The history of suspenders: gifting more than just an accessory
Summary
Why gift suspenders?
Braces are an accessory that stands out for their extraordinary versatility and never fail to please the wearer. They not only serve a practical purpose, ensuring comfort, but also add a touch of personality to the wearer, enhancing any look with a distinctive, vintage flair.
If the person you are thinking of gifting a pair of braces to has an unconventional style, these pair perfectly with casual clothing, jeans, and modern, aesthetically pleasing shirts. If they have a more classic style, the braces can add an aura of elegance and refinement to their look. And for retro clothing enthusiasts, the braces beautifully complement vintage-cut tailoring, completing an ensemble of rare elegance.
PHOTO WITH @WHEN_IN_STOCKOLM
But who invented braces?
Here's a bit of history: prepare for a journey through the time of tailoring. It is well known that this revolutionary accessory has marked history at various moments, shaping and moulding itself along with the ever-evolving fashion trends.
The first known version of braces dates back to around 1700 in France, where they were initially used as underwear until the 1930s. They were made with narrow fabric strips that were attached to loops at the bottom of trousers. The strips were then hooked onto a waistcoat, under which a shirt was worn with underwear on top. In an era when high-waisted trousers were fashionable and could not be supported by a belt, an innovative design of braces with hooks that attached to the trousers through leather loops was developed, proving to be much more comfortable and practical than previous models.
At the beginning of the 20th century, braces lost popularity as men's trousers began to lower at the waist, making way for belts to take over. During World War II, belts became much more common to wear. Also, due to the reduction in fabric use, brave soldiers in the trenches were sensibly required to wear slightly tighter and much more practical trousers.
When veterans returned home, they continued to wear belts out of habit, influencing men's fashion.
The elegance in dressing came back into vogue in the mid-1960s. In 1969, when all seemed lost for braces, they received a rebirth in an unlikely new form thanks to the "rebellious teenager" subculture of British skinheads. Braces became an essential part of the Skinhead outfit, worn prominently, perhaps as a bold and anarchic statement, breaking down the last vestiges of conservative thought of braces as underwear.
Even today, braces continue to come in and out of fashion, yet remain a versatile and eclectic accessory. Their evolution is a testament to how clothing accessories can adapt and improve over time, reflecting cultural and stylistic changes.
PHOTO WITH @NICCOCESARI
The art of wearing braces: a stylish choice
"When to choose braces instead of a belt?" emerges as a fundamental dilemma for those aspiring to an impeccable style, not only in line with current trends in men's fashion, but even more so bound to the principles of classic elegance. The recent resurgence of interest in braces testifies to their revival in various contexts, from high-profile events to casual evenings, where they add that extra distinctive touch.
The choice to wear braces should reflect personal taste. While traditional colors like navy blue are a cornerstone of versatility, pairing beautifully with light blue shirts or in a tone-on-tone approach, it's in the fearless variety of their patterns that braces make a unique mark.
For those seeking to express a more individual and distinctive taste, patterned braces are ideal. Moving away from classic colors means venturing into a bolder territory, filled with exotic and retro charm, reflecting a flamboyant sophistication yet always balanced and elegant. The sartorial braces of Fumagalli 1891 stand out not only for their vibrant paisley designs, which draw from their ancient Persian roots, but also for small abstract motifs, delicate floral prints, Liberty-style decorations, and fine dots and micro pois.
These dynamic models, far from monochromatic tones, provide an opportunity to make a personal style statement. Each pattern is designed to be noticed and appreciated at first glance. Our advice is to adhere to the rules of classic elegance and dare a more eccentric look in less formal contexts, utilizing longitudinal patterns to elongate the figure without overburdening the overall style. They can be worn casually, adding that personal and refined touch, creating visual harmony without overloading the overall style.
Genuine leather and pure silk infused with vibrant colours and eccentric patterns, to more subdued designs. Fumagalli 1891 braces tell a great story of passion for art, culture, and tailoring. They are unique, handmade pieces inspired by the family's historical designs. A unique gift for an important person to allow them to fully express themselves in their clothing.