Trousers And Braces: A Supporting Role

Let The Trousers Hang
Unlike a belt, which secures trousers around the middle, braces suspend them from the shoulders, allowing the cloth to fall cleanly without cinching the waist. A higher rise lengthens the leg visually and keeps the waistband neatly beneath a waistcoat, rather than leaving an unwelcome strip of shirt on display. Think elegant drape, not abdominal endurance. For a long wedding breakfast or an evening on the dance floor, that freedom is worth considerably more than novelty.

Our high-waisted trouser collection ranges from Furlong wool in light grey and charcoal to Norfolk herringbone, Westminster stripe and Blackwatch tartan. For morning dress, consider our black and cream houndstooth trousers: lightweight Yorkshire wool, a slim, flat-fronted cut, side adjusters and brace buttons, particularly handsome beneath a black morning coat. The buttons are there for a reason; make use of them.

Support With Personality
First, position the waistband at the intended height, then adjust your braces so they support rather than hoist. The shoulders should feel comfortable, the trouser front smooth. Check the hem with your chosen shoes while wearing the braces: their job includes maintaining a consistent trouser height and break. Leave the belt out of the equation; one support system is quite sufficient.

For black tie, our white moiré silk braces make an understated starting point alongside black dress trousers. Daytime dressing permits a little more mischief: choose French Navy douppion for restraint, orchid for colour, or our Gold Bees designs for a discreet flourish. Complement a waistcoat or tie rather than matching everything slavishly, and let your jacket keep most of the performance private. The best supporting actors need not steal every scene.