How to Wear Suspenders in the Workplace
Suspenders have made a comeback and they can be seen almost anywhere – as part of a formal outfit, in the workplace, on the red carpet, and even as part of women’s wear. Here’s how you should wear suspenders in the workplace and why they deserve a spot in your wardrobe.
When it comes to suspenders, you either with them, or you don't. Some people feel quite intimidated by suspenders, most probably because even though they have recently made a huge comeback in the fashion world, there are not that common and they take a little getting used to. So the best way to incorporate casual suspenders into your wardrobe is to make them part of your work attire.
Suspenders have come a long way; the first suspenders can be traced back to the 18th century in France, where pieces of ribbon were used and tied to button holes in trousers. Back then, suspenders were meant as an undergarment and not to be seen by the public. In fact, in the 1930s, there was a ban on wearing suspenders in public in New York, but the ban was lifted when residents started to complain.
Among the first suspenders were the now-popular H-back, which refers to the back straps that are joined together to look like the letter H. This was eventually replaced by the X-back, and eventually the Y-back.
Wearing suspenders as part of your corporate wear is a great way to express your personality and style. Depending on the specific look you are going for, they can help you to be more creative, playful, authoritative or serious. The benefit is that suspenders are incredibly versatile, and they can be worn with a wide variety of outfits. You can match them with different suits, for different occasions.
Choosing the right type of suspenders will depend on the type of work you do, the environment you're in, and your workplace culture. We'll take a look at a view common situations.