Where braces break On braces, the most common break occurs around the button holes on brace tabs (see diagram). Rubbing and tugging around the button threads can wear out either the button hole of the brace tabs or button threads that attach to the brace button. This is where the braces experience the full extent of the pull on the button to hold the pants up.
There is an ongoing battle between the braces pulling on the button to hold up the pants, and the button pulling on the brace tabs to stay attached to the pants. Eventually, one will succeed in breaking away, resulting in either a torn button hole and the button on the waistline, or a popped button and an buttonhole that remains intact.
Take for example, this picture from Norman Rockwell. You'll notice that the front, inner brace button has popped off, likely due to constant pull of the brace tab on this button.
The battle of the button and the brace tab may be short-lived, if the button thread cuts into the brace tab, the thread will cause the tear. It's nearly impossible to repair a broken buttonhole on a brace tab, so it's recommended that buttons be sewn in just enough to hold the braces to the pants, but not so securely that the button doesn't pop-off when needed. This will help save many brace tabs and braces from being ruined.
I've had the unfortunate situation of looking down to find a severed button hole on a brace tab. The button is still attached on the waistline, but of no use to anchor the brace tab. I've managed to super glue the button hole closed, or use a staple temporarily, but it usually breaks. The brace tab really needs to be replaced, and it's almost impossible to find leather in matching color to the other brace tabs.
The ability for braces to stretch is what makes them useful. But when braces are pulled or stretched beyond capacity, the buttons should pop-off to avoid ruining the braces. When the button pops off, this saves the braces. It's a lot easier to sew on a new button then to repair the brace tab that's torn. Which situation would you rather be in - needing to replace a button or needing to replace torn leather brace tab?
Here's some photos of people who could use a seamstress to sew on missing buttons.
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| Both front, exterior brace buttons are popped off |
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| The front left, exterior brace button has popped off |
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| The front right, exterior brace button has popped off |
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| Again, the front left, exterior brace button has popped off |
Another example is presented below - this girl was a little over zealous when stretching her braces. The front, inner brace button has popped off (see below and close-up).
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| Notice the popped inner brace button |
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| Close-up of popped front, inner brace button |
The front inner buttons
From my observations of photos and personal experience, I would say that the front inner buttons are the most common place for any of the brace buttons to pop off. Every time you put your braces over your shoulder, you are applying pressure to these buttons. When you wear braces, the brace tab is constantly pulling up this part of the waistband, to keep the crease on pants straight. This puts most of the strain on the front inner buttons, not the outer ones.
Just this week, as I was fitting the brace tab on my front buttons, I heard threads tearing as I attached the tab to the button. Two minutes later, as I stand up, I see my left, front inner button start to separate from the waistband, as my inverse-U brace tabs apply tension. I take a few steps and the button detaches, leaving a dangling brace tab. I'm left to attach the tab to the outer brace button until I can sew on the button.
While you may think that the front outer buttons have the most pressure applied, this is not always true. Most of my buttons that have popped off have been the front inner ones.
When buying braces, inspect the brace tabs for firmness and quality - genuine leather is recommended (left), or woven material (right):
Secondly, a common place breaks occur is at the adjuster clip on the strap. The metal can wear down from frequent adjusting and use, causing it to lose its ability to hold the clip in place. A worn out clip will not hold the straps in place.
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| A broken adjustor clip |
A third place area suspenders and braces break is in their elasticity. Elastic straps wear down over time and become brittle. For instance, the braces shown below are starting to show signs of deteriorating condition.
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| Deteriorating elastic straps |
A fourth place is around the brace tabs. These can become brittle, frayed, or simply wear out.
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| Frayed brace tab |
Brace tabs experience the full brunt of tension. If the leather is not up to the challenge, it will crack and break. I've worn an old pair of braces to the office. I should not have worn it, but the brown colors of my inverse V braces went well with my brown pants and blue dress shirt. As I stood up to talk with a colleague, I noticed my front inner brace tab was torn. I tucked the tab behind the outer brace tab, but it didn't stay there for long. My colleague politely did not point this out to me (but she did tell me the next time I wore those pants and had a different pair of braces on).
Where suspenders break
Suspenders are attached pants and skirts with alligator clips that grip material. This is the frequent breakage point, when the clip fails to grip the material, either due to excessive use or poor quality. When you purchase suspenders, examine the clips for strength. If one of your favorite suspenders has a broken clip, head over to a sewing store and pick up a new clip.
Suspender straps may also be attached by buttons, rather than clips. In the photo below, both ladies are wearing the same outfit of shorts with suspender straps. The lady on the right hasn't noticed that her rear right button has popped off, leaving the suspender strap hanging loose. This was likely due to the extra strain on the straps while riding.
Another area suspenders break is a tear on the brace strap. This is less common, but does come from getting snags. The suspenders are likely past repairs. However, before you throw them out, why not use the clips on another pair of suspenders?
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| Torn suspender strap |
If you have broken braces or suspenders, consider re-purposing them by getting the necessary supplies from a sewing store. If the brace tabs are broken, you can try a leather store to inquire if they can repair them. If not, donate it to a thrift store and someone else may value your reject!
- Where do your braces/suspenders break?
- Do you have any stories of braces or suspenders breaking at unfortunate moments?
Note: all photos are used solely for non-commercial use and to illustrate braces in fashion. No plagiarism is intended.
