with styling tips
Once simply a practical way to keep your pants in place, suspenders have evolved into a bold style statement. Whether you're dressing up for a wedding, attending a formal event, or simply adding a touch of flair to your everyday look, suspenders are a versatile accessory that can elevate even the simplest outfit. After years of listening to customer feedback, we created thoughtfully designed suspenders that combine comfort with full customization. Whether you're new to suspenders or looking for fresh styling ideas, we’re here to answer some of your biggest questions and share our top tips and tricks for wearing them with confidence and ease.
Suspenders are designed to hold up trousers, ensuring they stay securely in place without the need for a belt. They provide comfort by evenly distributing the weight of the trousers over the shoulders, rather than relying on the waist. Often chosen for both practical and fashion purposes, suspenders can add a classic, polished look to an outfit while offering a functional solution to keeping pants properly fitted.
Suspenders come in a variety of styles, featuring different hardware, adjustment mechanisms, and attachment methods to your pants. We designed our suspenders with a classic Y-back design and adjustable, non-slip slide buckles to ensure a perfect fit every time. Equipped with strong yet easy-to-use clasps (two in the front and one in the back) they securely attach without damaging your clothing. No need for special pants, our suspenders are compatible with any pair you own.
1. Start with the back clasp. Locate the Y-back of your suspenders and attach the clasp to the center of your pants' back waistband.
2. Put the suspenders over your shoulders. Drape the two front straps over your shoulders, letting them hang down in front of your chest. Make sure the straps are not twisted.
3. Attach the front clasps. Secure each front clasp to your waistband, positioning them evenly on either side of your pant button.
4. Adjust the straps for comfort. Use the adjustable slide buckles on the straps to tighten or loosen them until they fit comfortably, feel balanced on each side, and lie flat against your torso.
5. Check the fit. Ensure the suspenders hold your pants securely and feel snug without pulling too tightly. You may want to test them by bending over, squatting, or moving around. Adjust them to sit comfortably on your shoulders for all-day wearability.
A proper fit to your suspenders isn't just about looking good, it’s essential for comfort and functionality. Well-fitted suspenders stay secure without digging in or slipping, giving you all-day support without any fuss. This is why we developed six sizes to ensure everyone from tiny tots to tall adults gets a perfect fit.
The Adult Short size is perfect for individuals who are 4’10” to 5’4” tall. Designed with shorter torsos in mind, this size ensures a comfortable fit without excess slack or pulling on the fabric. It’s a great option for petite adults who want their suspenders to sit perfectly in place while maintaining proportionality. The adjustable buckles allow you to fine-tune the fit, ensuring maximum comfort and a polished appearance.
Ideal for those standing between 5’4” and 6’ tall, the Adult Regular size provides a versatile fit for the average adult. Whether you’re dressing up for a formal occasion or adding flair to a casual outfit, this size offers both comfort and style. The regular length accommodates most body types, ensuring the slide buckles align close to the chest for a clean, tailored look throughout the day.
For individuals 6’ to 6’8” tall, the Adult Long size is designed to provide both comfort and functionality for longer torsos. This size ensures the suspenders fit seamlessly without creating unnecessary tension on the straps or clips. Whether you’re striding into a formal event or moving through your day, the extended length ensures a secure fit and a sophisticated touch to your ensemble.
The Kids Small size is the perfect choice for little ones aged 6 months to 18 months. Designed with tiny tots in mind, this size ensures snug and safe wear while maintaining comfort as they crawl, toddle, or play. The non-slip adjustable buckles make it easy to fit the suspenders as your little one grows, ensuring they always stay securely in place without any awkward adjustments.
Kids Regular suspenders are ideal for children aged 18 months to 5 years old. Designed to adjust easily, this size ensures reliable, comfortable wear for active kids. Whether they’re attending a birthday party or family wedding, the Kids Regular size keeps their outfit looking sharp and adorable throughout the event. The durable clamps hold securely onto the waistband, offering peace of mind for parents.
Perfect for kids aged 5 years old up to 4’10” in height, the Kids Large size transitions perfectly for older children who want the comfort and style of perfectly fitted suspenders. The extra length provides room to grow and ensures the right fit, whether for school events, celebrations, or casual wear. Parents will appreciate the durability and adjustability, while kids will love the playful designs and effortless comfort.
The rule of the belt!
When it comes to suspenders, there’s one simple rule: skip the belt. Since both are designed to hold your pants in place, wearing them together is not only redundant but unnecessary. Knotty Tie suspenders are expertly crafted to deliver both style and support, so you can trust they’ll do the job without the need for extra reinforcement.
Show off your suspenders or keep them hidden?
Suspenders can be styled with or without a suit jacket. A more formal occasion may call for wearing suspenders under a jacket, allowing them to provide functional support while remaining understated. On the other hand, choosing to wear suspenders without a jacket makes a bold style statement, adding a touch of personality and vintage flair to your outfit.
Formal Suspender Looks
For formal occasions like black-tie events, weddings, or galas, where tuxedos or formal suits are the attire of choice, suspenders are typically worn under the jacket for functionality rather than visibility. In such settings, most opt for classic colors like solid black, navy, or white. However, if you’re someone who loves to inject personality into your outfit (like choosing a vibrant suit jacket lining) you might see suspenders as an opportunity to stand out. A bold color or lively pattern can be a subtle yet impactful way to showcase your unique style while keeping within the formal dress code.
Casually Nice Suspender Looks
To achieve a more versatile look, pair suspenders with a crisp button-down shirt and tailored trousers, or even khakis. Without a jacket, your suspenders will take center stage, creating the perfect opportunity to customize with bold colors, playful patterns, or both. Let your personality shine through while maintaining a put-together appearance.
Surprisingly, suspenders can also pair great with jeans for a casual yet stylish vibe. The key is in the styling. For a laid-back look, try them with a colored button-down shirt or one featuring subtle patterns like stripes, dots, or checks. If your shirt leans toward louder patterns or bold hues, balance the outfit with solid-colored suspenders in an accent color or neutral tone. This creates a cohesive, effortlessly cool aesthetic while keeping the overall look grounded.
Suspenders with Bow Ties
Bow ties are often the go-to choice for black-tie events and other formal occasions but can also add charm to a more casual ensemble when paired with jeans or chinos. When wearing a bow tie with suspenders, again, consider the pattern and coloring of both elements. Make sure the bow tie and suspenders complement your shirt in either color or pattern design to achieve a coordinated outfit. Whether you’re aiming for a classic or playful look, will determine how you go about customizing the colors in the patterns on your bow tie and suspender combo. A bold shirt choice may call for a matching bow tie and suspenders set in a contrasting accent color to allow the shirt to have its moment while still making the bow tie and suspenders pop, not getting lost in the mix.
Suspenders with Neckties
When pairing neckties with suspenders, it’s essential to strike the right balance between patterns and colors for a cohesive appearance. Neckties tend to work best in semi-formal to formal settings, such as weddings, business meetings, or evening events. Opt for suspenders in a solid color or subtle pattern that complements the hue of your tie and shirt. If your necktie features bold or intricate patterns, keep the suspenders understated to allow the tie to take center stage. Conversely, if your tie is simple and understated, you can experiment with patterned or textured suspenders to add dimension and visual interest to your outfit. The goal is to create harmony without overwhelming the overall look.
"Wow! Made individual suspenders for each person in my bridal party. Each pair has the colors of our wedding and also reflects the style of each person with a different pattern. It was so fun to make!"
“What an excellent service! To be able to match to specific dress colors. The tie and suspenders turned out gorgeous, and are exactly what we wanted."
“Ordered matching suspenders and tie with pugs. LOVE IT!!”
“Amazing! I heard about you guys from another guy at a social event. I ordered a bow tie, tie, and suspenders for my tux, and the colors and print pattern are perfect!”
Suspenders from Knotty Tie Co offer the perfect blend of comfort, style, and sustainability. Handcrafted in Denver, Colorado, they are made from recycled materials and thoughtfully designed to fit all sizes and ages. By choosing our suspenders, you’re not only elevating your wardrobe but also supporting our mission to create fair-wage, skills-based jobs for resettled refugees. With hundreds of customizable patterns and over 500 color options, you can design a pair that’s as unique as you are. Look good, feel great, and make a difference.
