Suspenders (
American English,
Canadian English) or
braces (
British English) are
fabric or
leather straps worn over the shoulders to hold up
trousers. The straps may be elasticated, either entirely or only at attachment ends, and most straps are of woven cloth forming an X or Y shape at the back. Suspenders are typically attached to trousers with clips or buttons using leather tabs at the ends. Outside the United States the term
suspenders, or
suspender belt, refers to a garment used to hold up
stockings. This is called a
garter belt in American English.