A complete guide to leather loops, clips, lobster hooks, and more.
What’s the best way to connect your suspenders to your pants? What attachment or connector style should you choose? We’ll explain what each style does and what choices are best for different occasions.
All Wiseguy Original Suspenders are fully versatile, so you’ll never be stuck with one style if you own one of our suspenders. Here we’ll explain how you can choose the connector style to best suit your wants and needs. Read about all the options we offer:
LEATHER LOOPS
Widely loved and seen by some as the only real option, loops as connectors are by far the most traditional way to wear your suspenders. For more formal setting we would always recommend loops. While we also love the other connector styles and think they have their place, with loops you can never go wrong.
Loops are attached to the waistband of your pants with buttons. If your pants come with buttons already attached for the purpose of suspender loops, you’re in luck! However, most modern pants (that aren’t from a specialty brand) don’t. Attaching the buttons is a bit of prep work you have to do, but it will be worth it. See our tips on buttons below.
RABBIT EARS
Our newest addition to our connector options; rabbit ear leather loops are classy and beautiful. They have a more retro/ vintage look. The way you attach these connectors is the same as with leather loops. We think rabbit ears are an amazing choice for special occasions like weddings.
BUTTONS
(Used with Leather Loops and Rabbit Ears)
If you wear your suspenders with loops as connectors, your pants need buttons. You can either use sew on buttons or hammer on buttons (also known as bachelor buttons). The type of buttons you use, and the way you attach them, changes the outcome of your look.
Our button sets come with both sew on and hammer on buttons. The set also comes with a handy guide you can use for spacing the buttons (for if you plan on doing it yourself). You can also bring your pants to a tailor and have them attach the buttons for you.
If you use buttons for sewing on, you can choose to attach them to the outside or the inside of your waistband. For formal events, the most traditional placement is sewn in on the inside of your waistband. The final look with buttons on the inside of your waistband is sleek and clean.
Hammer on buttons always go on the outside of your waistband. They're the best option for thicker fabric or jeans. They also suit the look of denim more and have more of a workwear style.
CLIPS
Quick and easy, clips can be attached to anything. They’re the most convenient and versatile option for attaching suspenders. No belt loops? No problem. The metal clips clasp to any fabric.
Anyone who's ever worn suspenders probably knows clip-on suspenders, the quality of the clip makes a big difference though. Because we’re convinced convenience shouldn’t mean lower quality, we’ve been improving our clips ever since we started Wiseguy. Our clips are sturdy and leave minimal imprints on fabric, because of the serrated plastic teeth on the inside of our clips.
However, as most clip users know, clips always have a small risk of snapping open or leaving marks on fabric. If the fabric is particularly sensitive (like silk/ satin or a soft wool) clips are riskier. For sensitive fabrics, consider lobster hooks for the same convenience, granted that you have belt loops.
LOBSTER HOOKS
Lobster hooks are also a quick and easy way to connect your suspenders to your pants. More expressive than clips, lobster hooks are the perfect balance of convenience and style. Just connect the lobster hooks directly to your belt loops, and you’re ready to go. They’re sturdy and give a secure attachment, without the chances of damaging the fabric.
If you move around a lot, but still want a bit more of a laid back style than traditional loops, lobster hooks are a great choice. We also just really love the look that metal lobster hooks give. They’re a bit more rugged, and feel like an intentional style choice.
LOOP CLIPS
Halfway between a loop and a clip, and also its own thing entirely; loop clips are for people who want a traditional look, but don’t want to (or can’t) commit to permanent alterations. Say you hire a suit that doesn’t come with buttons attached, or you’re experimenting with your style, then loop clips are the perfect choice.
If you wear your suspenders with clips, but the back of your pants has a single loop in the middle of the waistband, loop clips are a great solution for this problem. Nothing more frustrating than an off center placed clip. This is why we like loop clips for the back strap of your suspenders, combined with clips on the front.
HOW TO CHANGE THE ATTACHMENT STYLE/ CONNECTORS ON OUR SUSPENDERS?
All Wiseguy Original Suspenders are fully customizable, meaning you can switch to all the attachment styles/ fastener parts mentioned above. We have two different systems for changing these parts.
See what they look like and how to switch parts here:
Need any more info, or have other questions; don't hesitate to reach out to us via chat or email!
