Suspenders have been around in one form or another for over 300 years, but modern day suspenders were invented in 1820 by a man named Albert Thurston. Thurston began to manufacture his suspender in Britain in the 1820s and his suspenders are still available today. Samuel Clemens, better know as Mark Twain the author, patented “Adjustable and Detachable Straps for Garments,” in 1871. During World War I suspenders lost their popularity because men became accustomed to wearing belts with their uniforms during the war. Although suspenders were still popular throughout the 1920s, Life Magazine reported in 1938 that 60% of American men chose belts over suspenders. By the way, did you know that suspenders were referred to as braces?
The old style suspenders were attached to the trousers by sewing buttons onto the waistband. Modern day actor Martin Shaw as Judge John Deed, and Daniel Craig as James Bond, wore suspenders in their films making them a fashion statement. Suspenders were not only worn during formal settings but modern day wearing is considered faux pas. From the time they were invented until World War II, suspenders were considered as an undergarment and inappropriate so they were covered by a jacket. In general, today it is considered acceptable fashion all over the world for suspenders to be seen in public. Suspenders have also become fashionable for some younger women as a mod style in the late 1960s to Punk styles of the late 1970s into the 80s.