Designed to hold up men’s breeches in the 18th century, suspenders were originally made of cords or webbing. By the late 19th century, canvas, cotton, rubber and velvet were all used in the making of suspenders. Around 1900 the suspenders became two bands joined at the back and attached to pants by buttons and later by metal clips. In the 20th century they were usually made of elastic.
FFD, 1998, Cohen, 2004
Context:
Bib overalls include adjustable elasticized suspenders, snap-fly front, waist and ankle snaps.
