Welcome to another unboxing video, aka me trying not to mess up a single take video too much while talking and opening a box of something I’m pretty keen to show you. This time it’s a pair of suspenders from Copenhagen-based For Holding Up The Trousers and yes, I do adore the company name, it’s literalness is utterly smile-inducing. If only more companies had names that actually said something about the product they make, such as Machines For Moving Soil or Injections To Remove Facial Expressions.
Without more ado though, here’s a quick video to set the scene, and I’ll prepare some details for you to look at afterwards, ok?
Without subjecting you to an impromptu pop quiz, you should now be on board with simple facts such as: we do not wear clip-on braces, we do not wear suspenders with inadequate load-carrying capacity, and we do not wear suspenders with a lack of serious intent! And we certainly don’t indulge in such silliness as wearing them hanging down off our posteriors. Can you imagine the sight?
To summarise the details though, For Holding Up The Trousers is Morten in Copenhagen. A true artisan, in that he is a bona-fide craftsman working in leather. His belts and braces are all handmade by himself (with certain accessories by his mother, which in this case is really cool) in his basement workshop. When I visited him last year, this is the photo I published on my Instagram:
These braces are made from Swedish veg-tanned leather, British elastic and US-made rifle hooks to one of the designs Morten has developed. There are quite a few variations available, in various combinations of elastic and leather and each is made to order. The braces and belts are available from a few select outlets, there is something special about knowing Morten has made your order, wrapped it and mailed it from Copenhagen.
Rifle hook held fast with copper rivets. This is hardcore!
The FHUTT signature leather button to brace interface.
The complimentary starter kit of buttons to get you started, hand made by Mortens ceramically-inclined mother.
As is traditional, there is a brand stamped on the Y-piece.
And there you have it. Proper suspenders for men, certified to keep even the most serious strides sufficiently elevated. A full warranty against droopy trousers, shameless displays of butt cleavage and ongoing full satisfaction of correctly hiked legwear is included.
More info can be found at For Holding Up The Trousers. And in case you were curious, they come in at 200 euros or 160 pounds a pair.
Serious trouser holder uppers
I’ve been admiring FHUT suspenders for a long while. He regularly works with William from Tender. Hopefully I can own a pair at some point. They’re so much more comfortable than belts. I’d like to add to your list: “We do not wear suspenders and belts at the same time.” Enjoying the video content, although again a quick three-sixty of you wearing them or photos would have been nice! (not that they’re hard to imagine on)
Many thanks, Brandon. If you take a look now, there is a front and rear photo showing them in use! And naturally, it’s belts OR braces, never the twain shall meet 🙂
The Y section is very, very high up on your back! Is that not uncomfortable?
Indeed, well spotted! As supplied I was really outside the range of adjustment. I think the centre of the Y should ideally be between the middle and lower edge of the shoulder blades. I often notice this issue in period dramas.