Brace Materials

Braces are meant to support your pants. Therefore, as little movement in the braces is desired. However, no movement will mean that there’s no flexibility, and the buttons could pop-off more easily. Therefore, balance is needed in the level of stretch in the braces.

•    Traditionalists will claim that box-cloth is the only true material. They are made of durable material, but don’t stretch very much when wearing them.

•    Certain elastic braces can be suitable, when they are firm and retain their shape. I generally prefer firm elastic braces that have some give.

•   There's also braided braces. These are bulky, like wearing two belts running down your shoulders, and appear uncomfortable.

•    Pants or skirts may also have fabric braces, which are made from the same material as the bottoms. These could include denim material. Fabric doesn’t stretch very much, and so do not provide the necessary movement when wearing them. But they do make a good fashion statement!

Regardless of the material, the back strap of the braces is generally elastic. This is to provide stretch in the area it is most needed – the back half for bending over.

You may not want to get the super stretchy braces, like those shown below, unless you are planning to do some major stretching!

Discussion time:

• What brace materials do you prefer?

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

Brace Colors and Patterns

Braces come in all different colors and patterns. There are solids, strips, pastels, slogans, and even hand-sewn patterns. The countless colors and patterns are by far the main reason braces offer a fresh and interesting twist to any wardrobe.

When wearing a business suit, braces share the same vertical plane as the tie. As such, they should be coordinated (but not necessarily match) the tie. Solid braces are easier to coordinate than striped or pastels. Choose a blue or red colored tie and then pair it with blue or red braces. The shades don’t need to match exactly, in fact, they may complement the look more when they are slightly different.

These pants braces coordinate with his tie, and pants

Novice brace wearers generally try to avoid being noticed. As such, white colored braces are prevalent. But why not be proud of your braces and that your pants are comfortably in position? Break out of the white mold and try some more daring colors, like blue or red!

If you are very ambitious, go for rainbow color suspenders such as these:

Stacy London, fashion expert and co-host of TLC's “What Not to Wear", suited up her father with red, showgirl braces for a valentines day date. Check out the video from the 4:15-4:49 minute mark.


Here’s some examples of color with braces:

Suspenders can turn a good outfit into a great outfit. For example...

Discussion time:

• What’s your favorite brace color/pattern?

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