When did leather belts take over from suspenders? From the Industrial Revolution to the present.

The use of belts instead of suspenders gradually became more popular in the 19th century. It was especially during the late 1800s and early 1900s that belts really took over as the primary means of holding up trousers.

Previously, in the 1700s and early 1800s, suspenders (or braces) were more common, especially among men, and were considered both practical and stylish. They were often made from elastic materials, leather, or fabrics that could be adjusted to keep trousers in place.

Trousers used suspenders and tightening at the back - practical for hard work in the mines and gold mining.

Belts began to gain more attention at the end of the 19th century, and the Industrial Revolution played an important role in this shift. New production methods for leather and metal made it easier to produce sturdy and practical belts. In addition, belts as we know them today became a more accessible and common option, especially as trouser shapes began to change with fashion.

In the 1920s belts began to become more standardized, and suspenders gradually fell out of favor, particularly in more informal settings. Today belts are the most common choice for holding up trousers, while suspenders are often associated with formal wear or used as a fashion statement. Especially very large men may also prefer suspenders since they don't see the belt itself.