How do you fold suspenders?

Suspending trousers or pants from one’s shoulders can be traced as far back as the 18th century. While early suspenders were made from elastic materials, modern suspenders predominantly use fabric, leather or even plastic. Knowing how to properly fold and store suspenders helps maintain their shape and extend their lifespan. This comprehensive guide will walk through the key steps for folding both fabric and leather suspenders.

Table of Contents

Quick Tips for Folding Suspenders

Start by detaching suspenders from trousers and laying them flat on a clean surface
Smooth out any wrinkles or bunches in the straps

For fabric suspenders: Fold lengthwise into thirds, matching top and bottom edges
For leather suspenders: Roll straps starting at one end and fold into coils
Store folded suspenders in a drawer, hanging from a hook or in a dedicated case

Avoid folding suspenders when still warm or damp from wear
Prevent damage by not creasing leather or placing heavy objects on top

Folding Fabric Suspenders

Fabric suspenders are often made from materials like cotton, wool or a cotton-polyester blend. The steps for properly folding fabric suspenders are:

Detach suspenders from trousers: Start by unclipping suspenders from the waistband of any pants. Fully extend the straps to remove any creases or bunches.
Lay flat: Spread the suspenders out on a table, bed or other flat work surface. Make sure there are no twists or tangles in the straps.
Smooth wrinkles: Run your hands along the length of the suspenders to remove any visible wrinkles. This helps the suspenders keep their shape when folded.

Fold into thirds: Working with one strap at a time, fold the suspenders into thirds lengthwise. Take the top edge and fold down to the middle, then fold the bottom edge up to match it.
Repeat folding: Follow the same folding process for the second strap so that both suspenders are folded neatly into equal thirds.
Store properly: Place the folded suspenders in a drawer, hang them on a closet hook or place in a protective case. Make sure they are not compressed or bent while storing.

Proper third folds should leave fabric suspender straps stacked neatly in three equal segments of parallel folds. Be careful not to crease the fabric when folding. If folding for travel, place the suspenders in a garment bag or dedicated case.

Tips for Folding Fabric Suspenders

Follow these tips when folding fabric suspenders to avoid damage:

Wait until suspenders are fully dry before folding – do not fold while still damp from wear

Shake straps thoroughly so there are no twists or knots
Fold on a clean, flat surface to keep suspenders neat and unwrinkled
Run hands along length of the straps to prevent uneven folds

Do not tightly roll or twist fabric suspenders when folding
Avoid placing heavy objects on top that could crease folded suspenders

Taking the time to properly fold fabric suspenders helps them hold their shape and last longer. Rushing the process or folding without care can lead to wrinkles, creases or other damage.

Rolling Leather Suspenders

Leather suspenders require a different folding technique than fabric ones. Follow these steps to correctly fold leather suspender straps:

Detach leather suspenders: Unclip the suspenders from trousers and lay them out flat. Fully extend to remove any bunches.
Inspect for damage: Check the leather for any cracks, holes or worn spots. This ensures weak points are not stressed when rolling.

Start rolling at one end: Begin at one end of the suspenders, gently rolling the leather onto itself. Apply even, light pressure.
Continue rolling: Work down the length of the strap, maintaining the same tightness as the initial roll. The goal is a neat, cylindrical shape.
Finish rolling: Once the entire suspender strap is rolled up, press along the coil to keep its form. Repeat with the second strap.

Store properly: Place rolled suspenders in a protective case or storage pouch. Do not tightly cram them into a drawer.

The leather should be rolled slowly and methodically to avoid creases or cracks. Never fold or sharply bend leather suspenders. If any moisture is present, let the suspenders fully dry before rolling up.

Tips for Rolling Leather Suspenders

Keep these tips in mind when rolling leather suspenders to prevent damage:

Fully inspect leather for cracks or weak spots before rolling
Go slowly and apply light, even pressure when rolling straps
Start rolling from one end and work down the length of the strap

Use a storage pouch or box to protect rolled suspenders
Avoid overly tight rolls that could stress or crack the leather
Never fold or sharply crease leather suspenders

Allow damp leather suspenders to fully dry before attempting to roll

With proper care, quality leather suspenders can last for decades. Rolling them correctly helps the leather avoid unnecessary cracking and wear.

Storing Folded Suspenders

Properly storing suspenders is just as important as folding them correctly. Here are some storage tips:

Drawer Storage

Place folded or rolled suspenders neatly in a dresser drawer or specialty lingerie drawer. Use these tips for drawer storage:

Lay suspenders flat in the drawer to avoid creasing
If the drawer also contains clothing, use a divider or separate section to protect suspenders

Shut drawers gently to avoid damaging suspenders inside
Consider using a fabric drawer organizer or storage cubes to divider suspenders from other items

Hanging Storage

An alternative is to hang suspenders for storage:

Drape suspenders over a rounded closet hook to maintain their shape
Hang them on skirt or trousers hangers using the clips
Space multiple pairs out over enough hangers to prevent crowding

Garment Bags

For travel or longer-term protection:

Place suspenders in a garment bag with other accessories or delicate items
Use a specialty suspender storage case with protective padding and dividers

Storage cases prevent damage, wrinkles and bunching during transport

No matter which storage method you choose, the goal is to keep suspenders properly folded or rolled, protected from damage, and arranged neatly. With some care while folding and storing, suspenders can maintain their shape and last for many years.

Common Folding Mistakes

It’s easy to damage suspenders by folding them incorrectly. Avoid these common folding mistakes:

Folding fabric suspenders too tightly or sharply
Not allowing damp leather suspenders to fully dry first
Rolling leather suspenders unevenly or too loose/tight

Bending or creasing leather during storage
Leaving suspenders tangled instead of fully extending straps
Storing improperly in crowded drawers or with heavy objects on top

Folding on unclean surfaces that can soil or stain suspenders

Rushing the folding process or handling suspenders roughly can lead to wrinkles, warp their shape or even cause damage. Take your time and be gentle for best results.

Caring for Suspenders

Beyond folding, a few other care tips will keep suspenders looking and functioning their best:

Hand washing: Gently wash fabric suspenders by hand using mild detergent and cold water. Allow to fully dry before wearing or folding.
Spot cleaning: Use a leather cleaner and soft cloth to remove smudges from leather suspenders. Test cleaners on an inconspicuous spot first.
Proper drying: Always let damp suspenders dry fully before folding. Hanging overnight works well.

Avoiding sunlight: Protect suspenders from fading by not storing them in direct sunlight.
Watching for damage: Check for fraying, discoloration, cracking or other damage before each use.

With regular careful cleaning and inspection, suspenders will last for years. Any signs of wear and tear can be an opportunity to repair or replace suspenders before damage worsens.

When to Replace Suspenders

It’s time to replace suspenders when:

Fabric becomes ripped, badly frayed or has holes
Leather is cracked, dried out or deeply scratched

Metal clasps become loose, misshapen or rusty
Elastic bands are stretched out, warped or snapped
Buckles or adjusters no longer function properly

Noticeable fading, discoloration or staining appears

Replacement suspenders can be easily found online or in most clothing stores. Try to match new suspenders as closely as possible to the old ones.

With frequent use, suspenders will eventually show signs of wear. But by taking care of them and replacing when needed, you can get years of fashionable use from quality suspenders.

Conclusion

Properly folding suspenders helps keep them looking sharp and extends their lifespan. Fabric suspenders should be folded lengthwise into thirds, while leather suspenders are best gently rolled. Pay close attention when folding to avoid creases, wrinkles or other damage. Store folded suspenders neatly in a drawer, hung in a closet or in a protective case. With periodic cleaning and replacement when worn, suspenders will provide durable support and stylish flair for your trousers or pants.