.75” (skinny)                                     1” (all-terrain)                                1.25” (modern)                              1.5” (traditional)  

For  a such a relatively slim piece of fabric, suspenders sure encourage some strong opinions, in particular issues to do with the “right” width. While subtle changes can dramatically impact your entire look, the easiest rule-of -thumb to remember that suspender style happens on a scale: the skinnier the suspender, the more casual the look, while at the wider end of the spectrum, they become classic and even formal.

To help you choose wisely, here are some guidelines we think you will find helpful. 

.75” — Skinny

Vibe: Casual & Trendy

Type: Skinny

Look: elevates a casual outfit with a touch of class & trendiness

Who: looks best on skinnier guys

Wear with: t-shirts; khakis or jeans and a dress shirt; over a slim-fitting sweater

Wear to: casual weddings, date night or a night out, streetwear, office casual

1” — All-Terrain

Vibe: Versatile Ninja

Type: neither skinny enough to be hugely casual, nor wide enough to be considered formal, these are kinda like the Goldilocks “all-terrain” of suspenders

Look: casual or dressy

Who: looks best on skinnier guys

Wear with: t-shirts & khakis or jeans (casual); dress shirt & dress pants (less casual)

Wear to: casual weddings, date night or a night out, streetwear, office casual

1.25” — Modern

Vibe: Classy & On-Trend

Type: the modern male’s answer to the traditional 1.5” brace

Look: slim enough to be trendy and casual, yet wide enough to send the message you’re large and in charge

Who: most any frame, from slim to husky

Wear with: dress pants; a suit or tux; nice jeans or khakis

Wear to: work, weddings, cocktail party, formal event / fundraiser — or even just casually…’cuz you can

1.5” — Traditional

Vibe: Class, Money & Power

Type: the most classic suspender width in business settings and at formal events

Look: dressy, classy, formal and #likeaboss

Who: most any frame, from slim to husky

Wear with: dress pants, dress shirt, suit or tux

Wear to: work and work events, formal occasions, fancy fundraisers; chichi parties and red carpet events