You have heard that wearing suspenders with a tuxedo is comfortable, sartorial, and drapes nicely.
However, paying attention to some rules is mandatory if you want to execute this tuxedo suspender combination for your big day.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about wearing suspenders with a tuxedo.
How to Wear Suspenders with a Tuxedo
First thing first, ‘are tuxedo suspenders different from classic suspenders?’ Well, it’s a Yes and a No. In terms of usage and practicality, the suspenders you wear with a tuxedo are the same as with suits.
But tuxedos are more elegant and classy than the standard garbs. So, a lot more thought and details go into wearing tuxedo suspenders. These include picking the right suspender fit, choosing a classic color, complementing the right accessories, and list goes on.
Don’t be overwhelmed. As we explain different aspects of formal suspenders, each of these things will become coherent.
Proper Suspenders Fit
The first step in wearing suspenders with a tuxedo is to ensure you have a proper fit. Tuxedo suspenders come in one-size-fits-all.
So, for your suspender to fit you perfectly, it should be adjustable from the front and the back. Adjustable backs are not very common. However, it represents the highest level of craftsmanship and provides the utmost comfort.
You must also account for your height and torso length for a perfect suspender fit. For example, the standard 48-inch suspender length can work for 5’2″ to 6’4″. If you deviate from these measurements or have a long torso, finding perfect formal suspenders could be challenging.
Finally, the suspender material can impact the fit. For example, ribbon suspenders can feel more secure than fabric suspenders with a tux.
Choose Formal Suspenders
After the fit, next, choose the appropriate formal suspenders. It’s best to stick to high-quality suspender material.
Silk is an excellent material to match the charm of a tux. Grosgrain and oxford cloth are other popular material choices. In comparison, low-quality suspender materials like elastic polyester are never an excellent match for a formal tuxedo style.
The width of a suspender is a signal for its formality. For a tuxedo, one-and-half-inch suspenders are the most classic option. Next, stick to the traditional black or white for the suspender color to complement that black tie look.
Coordinate Suspenders and Tuxedo Jacket Color
When going with a different color tuxedo than black, it’s great to coordinate suspenders with the jacket color. Navy blue silk suspenders, for example, are a great choice with a midnight blue or navy tuxedo.
In the same way, pink suspenders could be a fun combination with the ivory dinner jacket.
If you’re a fan of bold styling, you can try maroon suspenders with a burgundy tux. However, since suspenders are never meant to be seen, don’t overthink the color just to make a statement. Plus, avoid bright colors.
Instead, choose what makes you feel comfortable and confident. And, if ever in doubt, stick to the solid white or black suspenders.
Complimentary Accessories to Wear with Suspenders
Wearing suspenders is a stylish and sartorial move. So, make sure the rest of your accessories complement this.
A bow tie would be necessary when wearing a tuxedo. And it’s better to wear a self-tie bow tie than a pre-made one.
Wearing shirt studs and cuffs would also grace your black tie ensemble. In the same way, a pocket square could be an excellent addition. For example, a white silk or linen pocket would complete your whole outfit.
We also recommend wearing a simple boutonniere for some extra elegance. Finally, you can wear black shoes maintained to a high shine to anchor the tuxedo look.
Choose High-Rise Tuxedo Pants
You can wear braces with any tuxedo pants. But it’s best to pair these with high-rise pants.
The reason is that high-rise pants are snug but never too tight at the waist. And as you allow these pants to hang from the shoulders via suspenders, it provides exceptional comfort. Plus, your pants drape smoothly, allowing you to have an almost perfect silhouette.
Lastly, when wearing high-rise pants with suspenders, you don’t need to adjust your waistband often. So, you can focus on the event rather than being conscious of your tuxedo.
Never Wear Suspenders with a Belt
A suspender keeps the pants snug at the waist, and so does the belt. Hence, it’s not logical to wear these together. In fact, wearing suspenders and a belt with a classic tuxedo is a style sin that can destroy the most decent looks.
It’s because tuxedo pants don’t have belt loops but rather have side adjusters. So wearing suspenders is the only option.
However, if wearing a more festive tux purchased from any online retailer, the pants can have belt loops. In such situations, remove these belt loops and have the button installed by your local tailor.
Suspender Styles to Choose with a Tuxedo
When it comes to suspender styles, you have two options; clip-on vs. button suspenders. Clip-on suspenders are old-school and usually come with metal clips. Still, these are popular as a casual style due to their convenience.
You can wear these with a tuxedo, as they won’t be visible under your jacket and vest. However, you will not enjoy a high level of comfort. And with a statement that clip-on represents a primitive style, most gents don’t feel confident wearing these.
The other option is to wear button suspenders. These provide a more secure attachment through buttons and provide great comfort. Button suspenders are also synonymous with authenticity and quality. As a result, you create a flattering look.
With a tuxedo, these suspenders evince deliberate attention to detail. Hence, for an effortless black tie look, go with button suspenders.
How to Attach Suspenders
This section fully covers how to attach buttonhole suspenders to your tuxedo pants.
- First, make sure the buttons are correctly attached to the inside of your pants’ waistband.
- Start with figuring out how high you want your pants to be. Tuxedo pants would sit right at your natural waistline, a.k.a; the high rise.
- Next, attach the button to the suspender buttonholes.
- After the button attachment, adjust the suspender tightness. Tighten to the extent that suspenders are just pulling down on the shoulders but not pulling up the waist.
