Suspender Anatomy: Parts and Back Styles

Suspender parts glossary

1. Strap

The band that runs over the shoulder. Usually elastic or polyester webbing; leather, denim and canvas are firmer and stretch less.

2. Adjuster

The metal or plastic slide on the front of each strap. Moving it changes the length. Suspenders adjust shorter from their full listed length, never longer.

3. Button tab

A short loop of leather or fabric with a buttonhole at each end, also called a runner or moustache. It fastens to two buttons inside the waistband.

4. Clip

A spring-loaded jaw that grips the waistband, so no buttons are needed. Hooks and belt clips do a similar job by slipping over a waistband or belt.

5. Back patch

The piece where the straps meet at the back. On a Y-back it joins two straps into one; on an X-back it is the crossing point; an H-back uses a crossbar instead.

6. Back end

Where the back strap or straps attach: one tab or clip in the center on a Y-back, two ends on X-back and H-back styles.

7. Waistband

The top of the pants where everything attaches. Buttons go on the inside; clips grip the top edge.

Back styles at a glance

• Y-back: two front straps join into one at the back. Lies flat under a jacket or vest, so it is the usual dress style.
• X-back: the straps cross between the shoulder blades. Spreads the load and stays put, so it is common on work suspenders.
• H-back: two straight straps joined by a crossbar. Less common, mostly seen on heavy work and firefighter suspenders.

Braces or suspenders?

They are the same thing. Americans and Canadians say suspenders. In Britain, Australia and New Zealand they are called braces, and “suspenders” means the straps that hold up stockings. In the 19th century Americans also called them galluses.

Sources

• Wikipedia, Suspenders, for regional names and galluses.
• TIME, A Brief History of Suspenders, on H-back use.