Suspender Connections: Clip-ons versus buttons

Clip-on suspenders

Suspenders can be connected to your pants in two main ways: clip-ons and buttons. There’s also a few more, which I’ll briefly mention. Clip-ons provide a quick, easy method to attach suspenders to your pants or skirt. Each shoulder strap has 1 clip that snaps to the front of your pants on each side of the hips, and 1 or 2 clips (depending on if it’s a Y or X style) that clip to the back. They can come in beautiful colors, can be thin or wide, and add a fresh spice to a dull wardrobe. However, because they are so easy to attach, they are designated to the novice suspender-wearer. Wearing clip-ons with a formal suit or skirt looks tacky and cheap, like wearing a clip-on tie. No well-dressed individual would use clip-ons when wearing a formal outfit.

Button-on braces

Button connections are attached to leather ends that then attach to the suspender strap. Buttons are more traditional, formal, and more comfortable. Granted, buttons can pop-off, but how hard is it to sew on a button? Pants (or skirts) to be worn with button braces have 2 buttons on each side at the front, and 2 buttons at the back for a total of 6 buttons. As such, there are 6 “connection points” to the pants, compared to a minimum of 3 connections with Y-style clip-on suspenders – double the connections! More connection points means your pants stay in place better and the straps will not move as much. There’s also braces that have 8 connection points – 4 in the front, and 4 in the back, which can be very comfortable.

Connection points are the key consideration. If you just want to follow the latest trend, you can use clip-on suspenders. But if you actually need to hold up your pants, you should use button-on braces. Case in point, this man is using the incorrect braces, as the suspenders do not adequately support the pants. He should have installed buttons for these pants.

This man needs more connection points

V-connection

With buttons, there’s a sub-category: inverse V-connections and inverse U-connections. V-connections have 2 separate straps that connect to the buttons, while U-connections are a continuous loop. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.  

V-connections are more traditional and anchor the shoulder strap in the same line, regardless of movement. 

U-connection

U-connections are somewhat more modern and allow the shoulder strap to slide along the U-connection in unison with the body’s movement. This provides more freedom and superior comfort. In the front, when you lean forward, the strap slides forward; when you lean backwards, the strap slides backwards. When you wear Y-back braces, when you lean left, the back strap will slide left; when you lean right, the back strap will slide right. Everything in line, everything comfortable, and less strain on the buttons! This is likely the reason they have become the predominant style for braces (excluding clip-on suspenders).

One drawback of U-connections is if one button pop-off, the strap will lose tension and not properly anchor the pants. This is not the case in a V-connection which retains the tension, after the strap moves slightly for the change in balance due to the popped button. Mind you, if you pop-off a button on either style, the loss in the connection point will be noticed! But when you are wearing button-on braces you shouldn’t be popping buttons; if you are doing strenuous work, consider bachelor buttons. This lady has popped a button and thus has a loose brace strap.

Notice the loose brace strap due to the popped button

As you’ve probably noticed, I generally use suspenders to refer to clip-on suspenders, and braces to refer to the button-on variety.
I recommend the button-on braces any day over clip-on suspenders. But you do get marks for wearing suspenders!

The primary disadvantage of clip-on suspenders is that they always seem to snap off at the wrong time, or need constant adjusting.

But they are easy to put on.

Alternative connections include:
- bachelor buttons provide a permanent connection with a metal rivet and suitable for denim. These are useful when doing heavy labour, but may not be stylish.

- single connection strap – These are simple and basic, but do not provide sufficient support for the pants. This is because there are fewer connection points which will result in sagging.

Or this single-button style:

- Clip on, button-style connections – like these. These are the middle ground connections that try to be too much. They are handy for snapping on your pants, but are not suitable for formal wear, where buttons show the more polished image.

- Straps sewn directly into the pants or skirt. These are stylish, but don’t allow for movement and stretch during the day. As a result, they are more prone to ripping and tearing which is harder to repair than sewing on a button.

Discussion time:

• What type of connection do you prefer?
• Do you buy pants/skirts and then find braces to wear with them, or buy braces and then find pants/skirt to wear with it?

Note: all photos are used solely for non-commercial use and to illustrate braces in fashion. No plagiarism is intended.