How to Wear Suspenders with a Tuxedo

Keep your tuxedo pants up with suspenders

By Jonathan Croswell

Photo by Michael Graham Photography

When you're in a tuxedo, it isn't appropriate to wear a belt -- even if you need one to keep your pants up. In fact, most tuxedo pants don't even have belt loops built into them. Instead, the appropriate accessory is a pair of suspenders. You can usually rent these along with the suit if you request them. If you have a cummerbund, these will show if and when you take your coat off, but if you wear a tuxedo vest, they will be covered.

• What You Need to Know
• Your suspenders' style will vary based on whether you wearing them for decoration or function.
• Your suspenders should match the color of your shoes.

Step 1:

Match the color of your suspenders to the color of your shoes. If you're in a tux, 99 percent of the time you will want black suspenders.

Step 2:

Choose between silver and gold clips for the suspenders. This will matter more at the reception, when you will likely remove your tuxedo coat.

Step 3:

Decide what fabric would be best for the suspenders. Silk, satin and polyester are the most commonly used options. What you choose will essentially come down to how much you want to spend and whether it is important that the fabric of the suspenders match the fabric of your vest or cummerbund.

Step 4:

Attach the two front clips to your pants just above your hip bone. Make sure they are far enough inside so that they won't dig into your hip bone and cause discomfort.

• Tips & Warnings
• Rent suspenders unless you plan on using them frequently. Dress suspenders can cost up to $100, depending on the fabric and designer.
• Do not try to make a fashion statement with your suspenders or choose a bright color. This is in poor taste for a formal event.