked them to stand up straight along with their dad, and I captured a picture.

We went to the restaurant and the 3 of them received many compliments from family members and bystanders on their button suspenders and brown pants. They looked sharp and so dapper. 

I’m so happy I found this blog with all of its helpful tips and suggestions. Button suspenders have now become a regular style in our home!

 

Thank you for sharing, I’m so glad to help.

Black High-Waisted Jeans with Braces

I recently went shopping for a new pair of jeans. One particular store had a wide selection of jeans in different colors and styles. I came across a pair of black jeans with the waist at or above my natural waist. I tried them on and they fit well, so I decided to buy them.

At the till, the store owner asked if I found what I was looking for.

Yes, I said, I've been looking for jeans with a high waist. 

She smiled and said it is a classic look.

Exactly, I said. 

She continued by suggesting I could "go vintage" by wearing suspenders with them.

Yes, I said, that’s exactly what I will do! These jeans will need suspenders to hold them up at the high waist.

That would look great, she said. She added that she would love to see me wear them the next time I'm around.

I agreed and walked out of the store with a smile on my face. It's nice to meet other people that also appreciate suspenders!

I was thinking of my pair of braces that are brown with black and white stripes (see this post). The black stripes would go well with the black jeans. The braces are very rugged and fit the lumberjack style. Some of my other braces could also go well.

As I travelled home I had to decide where to place the buttons – on the outside or inside of the waistband. After much thought over the next few days I concluded that as these are rugged jeans, I would put the buttons on the outside of the waistband. They would accentuate the brace tabs and point back to when men wore braces while working on the railroad. I removed the belt loops and sewed on the brace buttons. Here's the style that I wore that day:

Stripped inverse-V tab braces

Rear shot of stripped Y-back braces

I remembered the James Jeans with braces from CourtShop that were popular a few years ago. These jeans are also high-waisted and have buttons on the outside for Y-back braces. The fish-tail back is a nice touch.

Courtshop James Jeans with braces

A few days after I had sewn on the buttons, a couple came over for dinner. I was wearing the black jeans, blue stripped braces, and a green t-shirt. The husband immediately commented, "cool suspenders!"

"Thanks!" I replied, smiling.

His wife saw me a few minutes later and said, "I like your suspenders. We should get you a pair of suspenders babe," looking at her husband. He had a slim build and his pants sagged, so it was a good suggestion.

I smiled, "they are very comfortable and look great," I said.

"Where did you get your jeans?" she asked.

I mentioned the store and she continued, "and you got the suspenders there too?" she asked.

"No," I replied, "I got them from a thrift store." I continued, "these jeans didn't originally have suspender buttons - I sewed them on myself."

"Oh, I see," she replied. "I really like them! I love your lumberjack, worker look."

"Thanks, that's the look I was going for," I said beaming.

"Well, you nailed it with the button suspenders," she said.

"Yes, they do make the look," I replied.

We carried on with our dinner and had a pleasant evening.

***

A week later we were visiting other friends and as we came in I took off my cardigan. I was wearing my black jeans with stripped braces, and they were displayed proudly.

The lady of the house commented, "I love your suspenders. Look," she motioned to her husband, "he has the proper attachments with buttons. You look fantastic!"

"Thank you," I replied.

***

A few months later I was back in the clothing store, searching for something, and I was wearing my black pants with stripped braces. The lady came up to compliment me on my braces. She said she liked how my suspenders fit with my jeans. I told her I bought them here a few months ago, and on her recommendation, to have buttons installed for braces. She remembered and smiled. She said she liked the look. 

 

Every time I wear these jeans I receive compliments. It's great!

 

Discussion time:

Have you been wearing braces recently?

Swing dancing tales

A female friend discovered that I loved braces and shared this with me: 

~~~

I love swing dancing. I’ve been dancing for many years and going to a certain hall for some time. As a lady I love dressing up in vintage styles, particularly from the 1940s. I dream of dancing with a male partner that also wears vintage clothes – a tweed suit jacket, high-waisted trousers with suspenders, and classy, vintage shoes!

Well, my dream came true one night. I went to the dance hall wearing a floral, pleated skirt and a light pink blouse with puffy sleeves, along with a knitted sweater.

I had come alone, so I was dancing with another single dancer at the time. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed another couple. I had not seen them come in, but they were both dressed in classic swing style: the lady was wearing a beautiful, vintage dress hemmed just below the knee. The man was wearing an earth-brown suit with a beige, stripped dress shirt, and a vintage, wide tie.

After a few dances, I thanked my dance partner and headed off to take a break on the side. This allowed me to observe this couple. They were decent dancers, but it was their choice of clothing that I admired most. The male dancer had his jacket button undone - his suit pants were high waisted, but didn't have a belt, and looked fantastic.

This couple also took a break and moved off the dance floor, close to where I was sitting. I decided to meet them. I walk up and introduce myself, “Hi, I’m Jillian,” I said.

“Hello,” they reply in unison returning the introduction and their names.

“This is a nice place to dance,” the lady says, still catching her breath. “Sorry, I haven’t danced in a long time, I forgot how much exercise is involved in swing dancing; I’m out of breath!”

“That’s alright, catch your breath,” I respond. “I like this place too. They play classic swing music and there’s lots of dance partners. I love that you came dressed in vintage styles - it makes swing dancing so much more enjoyable! Your skirt and blouse are lovely and fit the era,” I say.

“Thank you,” she replies. “I love that era too. The clothes were so cute!”

I turn to the man, “And I love your brown suit too. Your tie is especially vintage!” I exclaim.

“Thank you,” says the man proudly, running his thumb down his tie. “I like the 1940s decade as well.”
The man removes his suit jacket, feeling the warmth in the room. This reveals his high-waist pants are held up by suspenders. They are stripped brown, with thin navy and white strips that pair with his tie.

“Would you mind if I have the next dance?” I ask the lady, wanting to talk to him about his style and his suspenders.

“Sure, go for it. You can teach him a step or two!” says the lady as she receives his suit jacket.

We walk onto the dance floor. “I love your vintage style,” I say with a big smile, “and you are wearing suspenders! They are perfect for swing dancing! So dapper and classic.”

“Yes, they are,” says the man, smiling. “I call them braces as they attach to my pants with buttons,” he says, moving his fingers to his waist and flipping over the waistband to show where the buttons are attached to the braces.

“Alright,” I say, reaching out and resting my hands on his chest. “Suspenders, braces, whatever you call them; they go perfect with your high-waisted pants!” 

“Thank you,” replies the man. “They do a great job of keeping my pants securely in place. The alternative would be clips and those would snap off with all the movement of swing dancing.” While he’s talking, I tuck my fingers beneath his straps and lightly pull them towards me. With a smile I release my fingers and his straps lightly snap back to his chest. 

He blushes and responds, “That’s the downside of wearing braces - everyone likes to snap them.”

“It is fun,” I say. “But I’ll restrain myself.”

“Thank you,” says the man.

“I don’t see men wearing braces every day, so forgive me for being fascinated with them. It’s so rare to see people wearing vintage clothing these days. I love your look. Your stripped braces go perfectly with your brown pants and tie – it’s all so stylish!”

“Thank you,” beams the man.

I place my right hand on his back as the next dance song starts. I feel his brace buttons on the outside of his pants, and tap the buttons with my fingers. These buttons are on the outside of his waistband.

“Your pants are floating on air, suspended by your braces,” I say looking at his waistline.

“That’s right,” replies the man. “Braces are designed to be worn with a looser waistline and that makes the pants comfortable to wear, especially when swing dancing.”

We join in to the music and begin swing dancing in slow step.

“Do you wear braces often?” I continue.

“Almost every day.”

“Wow, that’s uncommon! You must really love them.”

“Yes, I do. They’ve become part of my personal style. I couldn’t go a day wearing dress pants without braces. I love the classic men’s styles.”

“I agree. That era was so stylish. If you wear dress pants every day you must work in an office,” I say as we pick up the pace of our dance moves.

“Yes. I work in an office, spending my day sitting at a desk so my pants need to be comfortable when I’m sitting,” replies the man. “But when I stand up and walk, my pants need to stay in place as well.”

“And that’s where your suspenders, I mean, braces come in,” I say.

“Exactly,” smiles the man.

“Well, you look fantastic. Braces are much more distinguished than a belt.”

“I totally agree,” replies the man.

My hand intentionally nudges his rear brace strap as I spin behind him. He smiles. I love his braces.

We continue dancing for several more songs and then decide to take a break. We start to head off the dance floor from the centre, but it’s quite crowded and finding a path is challenging. He heads in one direct while holding my hand. About halfway along I’m losing my grip on his hand. In desperation I reach out and grab on to his rear brace strap. He stops and looks behind to inquire. I motion to continue but remain holding his rear brace strap. I maneuver off the dance floor holding his hand but also hanging onto his rear brace strap.

“Thank you for helping me out of there,” I say when we are off the dance floor, “I thought I was going to lose your lead and not get out!”

“No worries,” replies the man. “Would you like to wipe your brow?” he asks, reaching into his pocket and offering his clean handkerchief.

“Wow, yes, thank you,” I stammer. “Your vintage style keeps getting better! Vintage tie, braces, handkerchief!”

“Thank you,” replies the man. 

“You know, women can wear suspenders too,” I declare.

“You’re right,” says the man as we head towards his dance partner.

“You’ve inspired me to get some braces for my high-waisted pencil skirt for next week’s dance,” I say. “I’ll need to buy a pair of button suspenders and sew buttons on the waistband, like you have,” pointing to his waistline.

“That would be lovely,” says the man.

“What’s that?” asks his lady friend joining the conversation.

“We were just talking about how women can also wear suspenders,” says the man.

“Yes,” said the lady, “I’m wearing suspenders right now,” she says with a smile.

“What?” we both say in unison as we stare at her. She’s wearing a knee-length dress, nothing requiring shoulder straps. She laughs as she lifts her dress hem to reveal her stockings attached to garters.

“Those are nice garter suspenders,” I say.

The man agrees, “yes, women also need to hold up their stockings just as much as men need suspenders to hold up their pants!”

“Yes, we all need suspenders!” I say as I reach out and pull on one of the man’s straps.

“Hey, that’s enough!” remarks the man.

“You’re just so snappy,” I say sheepishly.

“Just you wait until I snap one of your suspenders next week,” says the man to me.

“You wouldn’t dare!” I exclaim.

We all laugh. “Are you ready to dance again?” asks the lady as the man grabs a drink of water.

“Absolutely,” says the man. And that is what they did.

At the end of the night we say good bye and confirm to meet again next week.

~~~

The next following week the three of us return. We arrive at opening, eager to dance. The weather is warm and the man has left his suit jacket at home this time. He is wearing a grey suit with high-rise pants and stripped burgundy and white stripped braces over a blue dress shirt and dark tie. His female friend is wearing a floral dress. I’m wear my high-waisted brown skirt with stripped braces over a pastel blouse.

“You look great,” I say as we wait outside for the doors to open.

“As do you,” the man says. “I love your braces!”

“Thanks,” I say, putting my thumbs underneath the straps and sliding them down. “They take some getting used to. I’m not sure where the straps should lie – over my breasts or around them?”

“I think around,” says the lady, “similar to how the straps curve around a man’s chest.”

“I agree,” smiles the man, puffing out his chest.

“I'll try that,” I say shifting my straps to the side. “You two dance first; I’ll wait.”

After several songs, I feel a slight tug on my rear brace strap at my shoulder. 

“Would you like to dance?” the man asks.

“Hey,” I reply jumping up. “Yes! Let’s dance.” I return the nod by flicking my finger across his brace strap as I rush past him onto the dance floor.

Off we go, dancing the night away wearing braces. The man dances with his friend and me throughout the evening, getting very little downtime, but he doesn’t seem to mind. He has learned some new dance steps and is full committing himself.

As the announcement for the final song comes on, the lady graciously lets me have the last dance with him. We get into starting position and I put my hand on his back. I feel a dangling piece of leather. I move my hand up and realize that it’s part of his braces, which have partially come detached.

“You’ve had a vigorous dancing session tonight. How are you holding up?” I ask.

“I’m doing great,” he responds.

“I’m glad to hear. Just like your braces are hanging in there?”

“Exactly,” he replies.

“Sorry to tell you though, but one of your brace attachments at the back has, um, come detached,” I say pulling and releasing the dangling brace tab. It twangs back into place with a snap. “I think you popped a button,” I say.

“Oh, I didn’t notice it with all the dancing tonight. Let’s finish this last song before inspecting,” he quickly replies as the song has already started.

We dance the last song and the dangling leather piece flutters around his back during our movements. At the end of the song we walk off the dance floor and rejoin the other lady.

“We had a vigorous dance session tonight,” I say pointing to the man’s rear brace tab.

“That’s right, it was intense,” says the man. He reaches around to feel the dangling rear brace tab and the lack of a corresponding button on his waistline.

“What happened?” asks the lady noticing the man’s arms behind his back.

“I popped a brace button,” he says.

“Was she snapping your braces again?” smirks the lady. “It must have just happened,” she continues, as she inspects his waistline, “as I didn’t notice anything during our last dance. And I had my hand on your back while dancing so I would have felt a loose leather piece flapping around.”

“Yeah, I didn’t notice it either until Julian pointed it out. That’s ok, these things happen, it’s only a button,” says the man.

“And buttons can be easily replaced,” I say. “I could sew on a replacement for you?” I ask.

“That would be appreciated,” replies the man sliding his fingers along his front brace straps to adjust them.

“Alright, having learned how to sew brace buttons to my skirt, I’m happy to sew on a button for you,” I say, tapping my buttons. “Let’s meet up this week. We can also practice our dance steps.” I say as we walk out of the hall into the cool evening air. 

We breathe in and take a moment to relax before heading our separate ways.

“Help, I’m fit but my pants don’t stay up!”

This was the statement a new friend made recently to me. He was in his late 30s and reasonably fit – he exercised regularly and ate well, and he didn’t have a pot belly. He has an office job that requires him to wear dress pants, and sometimes a suit jacket or blazer. He said he had spent his whole life wearing a belt with his dress pants. But the belt cut into his abdomen all day when he sat. His belt had to be tight around his waist to keep his pants at the right height. When he stood up or walked around, he was constantly adjusting and pulling up his pants. There must be a better way, he gripped.

There is, I said! I recommended he buy a pair of dress pants that were snug at the waistline when he was sitting, and then loose when standing. The waistband should be snug, not tight, I emphasized. Also, the waistline must go up to his natural waist – where his belly button was. He said he’d give it a try, but asked how the pants would stay at that height. 

I gave a big smile; that’s where braces come in! He was hesitant, but I persisted. 

Pants were originally designed to be supported with braces, not a belt. Brace tabs attach at specific places along the waistline to support your pants perfectly. And I said, he’ll solve the constant adjusting and pulling of his waistline throughout the day. In fact, the braces do the pulling to keep your pants in place. I recommended he visit a tailor or seamstress to get the buttons sewn onto the waistline, and directed him to my blog post on the topic. I stressed that he must wear braces with buttons instead of clip-on suspenders. This is very important as braces with buttons will give him the needed support, clips will not.

He agreed to give the larger-waisted pants with braces a try. I could tell he was hesitant, but he was fed up with his belt and ready to solve his problem of his pants slipping down all day. 

A few weeks later we met for lunch. He was blown away by the results. He said he followed my recommendations exactly. With the help of his wife, they searched vintage stores and found a vintage pair of navy dress pants with a looser, and higher waistline. The pants came up to his belly button. He said the pants only stayed up if he inhaled and didn’t move; he was keen on getting braces attached. He made sure to check the tightness around the waist when sitting down. He took the pants to a seamstress, who followed the directions for placement of the buttons along the waistband. She even removed the belt loops on the waistband, he said.

While he waited for the seamstress, his wife bought him a nice pair of stripped navy, grey and white button braces. His wife was eager to see how the braces fit with the high-waisted pants. 

He picked up the pants from the seamstress a few days later. When he got home he attached the braces to the pants and wore them around home that evening. His wife loved the look and he felt very good wearing the pants. This gave him confidence to wear them to the office the following day.

In the morning, he put on the high waisted dress pants with braces and a blazer. It was a warm spring day. When he arrived at the office his colleagues noticed that he was more at ease and complimented him on his style. His pants were flattering as they were high waisted and didn't bunch around his ankles. Eventually his colleagues asked for his secret, and he took off his blazer midway through the morning to reveal his braces. His peers loved the vintage style. He said the ladies especially commented on his braces. They said he looked taller, more confident, and more at ease. 

He kept his blazer off for the rest of the day. His braces were very comfortable, whether he was sitting at his desk or standing and walking around. He could breathe normally, without having a constrained belt around his waist. A few times he caught himself reaching to adjust his pants when he stood up, but then thumbed his brace buttons and was thankful they were doing their function.

At lunch, he received more praise from bystanders as he walked outside the office without a jacket. He recalled one lady stopping him on the sidewalk to say that she loved his braces and pants. She turned to the man walking with her and asked him to start wearing suspenders!

At the end of his work day he went home and gave his wife a hug and kiss. She smiled as she lightly tugged on his straps. She asked how he felt wearing the braces all day. He said he loved them. The suspenders were so comfortable and he didn't have to adjust his pants once. It was the first time in years.

She smiled and said she liked seeing him comfortable. She was excited, as she was thinking of buying him a few more pairs in different colors. 

He’s now a firm believer and plans to wear braces with high waisted pants on all his dress pants.

Discussion time:

Have you seen anyone wearing braces around your office or workplace?