When did leather belts replace suspenders?

The use of belts instead of suspenders gradually became more popular in the 19th century, but it was especially during the late 19th century and early 20th century that belts really took over as the primary means of holding up trousers.

Earlier, in the 18th and early 19th centuries, suspenders (or braces) were more common, especially among men, and were considered both practical and stylish. They were often made of elastic materials, leather, or fabrics that could be adjusted to keep the trousers in place.

The trousers used suspenders and tightening at the back - practical for hard work in the mines and gold extraction.

Belts began to gain more attention in the late 19th century, and the industrial revolution played an important role in this shift. New manufacturing methods for leather and metal made it easier to produce sturdy and practical belts. Additionally, belts, as we know them today, became a more accessible and common option, especially as trouser styles began to change with fashion.

In the 1920s, belts started to become more standardized, and suspenders gradually became less popular, especially in more casual settings. Today, belts are the most common choice for holding up trousers, while suspenders are often associated with formal attire or as a fashion statement. Particularly strong men may also be influenced to wear suspenders since they do not see the belt themselves.