Suspenders are straps that go over your shoulders and clip to your pants or skirt to hold them up. They work like an alternative to a belt: instead of tightening around your waist, suspenders use your shoulders to keep your pants from sliding down.

The straps are usually elastic so they stretch and move with you. They attach at the back of your waistband, go up over your shoulders, and fasten at the front, typically with clips or buttons. Suspenders form a shape like the letter Y or an H across your back.

Many people wore suspenders before belts became more common in the early 1900s. Today, suspenders are less common for everyday wear, though firefighters and other workers sometimes wear them because they can hold up heavy pants loaded with tools and equipment. Some people also wear them as a fashion choice or for formal occasions.