Braces guide
Why wear braces?
Once upon a time, braces only served the practical function of helping keep men’s trousers up. But nowadays, they’re as much about decoration as anything else. Also, in many cases, it's more comfortable to wear a pair of braces than a belt.
We’ve worked passionately on the design of our braces to ensure that they’re both stylish and functional. We’ve tested the quality carefully and gradually improved them over several years. In fact, my father, who’s now a happy pensioner and likes to do carpentry during the day, has worn our braces almost every day for several years in the garden and his carpentry studio.
When should I wear braces?
First things first. Never wear braces with a belt. It’s a classic crime of style that can result in up to two years in prison. Instead, you should mainly wear braces when you’re also wearing suit trousers, or perhaps shorts and a shirt. Chinos can work if they’re of the smarter variety. You shouldn’t wear braces with jeans.
Braces with ties: Yes! They go together perfectly. Just make sure the colours don’t clash. Try and match them.
Braces with bow ties: Same as above. Looks really great if you get the colours right.
Braces with jackets and suits?
Yes, braces are perfect for almost any occasion on which you wear a jacket or suit. Just remember that if you don’t take off your jacket, the braces won’t be visible.
Braces with just a shirt?
It works, but people have mixed opinions about this. If you take off your jacket in the wee hours and have braces underneath, you won’t get any complaints. During dinner, however, some people think you should leave your jacket on if you’re wearing braces. We believe you can absolutely wear braces with just a shirt and no jacket at dinners or parties, provided they’re of an informal nature. Why not combine them with a bow tie or tie?
What type of braces should I choose?
Braces with buttons: These are leather straps that you attach to the inside of the waistband of your trousers. The downside of this type of braces is that not all trousers have the buttons you need on the inside, meaning that if you don’t have basic knowledge in sewing, you’ll have to ask a tailor to put them in for you. The good news is that braces of this type look smart and always stylistically correct. They also sit on the body like a charm.
Clip-on braces: These have metal buckles that you attach quickly and easily to the edges of the waistband of your trousers. The advantage is that they’re simplicity itself, as they can be attached to all types of trousers. And actually, compared to button braces, there are no disadvantages. Admittedly, some people think button braces are smarter, but it's really just a matter of taste. A pair of stylish clips on your braces can be a handsome detail in itself. Check out our braces with black clips that make them barely visible against dark trousers.
What colour and width should my braces be, and what pattern should they have?
Colour: You should absolutely own a pair of black braces. You’ll use them on many different occasions as they go with many different colours of shirt as well as all types of jackets and suits. Otherwise, you’re free to mix and match colours as you see fit. Try choosing braces that are the same colour as your suit or as your tie or bow tie.
Width: The standard width is between 2.5 cm and 3.5 cm. What width you go for is a matter of taste. As a rule, larger bodies look better in wide braces, while a smaller person looks better in a pair of narrow braces.
Pattern: Choose according to your own tastes and wishes. You can never go wrong with solid black braces.
What material should my braces be made of?
Polyester: The most common material is polyester, as it can be made stretchy and therefore is good for braces. Elastic braces are without doubt the most comfortable braces.
Wool: A material that works particularly well in autumn and winter thanks to its matt look and the character of the material. Particularly suitable if your tie or bow tie are also made of wool. There’s no stretch in this material, so it’s less comfortable than polyester.
Silk: A great material all year round. Has the most gloss of all materials. Works especially well if you’re wearing a silk tie or bow tie. There’s no stretch in this material, so it’s less comfortable than polyester.