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:
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| Stripped inverse-V tab braces |
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| 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.
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| 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?
