The suspenders era

How this idea for a column came to me I will never know (some of you probably wish it hadn’t or at least why write it), but it did, and I did.

I was getting ready for the Father’s Day lunch arranged by our son and his wife. Guess I thought the occasion called for a bit of better dress than my normal sleeveless t-shirt and athletic shorts: AKA “The Uniform”.

So, looking in the closet I found a comfortable button-down shirt and some cargo shorts. With shorts came the question – “to belt or not to belt?” Now honestly, my waist girth is neither out of control or well in control. Sort of right in the middle. I can wear a belt comfortably, but the thought of that tightening on this occasion made me reach for my comfortable, worn under not tucked in shirt, suspenders.

About 10 years ago, toward the beginnings of the end of my work career I had discovered suspenders. Comfortable, stylish, secure, and did I mention comfortable? My catch phrase for the era was “wearing suspenders are like putting your butt in a bucket”.  

Next thing I knew was that I was buying suspenders to match my business clothes; to assist in going through airline security scans, various widths and colors for leisure wear – I was hooked.

Before you label me as a fashion maven or some kind of a clothes horse, my defense is that I did it for comfort – comfort only. 

Guys, if you have never tried them – try them. You won’t regret it. The freedom from that belt, tucked in shirt, wondering if your gut is hanging over that belt, and accompanying discomfort is a freeing experience. You skinny guys – got nothing for you except style points if you are into those. (And envious congratulations!) 

I have moved on. Today suspenders are only for special occasions. “The Uniform” worn daily is the current choice.