Suspenders

[1][2] They were once almost universally worn, due to the high cut of mid-nineteenth and early twentieth century skirts and trousers that made a belt impractical.

[5] After losing popularity during World War I, when men became accustomed to uniform belts, suspenders were still regular attire throughout the 1920s.

[6][7] While suspenders have been in and out of fashion over the last century (alternating with belts in general preference), there has been a brief resurgence in interest, possibly due to the styles seen in films like Wall Street.

[citation needed] Many business people, newscasters (such as Larry King in the United States)[8] and professionals[9] such as lawyers also still wear suspenders.

[citation needed] Materials used for making suspenders have also changed over time, with newer additions such as rayon, a hard-wearing synthetic fibre, now offered.

[10] Good quality smart suspenders were traditionally considered white collar, or upper or upper-middle class, wear.

In traditional or formal settings, it is considered a faux pas to wear both belt and suspenders at the same time,[6][11] though in the past this has not always been the case.

[6] From the time of their invention until World War II, the waistcoat, or a jumper or cardigan for coolness in the summer, covered suspenders to prevent indecency.