Suspenders or braces have been worn for over 200 years by people all over the world. They can be defined as pieces of material worn over the shoulders to hold up pants or trousers. The material may be any strong material that can support the trousers. Modern suspenders are clipped onto the waistline of trousers with a metal clip. Early models had button holes. In order to "sit right" the suspender straps fall straight down from the shoulder at the front but crow over or join at the back. Modern suspenders appear as a "Y" or an "X" at the back, although "H" shape ones are also available.

Even though suspenders were originally designed as a practical item to hold up pants or trousers, they later became a fashion accessory. Some wearers replace belts other have both. They are also a popular fashion accessory with women for holding up skirts.

Suspenders are believed to have been invented by the French over 200 years ago. They were worn as an undergarment, especially when the men's fashion was to wear trousers above the waist. The suspender was never revealed in public. The suspender was not part of the uniform for soldiers and so the belt became the preferred accessory during the first half of the 20th century. However, not long after, suspenders became an item that people were happy to reveal so the button that attached the suspenders was moved from the inside the waistband to the outside. Even though suspenders could be purchased with clips the button versions persisted for several decades. Belts remained a more popular choice, even to this day.

Materials used in the manufacture of modern suspenders include leather, box-cloth, rayon, other synthetics, silk and many other materials. Thousands of different patters are also available. Popular modern patters include leopard, checkered, brightly colored and almost anything. The width of modern suspenders varies from narrow (3/4 inch or 20 mm) to wide (2 1/2" or 62 mm). Many people have made them popular. People such as 007 (Daniel Craig), Larry King (newscaster), Captain Jack Harkness (Torchwood), just to name a few people who have popularised the wearing of suspenders.

If you have not tried the suspender, now is a good time in history to try them as they are available with clips and can be worn with almost any garment. They can be obtained from online stores at reasonable prices.