I wear a suit to work every day. As well as being bought the obvious ties, cufflinks etc for Christmas, someone got me a set of black braces (which I think Americans call suspenders).
This was intended as a joke present, but I was wondering, do men still wear them, and would people think I’m odd for wearing them? They’re surprisingly comfortable!
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well they have come back into fashion
over a blazer you wouldnt see them anyway!
i think they are quite sexy!
alf garnet loves them. and so does santa.
You can wear suspenders or a belt, just do NOT wear both!
Only wear them if you don’t plan to take your jacket off. I bit out of date these days.
no it’s not odd at all, in fact their back in fashion, i personally think they look great.
Though a bit out of date, some men still do, including Larry King who is noted for wearing them. Maybe you can be a trend setter. Go for it!!!!
I switch to wearing them instead of a belt and find them more comfortable. I have had only positive comments from others. Some can be very dressy as well. . . . . go a head and wear them
If you like them, then wear them
They’ve come back into fashion recently and men still wear them.
Give them a whirl and if you feel self concious wearing them, then don’t wear them again.
Very old fashioned. We used to wear them at school in the 50′s
Not if you’re Larry King.
Wear my braces with my dinner suit as the trousers do actually hang much better!
So yes they are still worn, but only in specalist circumstances.
Go ahead and wear them – be a trend setter.
Although perhaps braces are thought to be old fashioned fashion always does the rounds so perhaps its time for them again – and yes so I am told braces are very comfortable.
I would say myself that they are odd but not many people wear them so I would wear them, I’d say go for it, especially if you find them comfortable
Not odd at all. Probably be more comfortable than wearing a belt
i wear them with my skirt but it keeps ending up around my kneck
most guys prefere belts especially the clubbers with large buckles but hey if you feel comfortable wearing the braces then wear them its not odd just unique fashion your fashion if your comfy and confident then what is wrong or odd about that its a lot better than being uncomfortable and stylish as a comfy guy shows his true happiness better it makes him shine so if braces do it for you go onput them on just dont forget the smile
kind of odd
but if you can pull it off then its ok.
Wearing braces is back in style! If you wear braces DO NOT wear a belt. Braces are a great look if you are wearing pleated pants. They help the pleats lay flat where a belt can cause them to “bunch” the pleat. Do not wear braces that “clip” to your belt, make sure they can button to the inside of the pant. The clips will tear the waist band. They are more comfortable that belts and give you a very “fashion forward” look! GO FOR IT!
A pessimist wears both.
I would say go for it, very classic styling and gives a very smart look.
I am assuming they are just pure black of course and are not novelty in any way?? (no reindeers, Homer Simpson etc etc) – that would definitely not be sophisticated or stylish!!!
You Can Wear Braces Or A Belt Just Don’t Wear Both
Help Me With My Question Please
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They’re not out of style, and personally, I think they’re much classier than a belt. Plus, if you wear ‘em right they’ll make you look taller, since there’s no horizontal belt line to break up your figure.
They don’t make you look old either.
Agree with many of you that braces are much more comfortable(and better at keeping your pants up!) than belts. I willingly put up with the gals twanging mine!
I cannot believe that I have suffered struggling to keep my pants up for so many years when a simple pair of braces was all I needed! To hell with what people think – comfort over style any time. BTW I am not an old -timer – only 26.
I would just go for it and wear the braces. I get loads of great comments from guys who see them but most feel they can’t carry them off themselves, but if more guy were seen wearing them then others would feel more comfortable wearing them as well. Braces should be seen and not hidden under jackets. Come on guys give them a go, bet you will love them and get loads of great comments for other guys.
I got a pair of braces for Xmas, and after several roadtests, I would certainly suggest every guys tries them – they are so comfortable and efficient you forget you are wearing them. BTW the girls love twanging them!
I have always berated my Dad, not for wearing braces, but for showing them in public, so you can imagine my dismay when my gf gave me a pair for Xmas. I didn’t wear them for a time, and she asked me if I did not like them. I said they were out of fashion, but agreed they were great for comfort. She replied that guys like Olly Murs were rocking them, so what the heck. so, nervously, I started wearing them last week, and have been surprised by the positive comments. I would recommend any guy to try them Dad does know best!
Hi Jack/Brad, Good for you for giving the braces a go. See you do get lots of good comments back when you wear them. Yes if Olly Murs can wear them why not. I have never had anyone say they did not like them or thought they were a bad fashion thing, everyone gives good feedback.
So what type of braces did you go for? Skinny like Olly’s or the wider more traditional look.
I wore a pair to a business meeting this week with a group of people I had never met before and when I took my jacket off I saw a few guys looking but no one said anything untill coffee break when a few guys started talking about them and other joined in. SOunded like most of them liked the look but just wish they could pull it off. I did say to give them a go and don’t worry as like asking me most guys like the look.
Any of your mates into braces then as well or are you still talking them into it. Keep in touch
Hi Flying Scotsman
My gf gave me the narrow braces like Olly Murs wears. They look great, but I think they would only do for formal occasions. I am thinking of getting wider (and stronger) ones for when i am working in the garden or on the house.
A couple of my mates have started wearing braces since I did, and they admit how comfortable they are.
Despite all the comments on other threads, I think the clip-on ones are the most practical as none of my pants have bottons. Which sort are yours?
Dear Flying Scotsman
Mine were the regular width ones, in a very popular maroon colour. Several of my mates have asked me where I got them, so maybe they will be converts soon.
BTW I have noticed that a number of strangers have started up conversations with me in the pub and on the train when I have dared to show them in public, so I do feel that they are coming back into fashion.
Keep me posted on your experiences
Hi There Guys,
I tend to wear the button braces but do have a few pairs of clip-ons that I wear with jeans etc. Nice to hear you guys have other mates who have started to wear them too.
Jacks point about people talking to you if you wear them out and about is right it is funny how many people will mention them when they see you wearing them, that is why I love to show mine off when I am out, any excuse to show off my braces and I go for it.
I wear mine in work now as well and offten attend meeting etc. with my brcaes on show, I always get comments from the other guys at the meeting, I have even had a few other guys at meeting who were also wearing braces, which was great.
I must have about 20 pairs of braces that I mix and match all the time. Skinny ones are great for going out a nights and get great comments from other guys.
Keep in touch
I just wanted to add that I think more guy maybe do wear braces but hide them under jackets, shame as I think they should be seen and the more people show there braces the more other guys will feel comfortable about being seen wearing them as well.
Like Jack says lots of guys talk to you if they see you wearing braces and most I have met say thety would love to be able to wear them but are a bit too shy to give them a go. and like Brad says if other guys do give them a go they find they are very comfortable and will stick to wearing them more often. So Brad how did you get your mates to give them a try and what made you gf buy you a pair in the first place, she must have seen others wearing them out and thought they look good.
I just think more guys should give them a go.
Cheers.
Hi guys,
I am very skinny, and have no hips to speak of, so have always struggled to keep my pants up. I stumbled on this thread by mistake, but it gave me the impetus to try a pair of braces – nothing spectacular – just a pair of dark blue clip-ons. They are great – my pants stay up, my shirt stays neatly tucked, and there is no chance of my underpants being seen. I am still nervous of what folks might say, so have shown them very sparingly, but the majority have either said nothing or asked how they feel. I now realise how stupid I have been for the past 5 years (I am 23).
Jake, welcome to the world of braces lol… Yes when you first wear them you are always nervous of what other people may think but I have found like you most people give good comments and like the look. A young guy like you should take the lead from Olly Murs and JLS etc. who often wear braces and no one thinks they look different, in fact they are setting the new trend. I used to think braces were for older guys but find a lot of young guys wear them for going out clubbing or at weekends and the young professional guys ofter wear braces with suits, I think the old man thing is a myth.
Bet you the more you wear them the less nervous you will get and more daring, you will soon not thing anything about wearing them out on full show and I bet you gets load so great comments back, you may even get a few of your mates to give them a try.
Today I have a bid client meeting and decided to wear my Red braces, white shirt and red/white striped tie and I will be taking my suit jacket off as soon as I get into the meeting room, just would be nice if a couple of other guys there had braces on as well, that woul dbe great.
Let me know how you get on with your new braces and what comments people give you when they see them.
Dear Flying Scotsman, and other recent guys
This thread has been most instructive, so thanks. I live in a three generation household, where my Gramp (in his 60′s) always wears braces, and my Dad (in his 40′s – just) wears them some of the time, and on the odd occasion I have tried them (in secret) I can understand why, but I simply cannot bring myself to be seen wearing them. So it is both a generation and confidence thing. I feel quite idiotic as I really hate tight belts, and there is no way my pants will stay up without them being uncomfortably tight, but I just caanot bring myself to wear barces in public. Help! ! !
Hi Will, so you must be in your late teens or early 20′s therefore get yourself a pair of skinny Olly Murs style braces say in Black to try, don’t go with your Dad’s or Gramp’s old fashion working mens stripes lol.
A skinny braces are sold in Top Man and H&M etc. so they must be in at the moment. Give them a go and if you feel uncomfortable at first wear a cool cardigan over a t-shirt and lave it open so that people may just get a glimps of the braces underneath. Bet that everyone that does see them will think they look good and a great style fashion.
If a few of your mates are there and they seen them and know you have them on they may ask you to take you cardigan off and let them see them, that way you can just go for it and not bother hiding them anymore. I bet a few of your mates have a pair of braces hidden in the back of there cupboard somewhere so why not get them to wear them as well, most guys have tried braces at some time in there lives just a shame they don’t keep on wearing them.
Hey if the likes of Olly Murs, JLS and load of other guys out there can wear them why can’t you. So its not a generation thing and if its a confidence thing the more you wear them the more confident you will feel, bet before long you will not even think about it and just go out without a jacket on and show off your braces to the world.
Let us know how you get on. Tie Rack do a nice trendy pair of braces in Black and various colours that are only £12.99 so go get yourself a pair and set a trend with your mates. Let us know who you get on.
Hi Flying Scotsman
Many thanks for your prompt and instructive reply. You are very intuitive – I am 19, my Gramp does wear wide multi-striped button braces, and my dad regular width dark clip-on ones with a small white polka dot pattern, so perhaps it still is an age thing, as well as a matter of confidence. I plan to hunt a pair of narrow braces this weekend, probably plain and dark coloured, and will let you know how I get on.
Keep in touch.
Hey Will, weel with a Gramp at 60, a Dad at 40, you had to be about 20 so not such a difficult guess lol. and the 60′s and 40 year old braces styles do then to be striped or wide with dot or regimental stripes, so again easy to guess. If you wore those then yes it would be an age thing and look like you borrowed your olf mans braces for the day. No wonder when you have tried them on in secret like you say you have not wanted to go out in them.
Do a google search on Olly Murs Braces and see what you find, loads of pictures of him wearing them and comments from people who think they look great, other like JLS and The Wanted also wear braces so go for it mate, join the new trend.
Check out Topman, H&M, Tie Rack or places like that and for about £10 you can get a pair of skinny clip-ons that will look great on you and suit your age and style. Yes I woul dsay go for a plain dark colour like Black on Navy and give them a go. Button braces are traditional but not the current style for guys your age, maybe fine on a suit to give a classic look but beyond that teave them to you Gramps.
Skinny jeans and nice fitted t-shirt with a pair of braces is a good style and I know you will like the look & feel of that. If you want to hide them at first wear a waistcoat or cardigan over them but don’t wear a jumper as no one will ever see them under there. A waistcoat or cardigan can be left open and you can allow people to catch a glimpse of your braces if you want to by maybe allowing your waistecoat or cardigan to fall open now and again.
Your mates I am sure will like the look and sure they won’t take the mick out of you as how can they with so many guys like Olly Murs, JLS, The Wanted etc. wearing them. Bet you get good comments and your mates will maybe buy a pair themselves. Once you feel more confident wearing them and your mates all know you have a pair of braces you will I am sure go without the waistcoat of cardigan and just show them off. I bet within a few times or wearing them you will wonder what all the problem was about wearing them out.
Set your own style, don’t follow your Gramps or Dad, do your own thing. Let them see the new style in braces and see what they think. Do they know you have tried their braces on before, if not just start with letting them see you in your own skinny ones first and at least get comfortable with someone else seeing you, even if it is about the house for the weekend before you brave the big outside with your mates and all those stranges lol. Just joking go for it mate and you will be surpised the amount of good comments you will get back when guys see you wearing them.
Please buy a pair this weekend and let me know how you get on.
So the question is did Will buy a pair of braces this weekend and did he let his Dad/Gramps see him wearing them, even more so did he wear them out and did any of his mates see him with them on? Come on Will tell us all lol.
Dear Flying Scotsman
Sorry for the delay in replying. Set out on Saturday am with every intention of buying a straight forward pair of regular or skinny plain clip-on braces. TieRack only had brightly coloured wide ones, Debenhams had dull wide ones, M&S wide formal black ones, Peacocks wide black ones and H&M had sold out! However, went to my local car boot sale on Sunday morning and surprisingly found a stall selling both belts and braces. The young guy selling them was very helpful, and admitted that he had sold more braces than belts since the turn of the year, and suggested a plain pair of narrow ones would suit my thin frame best. Unfortunately he only had red, gey and green left, so I settled on the grey, and at £4.00 they certainly didn’t break the bank! I went home and put them on for a late Sunday lunch with the family. I chose a black and white striped shirt and black jeans which I felt complimented my new purchase perfectly. Dad was unfortunately not wearing braces at lunch, but Gramps had his on, and both he and my older brother said how smart they thought I looked. Mum smiled (I hope in appreciation), and my sister twanged them playfully. We had a great meal, and I felt totally relaxed at staying in my braces for the rest of the day. Plan to wear them when I take my gf clubbing in the week. If I have the nerve, I will let you know how I get on.
Thanks for the support.
Disappointed but not surprised that so many lads fear the social stigma of wearing braces – which effectively means that they can’t keep their kecks up without help. I have worn braces on and off for the past three years, and whilst not ostracised, I have suffered some pretty unkind comments, and once got refused entry to a nightclub unless I covered them up or removed them. As I was with my mates i did not argue, and took my braces off. However, I spent the next few hours constantly hitching my jeans up, and I am sure a number of folks got an eyeful of my underpants, which I would have thought was far worse than seeing my smart sky blue suspenders! Personally, I do not see what it has to do with other people – I never criticise other folks dress sense as that is rude.
Any support or guidance would be appreciated guys.
Will, Well done and glad you found a pair of braces that suited your style, I think you made the right choice with the grey. I can’t understand the rest of the shops you visited being out of stock or only having the wide ones at least you found a pair and at $4.00 that was even better.
Glad you were able to give them a show for Sunday lunch, so were you a bit nervous going down to lunch with the braces on? was that the first time your family had seen you wearing a pair of braces? I think you did well and the colour choices of shirt & jeans sounded a good mix.
So is the next thing to wear them out with your gf ? I think you should just go for it. You said you felt totally relaxed when you wore them for the rest of the Sunday with your family so what is the deal with wearing them out clubbing, no one else knows you too well and I am sure your gf will think they are a good style. I bet you will see a few other guys out in the clubs with braces one, I often see other guys with them on so you will never be the ony guy there with braces, but hey if you are what the hell set a trend. Like I said before loads of celeb’s wear them, Olly, JLS, Justin Timberlake etc. so why not you.
Go for it mate and tell us how you get on.
What about a few photos to share then ? Not sure if you can do pics on here but you can email them to me at wetscotsman@email.com if you like and I have loads to share as well.
Hi Marc,
Why bother what other people think! and as for a niteclub refusing you entry becasue you were wearing braces that is bad. I see loads of guys out clubbing nowadays with braces on either up or hanging down. I think most guys wear braces now for the style not as the only means of holding up there jeans, that is why most guys can also wear them hanging down as a bit of a style thing.
I think you should keep wearing the braces and to hell with anyone who gives you bad comments. I have never had a bad comment yet when people have see me wearing braces, almost evertone that makes a comment thinks they are a great style and complements them, some guy just wish they could pull off the style, I try to get them to give them a go.
As for showing off your underwear when your jeans slip down well I am a bit partial to that if I am not wearing braces, A nice Aussiebum waistband sticking out the top of your jeans is also a bit of a fashion statement and will get the guys eys turning, just make sure you wear a nice pair of designer underwear with a good waistband, a paid of asda or tesco boxers don’t do much for the guys lol.
Hi Wetscotsman
I used not to bother what folks thought of my braces until I was refused entry at the Nightclub. That really dented my confidence. My brother has volunteered to go with me next time, also wearing braces, just to see if numbers have a different effect! Will make sure I am sporting my Polo Ralph Lauren boxerbriefs in case I am not allowed my braces.
Will kep you posted.
Hi Marc, Unless you go to a very high class niteclub I cannot see why they would not let you in wearing braces, unless you are a skinhead wearing skinny Red braces, bleacher jeans and Dr Martin boots then I could see the point. Normal braces are sold in loats of shops so why would they refuse you.
Nice to know your brother is willing to go with you next time, that would look nice the two of you walking in with braces on, very cool. So is your brother a braces wearer too or are you just getting him to wear a pair for the nite? Sounds like a bit of a family think in your house. Yes the Polo boxers are a better bet than Asda or Tesco boxers lol.
Hi Wetscotsman
My brother lives about 4 miles away, and moved out about 3 years ago when he got married. I don’t see him much, although we do talk on the phone regularly, and didn’t realise he had started to wear braces. It was only on our last chat that he asked what was the matter as he could tell I was down, and I explained about the Nightclub incident.
We are going this weekend, so will update you.
Hi Guys, This thread is great and loads of good points being made. I have had a pair of braces for a few months now but only worn them in private or under a jumper when I knew they would not be seen. I don’t know why I like them so much or what got me into trying them in the first place but I get a buzz out of wearing them and something just makes me feel good and even a bit excited (if you know what I mean) when I have them on. I now feel after reading this thread that I want to be a bit more daring and let them be seen but I am still a bit nervous. What is the best was to start wearing braces and letting people see them.
I can see that some of you got braces bought as presents or by your gf or even found out your brother or dad wears them so that must be easier to put them on and start wearing them at least the person who bought them is expecting you to wear them. How do I just start wearing them all of a sudden as I am worried what my mates or family may say if they see me with them on.
I know it is silly as it is just a piece or clothing like a belt or tie so why do I feel so nervous about being seen wearing a pair of braces. Any help or encouragemet would be useful as I do want to get over this and wear them out more often and enjoy them in public rather than keep hidden in private.
Hi Ricky
Like you I have found this thread interesting, and also “get a kinda buzz” from wearing braces. I think it must be an age hang-up. i don’t know how old you are, but I am 23, and first got a pair about 18 months ago, not for fashion or any other reason but for the fact that I found belts simply did not keep my jeans up!
I tried them on in my own flat, and felt great, but had no confidence in letting the rest of the world see them, or my close mates or gf. However, I was brave enough to test the water by opening the door to my postman, all casual like in shirt, jeans and braces. Neither of my regular posties made any comment whatsoever. I then babysat my neice and nephew one evening, (aged 7 and 5) and ditched my cardigan. They really enjoyed twanging the elastic! Then disaster struck – my gf who was away on holiday returned early, popped round and let herself in, finding cooking in the kitchen in my braces. I felt my face go scarlet, but greeted her and said nothing about my attire. I think it was a white t-shirt, blue jeans and clip-on grey braces. After a few minutes, I felt I had to apologise for my scruffiness, but was relieved when she said she thought my braces were “cool”. Panic over! However, I still had no confidence to wear bracse in public, just like you, but she has suggested that, rather than contrast them against my shirt, so they stand out, I should perhaps match them – i.e. wear a black shirt with black braces and dark blue with dark blue etc. I still feel too self-conscious to try, so I understand your problem. Any help out there, guys?
Hi Ricky
Like you I have found this thread interesting, and also “get a kinda buzz” from wearing braces. I think it must be an age hang-up. i don’t know how old you are, but I am 23, and first got a pair about 18 months ago, not for fashion or any other reason but for the fact that I found belts simply did not keep my jeans up!
I tried them on in my own flat, and felt great, but had no confidence in letting the rest of the world see them, or my close mates or gf. However, I was brave enough to test the water by opening the door to my postman, all casual like in shirt, jeans and braces. Neither of my regular posties made any comment whatsoever. I then babysat my neice and nephew one evening, (aged 7 and 5) and ditched my cardigan. They really enjoyed twanging the elastic! Then disaster struck – my gf who was away on holiday returned early, popped round and let herself in, finding cooking in the kitchen in my braces. I felt my face go scarlet, but greeted her and said nothing about my attire. I think it was a white t-shirt, blue jeans and clip-on grey braces. After a few minutes, I felt I had to apologise for my scruffiness, but was relieved when she said she thought my braces were “cool”. Panic over! However, I still had no confidence to wear braces in public, just like you, but she has suggested that, rather than contrast them against my shirt, so they stand out, I should perhaps match them – i.e. wear a black shirt with black braces and dark blue with dark blue etc. I still feel too self-conscious to try, so I understand your problem. Any help out there, guys?
Hi Ricky and Jon
I had never considered wearing braces, until I was due to attend my brother’s wedding. The rental suit arrived, the pants were too loose to stay up on their own, and had no belts loops, so I “borrowed” a pair of my Dad’s as a last resort. They were dark maroon, and quite wide, and did not match the grey suit, but beggars vcan’t be choosers! However, they were so comfortable that as the day wore on I completely forgot that i was wearing them, and removed my jacket at the reception to combat the heat in the marquee. I could see a few couples pointing and sniggering at my faux-pas, but having revealed my braces, there was no point in covering them up again. As the heat in the marquee increased as the afternoon progressed, I was relieved to see a couple of other guys in their braces, and I gave up on worrying what folks might think. Imagine my horror in seeing the photograph album that my braces had been captured on camera in not one but at least a dozen pics.
That was over a year ago. I still have all my fiends and relations reminding me of what a great day it was, so I don’t feel I let anyone down, and am proud to say that I now own and wear several pairs of braces, one pair at a time to match my outfits, and feel very comfortable in them.
Go for it guys, nobody gives a jot once they get over the initial surprise.
Hi Jon, Nice to know I am not the only one who gets a “Buzz” out of wearing braces. I am 30 and also felt I was too young to wear braces but sounds like a lot of young guys are wearing them now both for fashion and practical reasons. I like your idea of testing them out on the postman or your niece & nephew. Maybe I should try letting some strangers see me with them on first and see what comments or reaction I get. Maybe then I will be confident enough to try them out with my mates around. Must have been a fright when your gf came in and caught you wearing them, but after all it is just a pair of braces would have been different if you were there with her bra an knickers on lol.
I like the idea of contracting them to match with the colour of the shift and jeans so I will give that a go and test them on a few choice strangers and see what comment I get. I did think about wearing them in the car and stopping for petrol and having to pay the guy at the cash desk, I was also thinks about saying something like “sorry have to excuse the braces it is a dress down Friday thing” for something like that just to try and get a comment from him.
If I feel comfortable being see a few times out and about I may try what someone else suggested and wear them out with my mates but keep a cardy and let it fall open now and again and see if anyone notices them. At least your gf has see them now and thinks they are cool so you can give them a try out and about when she is there, sounds like you are ready to face wearing them outside on full view. I will let you know how I get on and tell us if you do wear them out and about on show.
Hi Alan, I like your comment “Go for it guys, nobody gives a jot once they get over the initial surprise.” I think that makes me more willing to give them a go outside with my mates and just see what happens, at least you can’t get hurt for wearing a pair of braces lol.
I like you comment about matching them to the outfit I think that at least looks like you have thought about what you are wearing and not just put on any braces just for the hell of it, I suppose I match ties and shirts so should coordinate the braces with my outfit as well.
Cheers mate I am fired up to give them a go and let them be seen outside this weekend.
Hi Guys Just checked back on this thread and looks like their has been lots of comments left. Sounds like a lot of you guys are into wearing braces but struggle to get over the initial “What Will Other People Think” Nice to see at least guys are willing to give braces a go and it sounds like no one has has any bad press about being seen wearing them well apart from that niteclub problem. So why are guys still nervous about being seen wearing braces? even after that have been bought for them by partners or family?
I think guys should just go for it and wear them with pride.
Maybe instead of a dress down Friday at work it should be wear braces to work Friday, may even get a few others to join in and find those lost pairs of braces at the back of their wardrobe and give them a new boost of life. I am up for it, who else?
Hi guys
I run a stall at the local market, selling leather goods, including belts. My wholesaler recently talked me into trying a consignment of men’s braces, and I was surprised how many lads would look at and finger the leather goods whilst eyeing the braces but not having the courage to ask for a pair. I have sold some, but not as many as I had hoped. However, when the weather warms up, i plan to openly wear a pair and see if this encourages trade. So far, the majority have gone to the over 30′s, but I do suspect there is a wave of lads just wanting the courage to go for comfort over style.
Hi Guys, Well I went for it this weekend and wow that was one hell of a Buzz. I wore a cardigan over them first and went to the shopping centre. After a while I took my cardigan off and walked around with braces on full show. I went into a few shops and at the till made a story about my mates saying we all had to wear braces this weekend for a laugh. Most people I spoke to said they looked good and like the style.
I was heading out the centre when I heard my name getting called I turned round and two of my mates were there. They came over pulled the braces for a laugh but said they looked great and was I wearing them out tonight. I said I did not know but they encouraged me to so I did. I wore my Black skinny jeans, White shirt and black/white checked tie with a pair of Olly Murs narrow Black Braces. We went out clubbing later, me with my braces on and without jacket or anything. It felt a bit strange to begin with but once everyone was there in a crowd I did not feel so bad. I got lots of great comments all nite and even saw about 3 other guys with braces on so I felt much better.
At least now all my mates have see me with braces on so I will be able to wear them again at anytime without feeling nervous. The comments I got were great and I just wished I had worn them a long time ago as like Alan said above, no one gives a jot. I wonder if the comment from Charlie above about guys looking at braces on his stall but not buying them is all about courage to just give them a go. From my experience once you are seen wearing them out and about no one does give a jot in fact most guys think they look great and I am sure I will see a few more of my mates with braces on in the next few weeks.
Hi Ricky
So glad you “survived” your first outing with braces on show in public. You were very brave to wear them in such a public place as a shopping centre. Apart from the style, and comfort of wearing them, like you I still feel a buzz, but don’t know why now that everyone knows i wear them. Do let us know if you have converted your mates into wearing them in the next few weeks.
Hi Ricky, What a star – I so admire your spurt of confidence. I am gradually letting my braces be seen by family and friends, but still have not had the courage of going totally public, although I do now drive in my shirt sleeves with my braces on show. To date, nobody has made any adverse comment, and a few have been complimentary so I am plucking up courage to wear them to the office and my local this week. Will let you know how I get on.
Cheers Alan for you comments. I know the shopping centre was very public but I though no one would really know me there and I did not expect to be seen by my mates, but at least that helped out me as a braces wearer lol. Funny that “Buzz” that wearing braces gives you, don’t know why they do that to me but when I first put them on and check myself in the mirror the look gets me very excited if you know what I mean lol.
Now that my mates know I wear braces I will have them on more often and have to get a few other pairs to mix and match with my outfits, don’t want to wear the same one all the time. I have spoken to one of my mates and he said he was going to get a pair or braces this week so he can wear them out at the weekend, he thought they looked great when I wore them so maybe he will be just the first to convert, maybe if a couple of us start wearing them more will follow.
Not so sure about showing them off to my family yet, that is the next big move but some pics from the weekend are on Facebook and my Brothers will see them so maybe that will break the ice a bit first as I know they will check out Facebook and see me with my braces on, I am just waiting on the comments from them. Maybe once they see them I will feel brave enough to then wear them to my parent’s house. Hey if I can wear them out clubbing why the heck not to my parent’s like you say no one gives a jot what you wear and I am sure my mates would have been worse than my family if they did not like the look of me in braces.
Jon great you are able to wear braces and be seen by your family that is my next step. One of my mates has just asked me when I am going to wear my braces to work as he thinks I should give it a go. We still have to wear shirt & ties but I have not seen any other guys with braces on before. I am thinking about it as he says it would look great and show a bit of style amongst the young guys in the office. Not sure I have the courage yet, maybe if I got someone else to wear a pair of braces as well on the same day it would not be such a big thing. I was thinking about giving it a go on Friday as that is more of a relax day at work. It sounds daft getting all worked up and nervous about a pair of braces as loads of guys wear them all around the country, but I still feel a bit funny about them.
I am sure once I wear them a few more time and more people see them I will feel less nervous about being seen with them on. I don’t know why I even worry as everyone who has seen me with my braces on has given me great comments and feedback on the look and style. Just feels like you need to get over the initial hurdle of being seen wearing them and then is will be fine and you will feel more comfortable about them and not bother anymore. With the summer coming I want to be confident enough to wear them anywhere I want and not be bothered about hiding them.
Hey looks like this thread is growing in popularity and we have more braces wear’s out there than we thought. Good for you Ricky taking that step and going public with your braces on. I think nothing about wearing mine out and about and who cares what other think, most people love the look when they see them so why not just go for it and enjoy them.
I think if anyone is nervous or worried about wearing braces they should just take the plunge and start wearing them, they will wonder what all the fuss was about. Once people see you wear them a few times they just accept it and no one bothers after that. You will find a few others may follow the style as some of you said in your comments, once someone wears them then others don’t have that “first to wear them” feeling.
Hi Ricky
I was lucky that my dad was already a braces wearer, but I feel we all tolerate our parents foibles out of respect, but not our siblings. My brothers and sister never made any big deal about sseing me in braces, and Mum didn’t seem to notice. Parents are always supportive (pardon the pun), and I am sure you will get no adverse reaction from your parents.
Good luck!
Hey Alan, Just got a few photo comments from my Brother on Facebook. Things like “Hey Bro Luv the look” and “nice style with the braces” He even said I must bring them over so he can try them on. At least he has seen me with them on now even if it is only on Facebook so I will have to wear them over there at the weekend. At least I don’t feel so bad that he has seen them and it will not be such a shock when I turn up in braces.
Sounds like he wants to try them on so that should be a laugh, will be funny to see him in a pair of braces. I know I get a buzz from wearing braces but should be a real buzz to see him with them on and find out how he likes the look and style. Maybe he will get a pair himself – who knows lol.
Hi guys just sitting here at work reading this thread. I am wearing a wild Pink pair of braces, White shirt and Blue/Pink stripe tie. First time these braces have been worn to work and most people that have seen them today have been shocked at the bright Pink braces but have then said they love the look and they certainly brighten the place up.
If I can wear a pair of Pink braces to work, and I had a client meeting to attend today with braces on full show then all you guys I am sure should not worry about wearing a pair of more conservative braces. I woul dnot suggest the wild Pink until you feel a bit more confident but at least just go for it an wear them, no one will bother at all.
Hi Guys
Sorry I have not updated you, but the computer decided to die! My bro and I did go to the Nightclub on Sunday, both wearing white shirts, dark jeans and skinny braces. We just walked straight in, and were surprised to see a new very young barman also wearing narrow clip-on braces to serve the punters. Didn’t spot any other guys in them, but the reaction from the girls made me more confident, and my bro admitted he had worn braces for several years, but was scared of the reactions the might cause, but no more!
TO Wetscotsman, I don’t think I could even contemplate a pair of PINK braces, even in private, but to wear them in public is awesomely brave.
To Ricky, why not buy your Brother a pair of braces before you visit, i am sure he would appreciate them.
Keep in touch.
Hi Marc, Well done to you and your Bro I like the sound of the look you guys had, white shirt jeans and skinny braces does sound good, bet you were pleased to see the bra man with braces on too, see other do wear them just need a push to get out there in public.
I like the idea about buying my brother a pair of braces I think I will do that before I go over this weekend. I know Topman have loads in the store so think I will pick him up a pair on the way over. Will be funny to see us both wearing them at the same time. Sounds just like you and your Brother. Funny he had told you he has been wearing braces for years and you never knew, at least you are both now out the closet so to speak lol.
Hello Alan… I got such a good response from wearing the Pink braces yesterday I have gone for it again today. Loads of people were a bit shocked yesterday at the wild Pink but as the day went on and most people had seen them and they just accepted it. I have worn them again today and only one person so far has said anything and that was only “keep it up mate love the style”
It is a bit like when you first start to wear any braces, people will comment at first but then it feels and looks natural after that and as someone said “no one gives a jot” Once people know you wear braces you can then get a bit adventurous with the colours and why not PINK !!! If you are going to wear braces make them a style and fashion statement, you don’t have to disguise them with Black on a Black shirt etc. Co-ordinate them, but do it well !!! The more pairs of braces you buy the more you can mix and match with your outfit. Avoid the novelty ones at all costs and just stick to plain colours or vertical stripe’s you don’t want to over-do it and get the fashion police onto you lol.
This thread is great. I was searching for stuff on guys in the UK who wear braces and I could not believe I found this. I an 25 years old and I have a few pairs of braces and have worn them out but kept them covered as I feel a bit shy showing them. After reading this I have got a new feeling of being brave enough now to go without a jumper or jacket and think I will use the idea of dress down friday to give it a go tomorrow. Not sure I am ready for pink braces yet Ha Ha but I have a pair of skinny black clip-ons that I think I will wear with black jeans a white shirt and black tie tomorrow to work.
I am so excited and think using the excuse that its dress down friday will help me expain why I am wearing them to work. I like the comment about once people see you wear braces a few time they dont bother anymore. Hope that works as I would like to give them a go a few times and then change over to wear them most of the time not just fridays as they are so comfortable and look great.
I have seen other guys wear them and they do look good but I have never had the guts to show mine off, until now. I too get a buzz out of wearing them and enjoy the feel of them over my shoulders and able to lift up and feel my trousers lift with them, don’t know what it is but they just feel so nice to wear. Will let you know if I am brave enough to wear them tomorrow, hope to be here at my pc tomorrow with my braces on and in full show of the office.
Hi Gordon
Welcome to the underworld of braces! Like you, I have always enjoyed wearing them, they are so comfortable, but was afraid to be seen in public with them on. As time has passed, I have become more brave, and daring, and usually wear them when I want to, but still have that thought about who might see me that I would be embarrassed by. This is probably why they are regarded as old fashioned , as it is only middle aged and older men who wear them out without giving it a second thought.
Hope Friday goes well.
Hi guys,
At 24, I have been a fan of braces for around 5 years, and have never given a second thought to showing mine in public – it’s impossible to keep them hidden all the time, and why would they sell them in so many different colours and patterns? Nobody has been rude enough to make an adverse comment.
Hi Guys, Well I did it lol. Had my braces off and on a few times before I left the house this morning and eventully set off for work with my braces on. I took a belt with me just in case I chicken’ed out at the last minute but I stuck with the braces. Got to my desk took my coat off and fired up my PC. Braces were on full show, black jeans, white shirt and narrow black tie with skinny black clip-on braces.
My work colleagues started to arrive and said the normal good morning etc. It wasn’t till a bit later that someone said something like “hey Gordon whats with the braces then” I said it was just a bit of a dress down Friday thing as an excuse. A few others chipped in with most saying they thought it looked pretty smart. One guy even said why is it just a Friday thing, you could set a new fashion trend here and bring a bit of style to the office lol.
One of the guys admitted he wears braces out at the weekend quite a lot but never too work as no one else did. Another guy said he had a pair in his cupboard somewhere that he got bought as a present a couple of years ago but had never worn them. It was a bit of a topic of conversation for a while and someone suggested that the other guys with braces should wear them too to keep me company, you never know.
Things have died down now and I am just getting on with my work. I need to go to a couple of meetings and into other departments later so that will be a challange, I will let you know how it goes. I am feeling great and more confident and don’t know what all the nervous worry was about, people are just great and cool with me in my braces.
Wow what a day…Had to attend 2 meeting and just walked in wearing my braces and no one even batted and eyelid. A couple of guys have chatted to me during the day and said they did really like the look and thought I suited the braces. I could tell they were interested and I suggested they give them a go. They both said they did not know if they had the guts to wear them out but I explained how things had gone for me today and that I would be wearing mine a lot more often now after the great response and comments I have had today. I think I am over the confidence thing now, but still think the Pink braces are a step too far lol. I will stick to plain colours.
Well done Greame and Gordon for getting out there with braces on. See it just take that initial push to wear them once and you then wonder what all the fuss was about. Keep wearing them every so often than people will just expect to see you with them on and think nothing of it. I have found that if one guys starts wearing them then other will also as they don’t feel the odd one out anymore. Buy a few more pairs and start to mix and match with your outfits you will soon start a style craze in you office that other will want to follow.
Hi Gordon
Great that your Friday went so well! I think you were very wise to stick to black braces as brighter colours can result in harsher comments. I now have a number of colours, but they are all plain and fairly muted to match my ties or shirts or both. I would stick to the fairly narrow ones, as I do, since wider ones are more old-fashioned, although there is nothing wrong in that, but we are trying to break new ground here.
Two points to stress – if more guys wore them publicly, it would create a fashion trend in itself, and also guys would realise how comfortable the “float” of slightly loose pants is.
Hope you don’t loose confidence to wear them but do not be distressed if you do. I did after a few weeks, and needed to re-establish again. It is a bit like riding a bike – if someone makes any slight adverse comment, it does knock your confidence, but you need to get up there again.
Hi folks
The weather has not been warm enough for me to man my stall in shirt and braces, but I did try a sign today, saying “Fashion braces on sale here” and although more pairs were sold to the over 35′s, I did sell about a dozen pairs to the under 30′s, and having worn them myself today, I will trumpet their advantages – no continual hitching my jeans up, and it did seem a lot warmer as my shirt stayed tucked in under my pullover and overcoat.
It was strange that the under 30′s mostly seem to make an excuse about why they were buying them – it’s for my bro, Dad, uncle and gramp wereall mentioned.
Come on guys, braces have been around for centuries – there is nothing to be ashamed of in needing to wear them.
Hi Charlie, That is amasing selling all those braces at the weekend, I just find it great to think of about a dozen new under 30′s guys out there now wearing braces in your area. So is that the first time you have worn them yourself? Strange the young guys were making an excuse as to why they were buying them, I don’t know why they felt they had to do that as many shops sell them nowadays like Topman and H&M
You make a very funny comment at the end of your reply about not being ashamed in “needing to wear braces”. I wear them because I like them and think they look good not because I “need” to wear them.
So who else was out and about with braces this weekend?
I wore mine at the weekend out to the pub and then ended up going clubbing later. No jacket or coat just braces on show. A couple of the guys work with me so had seen them on Friday but the first time for my other mates. I saw 3 other guys with braces on that nite, two had with them hanging down so I was told by my mates I had to follow that style so ended up with them hanging down for a while as well. Not sure I liked that look, just as well my jeans were not to loose or it would have been my Aussiebums on display lol.
Two of my mates ended up having a go with my braces, tried them on and dancing about showing them off. It was funny to watch the reaction they were getting. A few people did pull and ping them but all in good taste, they looked to get loads of attention and I struggled to get them back off them again at the end of the nite.
I did not wear my braces to work today but have had a few people ask where the braces are today. I have said they will be back on for Friday but I think I may have a little mid-week wear of the braces just to keep them on show. One of the guys who was out at the weekend has said he is going to buy a pair of braces this week and wear them on friday if I promise to wear mine as well. So looks like it could be two of us with braces on in the office on Friday, that should be fun maybe the start of things to come lol.
Hi Marc…I took up your idea to buy my Brother a pair of braces before I went over to my parents at the weekend I picked up a skinny grey pair from Burton’s. I wore my skinny black ones and had a cardigan over my t-shirt when I went in. The first thing he asked me when I got in was why you now wearing those braces you were out with. I opened my cardigan and gave them a flash. He said he thought they looked great on the Facebook photos and wanted to try them on. I said I can go one better than that as I have bought you a pair. He just laughted and said I was such an ass doing that but he put them on right away.
We both went down for Sunday lunch wearing our braces on show and my Mum just laughed saying we were like a pair of gangster twins, my Dad did not even say anything until much later when we started to talk about them at the table. He just said he thought it was the latest fashion craze and never thought anything about it.
We decided to go for a few drinks at the local after lunch and both dared each other to keep our braces on, and we did and no one even said a word. The pair of us walked in with our braces on sat down had a few drinks, played the game machine etc. and it was as if no one bothered. My Brother did say afterwards that he felt a biy embarrassed at first and would never have worn them if I was not here in mine but he did also say that they were so comfortable he may just get used to them and was going to give them a few more outings and see how he gets on with them.
Hi Wetscotsman
Yes, I must fess it was the first time I had worn braces; this thread encouraged me to give them a go, although not entirely for fashion. I am one of these very skinny guys with no hips to speak of, (29inch waist), so have always found my pants heading south, even with a tight belt, hence my comment about needing a pair of braces. One day at the stall and I am a convert. Will try to spread the gospel!
Hi Charlie, Good to hear you have been converted, can’t believe you have been selling braces on your stall and never worn a pair before. How old are you mate? I thought most guys say above 20yrs would have tried a pair of braces at some time or other as you tend to get a pair bought as a present or joke at some time and I assume would have tried them on. I started by pinching my Dad’s out his wardrobe and wearing them in secret, what a confession lol. Wonder how all you other guys got into wearing braces for the first time ! Lets hear your confessions them…!!!
Yes I can understand the skinny waist issue and wearing braces sounds the best solution for you. Good to hear you are going to spread the word with wearing braces as I know the more guys that are seen wearing them the easier it is for others to feel comfortable wearing them as well, people do like to follow the trend.
Confession time is it then Ha Ha. My Dad used to have a pair of braces in his drawer that I can’t even remember him ever wearing but I borrowed them once or twice to try on in my room when I was about 15 or so. I don’t know why but it just felt so nice to wear them. I then found a pair in a charity shop a few month later and bought them. I sneaked them into the house and wore them in my room at first then went out with them on under a jumper, hoping no one would see them how silly Ha Ha.
I did let my best mate see them once but they ended up getting trashed as we both decided to go for a swim in the local river one afternoon during the summer holidays and and as we normally did we just kept on our trainers, jeans and tops and I had my braces on with a t-shirt and my shirt over the top to hide them, but as soon as my clothes got wet you could see the braces under the shirt as it had gone see-thru when wet. My mate just laughed as asked what did I have my old mans braces on for, I was too embarrassed to say they were mine. Anyway we continue to swim in our clothes and when we got out and sloshed about waiting for our clothes to dry my braces ended up all stretched and out of shape and they were never the same again.
While we are on confessions I have to admit that I no longer go swimming in my clothes but have been known to wear my jeans and t-shirt in the shower from time to time must be a childhood thing that stuck but I never wear braces in the shower anymore Ha Ha So the moral is don’t wear your braces when you go swimming or take a shower with your clothes on. Now am I the only guy who likes wet clothes? Could that be another confession Ha Ha, lets hear them.
Since those young days I have grown to just love wearing braces and after finding this topic on here I have now been able to wear braces out in public of the first time and not bother what other people say. It is Great !!!
I got my first pair of braces at a local market and used to wear them under tops etc. and just walk about so I could get that buzz I always get when wearing them. I must have been about late teens when I did this. I remember thinking it was great to have braces on but of course no one every saw them at that time, but all that has change now since getting onto this thread.
To Gordon …Ha Ha my Brother and I used to go swimming with our jeans an t’s on as well in a local lake come pond when we were at school I think it was just knowing that your should not do it that gave us the thrill, maybe was the same with you. You have got me thinking about that all again and I may just give it a go in the shower tonite to see if the same thrill is still there. I do remember wet jeans being an awsome feeling when you have them on. Now you have done it I need to give it a go tonite for sure lol.
Hi Wetscotsman
To be fair, I sell leather goods and so have sold belts over the years, but it was my wholesaler who persuaded my to try moving braces. After my first weekend, I could tell there was a market for them, and noted although youngsters looked, it was mainly the over 35′s who actually bought them. The sign for “fashion braces” did encourage the young lads who were curious, and so I did try a pair at the ripe old age of 25, and as I said, they are great.
When the waether perks up, I shall show mine off, which should encourage the shy, and I will keep you posted. I was pursuaded by my wholesaler to buy a gross, and over two weekends have sold getting on for a hundred pairs. Out of interest, the plain colours (particularly black or dark blue)are most popular, with muted stripes not far behind. Patterns are not as popular, but I shall buy another consignment since they are outselling belts for now.
Hi Charlie, That is amazing selling all those braces over the weekends. If that is the rate they are flying off the shelves I can’t wait to see all those guys wearing them out and about, maybe have to wait till the weather improves like you say and then we may see a few more on show. At least if that number of guys are buying braces then they must be at least trying them out, even if only in private at first but they will then get to know how comfortable they are and maybe get a chance to try them with a few different outfits and find the best style for themself.
I can imagine that plain Blacks and Blues would be the best sellers and like you say maybe stripes in the right colour mix. So I take it you did not sell many Pink ones then. Nice to hear even at 25 you are now converted to braces, sets a good style for your customers to follow, at least if the young guys look at the them if curious you can at least give them a flash of yours and tell them how good they are to wear and the positive comments you get from others for the style and look of them.
Well its Friday and I have my braces on again at work and the mate who promised to buy a pair and wear them has done just that. He came into the office and I was alreay there with Grey tight jeans and Grey skinny Olly Murs style braces with a White shirt & Grey tie. I asked him if he had kept his side of the bargin but he said he just could not bring himself to wear them and he took ages before he took his coat off but then reveled his braces, wow he looks great. The comments have already started about us both being like twins with our Brcaes on and things like are you guys staring a new fashion trend in this office.
He has a skinny Blue pair of braces on with jeans and a pale Blue shirt and Navy tie. It is just awesome to see someone else in the office with braces on as well. He has asked me to go with him to the coffee area this morning so he does not feel so embarrassed and I have told him he will feel more comfortable as the day goes on and that once the initial few comments have died down no one will bother. Just feels and looks so nice to see someone else wearing braces and showing them off. What a great day Ha Ha.
Hi guys
I have been following this thread for a couple of weeks, as I have toyed with the idea of trying a pair of braces, but have been too shy. Well, I went to my local H&M on Saturday, and found an awesome pair of skinny ones, in a mid blue, with shiny blue clips and slide adjusters. I spent much of the afternoon plucking up courage to wear them, and in the end dressed for the evening to go clubbing, and casually went into our lounge and sat reading the paper for a while. My Mum was first to see me and made no comment, then Dad, who took a second look, also made no comment. Just before I was due to leave, my older brother and his gf popped in. He said nothing, but his gf casually remarked “what great braces, Dan, why don’t you get some, Ed?”
This gave me the confidence to keep them on, under a cardigan initially, and go out. The Club was very full, and hot, so I had to ditch the cardigan before too long, which provoked a few stares, and then some complimentary comments, particularly from the ladies. I had a great time, and now feel much more confident in my braces, which incidentally are very comfy. They kept my jeans just where they should be with no discomfort from my usual belt.
On return home, my younger brother was in, and asked if I had gone out like that – with my braces on view. I replied that I had, and he didn’t rib me at all.
Whether I have enough spunk to wear them to work tomorrow I don’t know, but will keep you posted. Many thanks for the initial spur.
Hi Dan, Well done mate and see it was not that painful after all was it. Good choice of braces with both colour and style, yes H&M have a good selection in some of the larger shops. Bet you felt a bit funny just walking into your lounge and waiting to see if anyone said anything but it sounds like they were cool with them, sounds like your brothers gf will be after him to get a pair.
Great you showed them off in the club it would have been a waste to keep them covered up all nite, if you are brave enough to wear braces out then they you have to let them be seen and as you found you got good comments which all adds to your confidence. I find most people think they look great and the look and style does give you a better shape to your body.
So was your younger brother please to hear you had gone out sporting your braces? Suppose it depends on his age, if he was a teenager then he was maybe jealous and proud you were able to go out and set a trend. You never know maybe soon all the brothers will be wearing braces, I am surprised your older brother has not asked to try them on yet as it sounds like his gf will be after him to get some braces. So what age are you then Dan and what type of job do you do?
As for the work you should just go for it and like when you went clubbing you will get good comments that will boost your confidence, once people have see you with braces on a few times they will just get used to it and you can enjoy the comfort and style they bring. You never know like me at my work another guy also decided to wear braces on Friday so maybe you will set a new office trend. A Friday is a good day to try them out and just say it is dress down Friday. I found I needed to buy more pairs or braces in different colours so I could match then with my shirt & ties as I now find wearing a belt not as comfortable as braces.
Hey Dan good for you joining the braces team. My mates had seen my braces before my family so it was cool of you to just walk down stairs with your braces on and wait to see what they said. I got out’ed on Facebook as my Bro saw pics of me with my braces on out clubbing. I also found no one said anything but positive things when they see you with braces on in a club. I got my Bro to wear braces as well but I bought a pair for him to try maybe you should do that as well unless his girlfriend buys them for him first.
To Gordon – Hey I tried the shower stuff out again over the weekend it was wicked – Jeans, Boxers and T-Shirt on and soaked under the shower what a buzz just like swimming in clothes when I was a teen. Naughty but very nice !
Hi guys
I have been a secret wearer of braces for several months – I prefer my pants loose, but don’t want to keep hitching them up, or showing my drawers. Your experience has given me confidence to wonder whether I dare come out in public, and I quite like the idea of dress-down Friday, but we have not instigated one at my office yet. My dad wears braces occasionally, but my Mum always tells him not to go out without his jacket. Any suggestions?
Well this thread had picked up a lot of support and sounds like we have a lot of guys out there who have got over the initial “fear” of wearing braces in public and now feel much more comfortable being seen wearing braces. So what was all the problem about ? Sounds like everyone is getting good comments and feedback and also encouraging others to follow the style/trend. I know my Pink braces are just a step too far for most buy hey why not if you are going to wear braces you have to be willing to stand out in a crowd a bit but as most have said once you wear them it is fine.
With the warmer weather hopefully on its way maybe we will see lots more guys wearing braces and showing them off out and about. Funny when you wear braces out and about and pass another guy wearing his as well you always get a smile when you pass each other, must be a braces wearer’s thing. They can be a great conversation topic and do get you noticed and remembered, I have been to loads of meeting and the like and when you talk on the phone or email later most people always remember you as the guy with the braces on so they must all noticed you were wearing braces even if they did not say anything at the time you first met them.
I think it shows a great level of personal confidence in a guy who wear braces and in business that is a good thing as anyone who is able to run a meeting or stand up and present or give a sales pitch wearing braces gives out a high level of self esteem and confidence. Hit the style right and make a statement with your dress, don’t wear Mickey Mouse braces for your sales pitch but the right style and match will pay dividends and you will reap the rewards. So guys get out there and wear those braces and don’t hide them under a jacket.
Hi guys
What an interesting thread. I like my braces, not as a fashion item, but simply because they are so much more user-friendly than a tight belt. It has been suggested that confidence to wear them is an ageist thing, and to an extent, I agree. Older guys have more confidence, and are more worldly – they don’t care what the rest think. However, I also think there is a regional, and dare I say it, a class aspect. When I lived in the south, I got a few sniffy glances in my braces, unless I was in the centre of London. In the Midlands, I was completely shunned, nobody talked to me. Recently, I have moved to a victorian terrace in the North, where folks are much more friendly, and on the second night in home, my neighbours, a young couple came round to introduce themselves and ask if I needed anything – nice but unusual anyway. He had a pair of braces on, and seemed so relaxed in them. I made no comment, but noticed over the next few days how many guys of all ages I saw in their braces, in the corner shop, the Club, the pub and just washing their car in the street. It is a great place to live as everyone accepts you for who you are without any air and graces.
Hi Joe, Interesting point you make there about when and where it is acceptable to wear braces. Some people still hold this thing about it is not right to be seen wearing braces and they should always be covered up. I think that is a class thing going back years when at that time most guys wore braces but the well to do people always had on waist coats and suits and never showed their braces. The working class guys never owned suits etc. so just wore their braces on full show with shirt sleeve etc. The traditional image of working class guys in stripe working braces springs to mind. I am sure that is where you get the regional and class thing about braces.
I have noticed however that nowadays it seems to all be down to others feeling comfortable to walk about with braces on show and if no one else around the area or town are seen wearing them then no one wants to be the first. I am sure across the contry there must be a fair similar spread of guy who where braces but the number who wear them without a jacket may be down to peer presure. If you are the only one around showing off your braces you will feel odd but if like the new area you have moved into loads of guys wear braces on full show then no one takes a second thought and will feel confortable to wear them on show.
When I wore mine to work I was the first guy that I had ever seen ware braces in the office and within a week my work mate wore a pair the next friday. He did say he would never of had the guts to wear them on his own but felt fine with me in mine as well. So maybe safety in a crowd. So I take it you have joined in the braces on show crowd in your area, must be nice to see all those guys feeling so comfortable wearing braces about their everyday lives.
Like the comments about wearing braces in the work place as I have only worn mine out clubbing and eventully in front of my family after my Bro out’ed me on Facebook when he saw pic’s of me out clubbing with braces on. Well after reading the last few reply’s looks like I am ready to have a go at wearing my braces to work, firstly because a couple of my work mates have see my pic’s on Facebook with me with my braces on and they have both mentioned it saying I should wear them in here, and secondly I think the confidence thing could be a real positive for me in work. If I can get over the thought of wearing braces to work and standing up at meeting etc and presenting stuff it may just give me the confidence boost I need. I suppose it just makes a statement saying that you are confident and can do your own thing.
Question is should I give it a go and see how I get on? Family and friends is one thing but wearing braces in work and being seen by clients and strangers etc. is different. Maybe that is just what I need to help me stand out in the crown a bit more. I want to impress my Boss but not sure if turning up with braces on is the best thing of not, maybe I should give it a go on a quite no meetings day first and see what reaction I get. My work mates want me to wear them but not sure if they just want me to for a laugh of are genuine that I should wear them, they both said they liked the look on the Facebook pic’s.
Hi Ricky
As I have previously said, I have been wearing braces on show for around 5 years and feel i am very lucky to have the confidence to do so. However, I can understand your concern at your place of work, since it is a more formal situation. Although curious about braces (well I was only 19), it was my brother who pushed me into hem. We were out on the town and having spotted a mate wearing braces, I said to my brother how smart I thought he looked. He bet me that I would not dare to wear a pair in public, in front of a group of my mates, so I could not really back down. I bought a simple pair of plain black clip-ons, and went down to the local boozer with my brother and his mates. Nobody critised my gear, and so I continued to wear them, and have added a number of different colours to match my outfits.
You have already made the giant step to be seen wearing them in front of your friends and family, which in many ways is far harder than work colleagues who are not so close. However, I would suggest you try them in the general office first, rather than at a presentation or in front of your boss, just to gauge the reaction.
I am sure that once you have done so, you will be more comfortable (literally) and confident. Good luck!
Ricky
Does it really matter whether your work mates are being genuine or playing your braces for a laugh. If it’s genuine, that’s fine – if not, well you have proved you have more guts than them, and at least you will be more comfortable! (and they will have proved that they are not really worth calling mates).
However, if you are bothered about your boss’s reaction, why not just wear them under a suit jacket, and let the ends show by casually having your hands in your pockets? He cannot fire you for wearing braces instead of a belt!
Good luck mate. let me know how you get on.
Graeme/Marc
I am very nervous right now as I have taken the big step and worn my braces to work today. I still have my jacket on right now to cover them and I did not bring a belt so it would force me to wear them all day. Most guys take their jackets off when in the office and only wear them if going to meetings. I will try and keep my jacket on as long as possible as I feel a bit nervous taking it off right now.
I like the idea of letting my braces be seen by letting my jacket fall open and I will try and do that a few times to see if anyone notices them. I think I will go chat with my mates later and tell let them see my braces as I am sure they will force me to take my jacket off then and show them off, but they are in a different office to me. Now wishing I had not just jumped in and gone for it maybe I should have planned it better but what the hell why wait, as you guys say you can’t get sacked for wearing braces.
I have on a pair of skinny black braces with a white shirt and narrow black tie. I will let you know what happens as it will start to look odd if I don’t take my jacket off soon….help !!!
Hay Ricky
Good for you taking the plunge. I did the same thing just a few weeks ago and am so glad I did as I am now able to wear them whenever I feel like it now at work and no one takes a second thought. I now find I am buying more pairs in different colours so I can mix and match with my shirt & tie. It is becoming a problem in the morning working out what colour combinations work. If I can’t find a good match for my braces I will just wear a belt that day but it just does not feel as comfortable anymore and the people in work now expect to see my in braces and will comment if I am not wearing them, what a turn around.
Go on mate take you jacket off and get it over with I bet once you do and the initial comments come out you will build your confidence during the day and feel great walking about in them by the end of the day, sure your boss will be impressed and make sure you show them off to your mates, just walk into their office without your jacket on and see what reaction they give you. Well done and let us know how your day goes.
WOW THE JACKET IS OFF..
Started to look a bit odd as I was the only guy in the office still with my jacket on and a couple of them said as a joke was I not staying today or was I feeling the cold. I just laughed a bit and then stood up and took my jacket off. A few of the guys cheered and said so thats why you kept your jacket on and someone said quick put you jacket back on again. It was all in good banter and got a bit of conversation going around the office. The general opinion from them is that they think the braces look good and most are impressed I had the balls to wear them.
It is early yet and a long day ahead so we will see how it goes. Not seen my Boss yet and still need to face going for lunch and also to see my mates in the other office. One step at a time but it feels nice and I am glad I have done it.
GREAT DAY !!!
I feel so liberated I have walked about all day at work with my braces on and no jacket and had loads of people stop me and talk about them saying they looked great and it was nice to see someone willing to make an effort in their fashion style at work instead of the boring shirt & ties. Even people who I recognise but never spoken to before have said things to me like at the coffee machine or at lunchtime just to make conversation and the braces are what strikes up the conversation. I cannot believe the number of great comments I have had today. Looks like it was all worth it and I will have to start wearing braces in work a lot more now. Confidence is high and I am on a high.
Ricky
What a star! I did say in a previous post that confidence would waiver, but you need to stick with it, and you did, and felt much better for it! Having broken the ice, I found it was far better to continue to show my braces rather than have a few days with an uncomfortable belt, which I initially did, and then had to struggle to regain my confidence all over again. Do keep us posted – it will give others confidence.
Hi guys
After enjoying my braces last weekend I somehow lost my initial confidence to wear them to work for a few days. I did go in with them on Wed. but chickened out on arrival in the carpark. Regretted that, since my suit pants kept slipping down and needed constant hitching up, and my shirt would not stay tucked in as I had not taken a belt with me. A number of colleagues noticed my predicament, so I just said I came in a rush and forgot my belt. After that I couln’t really wear braces for a few days, but really plan to brave the office on Monday.
Hi guys
Market update – given the interest of the last couple of weekends, I restocked my braces line this week because I was afraid I might run out. Well. I was right. Saturday was forecast to be warm and sunny, so I decided to go with the thicker shirt and jeans so I could show my braces off and encourage the punters. By lunchtime I was frozen and resorted to my jacket, but having my braces on show did seem to encourage the younger lads, and I would have nearly sold ou my first stock. By Sunday I had learnt my lesson, so I donned my thermals under my thickest shirt and jeans (don’t laugh – i may be only 25 but I do feel the cold) and again sported my braces to the public. I was warm , well reasonably so, and trade was even better. I sold over 60 pairs in one day, even the less popular colours (brown and green) so things are really on the up.
I think part of the problem is that coming in from China I can only buy a minimum of a gross of pairs at a time, all one colour, or mixed at their discretion, so many traders at the cheaper end of the market will be put off the risk. I do think that if you can buy braces outside the exclusive shops (where they charge over £10 per pair) they will at least be tried by more guys and become more popular.
Incidentally, nobody has made a single adverse comment on my garb – the worst has been the odd stare which my broad shoulders can well stand.
Hi Marc
I have taken your advice and stuck with the braces at work so I don’t fall into the trap of losing the confidence I have gained from last week. I have them on again today and set myself a goal of wearing them everyday this week. I have had a few comments already today like “see you are sticking to the braces” or “take it you never found your belt then” but on the whole most people just accept it and I feel so comfortable wearing them. My Boss saw me for the first time today and just smiled and said he had heard all about the braces last week and was glad he got a chance to see me wearing them. He did say they looked betetr than he imagined. Looks like I have got his agreement to wear them.
I was at my parents house this weekend and my Bro had on the braces I bought him the other week, he said he had been out clubbing the nite before and his mates thought the braces looked great, he said he got loads of great comments off people who thought they looked a good style. I think my parents now just think my Bro & I in braces is just normal now lol feeld so good and to see him in them as well is cool.
One of my mates at work has said he is thinking about joining me at work with braces on. He said he wears them now and again when going out but since seeing me at work with mine on he is thinking about giving them a go at work as well. I will keep on his case and see if I can get him to wera his braces as well.
Great to hear the braces are going down well at work and out on the clubbing scene. I have worn mine almost everyday for the last few weeks at work and just feel so confident and stylish. I was at a meeting last week and one of the guys from our clients team who spoke to me before about me wearing braces arrived at the meeting last week, took off his jacket and he was wearing braces. He did say to me he hoped and was glad to see I had mine on so he was not the only one there wearing braces.
We got chatting after the meeting and it was nice to here he enjoyed wearing braces as well and was glad I wore mine the last time as it gave him an opportunity to wear him to a work meeting knowing that someone else would be there wearing their’s as well. Just shows that more guys must be wanting to wear braces but just need an excuse to take the plunge and feel comfortable and not be the only one there wearing braces.
Hi Charlie
What great sales you have had you must see som eof your customers wearing braces by now out and about if you have sold that many. Yes sounds like you have a good price level for the 1st time wearer who wants to give them a try and go for you wearing them yourself on the stall to promote them even further.
It is great that so many people have taken to wearing braces and also follow this thread it will encourgae other to start wearing them or wear them and been seen for the first time either outside, work or family & friend. Do you think people had the same problem when belts first came along..Ha Ha.
So what does everyone do here and what age group are you? I am early 30′s and work in the construction business but am mainly computer/desk based, not on the actual build site but I do go out on site a lot to check progress etc. Just nice to try and put more info to the people who are writing on this thread and gauge the type of guys whop are wearing braces.
Hi guys
Well, Monday morning dawned and I steeled myself to
wear my braces to work, which is a call centre, but at least in England. I was not sure whether I would have the guts, but luckily when i arrived, one of my colleagues had beaten me to it, having a coffee in the rest room. On seeing me he looked slightly embarrassed, so I asked if he found his braces comfortable, and he said they were, and that he had only tried them because he had got a hernia and couldn’t stick a belt. He was genuinely relieved when he caught sight of mine as I reached into my pocket for change for the coffee machine, and we both settled at our desks sporting our braces.
The environment is not conducive to talk when we are working but later when we were all called into a meeting nobody made any comments, and I later got a real buzz when a couple of gals playfully pinged them in the rest room. Having got over the initial faer, I plan to wear them again, and my workmate has said he will too.
Safety in numbers! BTW I am 22, and I guess he is about he same age.
Hi Ricky
Great that you took my advice about continuing to wear your braces. I found that after having them on (and showing them some of the time) for about a week, it seemed the most natural thing in the world, and I now just dress as I want to without giving it a second thought. My parents were iniially shocked at seeing me in my braces(I could tell from their expression, altho they said nothing) but now seem totally relaxed about my appearance.
Let me know how it goes, mate.
Hi Guys,
Nice one Dan with you and a work colleague wearing braces sure bet he was relieved when he saw you wearing yours, sounds like you both may start a trend in the call centre. One of my mates has said he is going to wear his braces to work after seeing me with mine on so that should be good. I have given him the link to this site and he is surprised how many guys are wearing braces out there and all have the same hang-ups to begin with but feel great once they start wearing them in public.
Hey Marc my parents first saw me and my Bro wearing braces together and they just thought it was the latest fashion thing so did not bother too much. I think most people just accept braces when they see them so I don’t know what all the fuss is about, wish I had taken the plunge earlier in life and started to wear them in public then.
I am 30 and work in an electronic manufacturing company where I am one of the Section Managers. I spend most of my time in the office & meetings but do go onto the factory floor from time to time. I am the only guy in my place that wear braces but a work mate says he is going to wear his soon so I will keep on at him till he does. Maybe if a couple of us wear them other may start to follow, you never know.
Hi Guys…this thread is a great boost to me I am a 25 yr old guy from Cumbria and have been a secret wearer of braces for years never having had the guts to be seen with them on as I always keep them covered when I wear them and never wear them out when I think I may have to remove my jacket or top. Reading this has inspired me to take a leap of faith and today I wore my braces to work with a 3-piece suit and have so far taken off my jacket and only a the waistcoat on top to hid them. As you know waistcoats do let braces be seen a little and a few people have already caught a glimps of them out the shoulder of my waistcoat. One guy has just asked me if I had braces on and I just replied yes they came with the suit. He asked to see them so I had to take my waistcoat off at which point a couple of the guys in my office came around the corner and saw me. One of them commented something about Mr Style Guru and the other guy said I now need to keep my waitcoat off the rest of the day and not to hide them. I have done that and walked back into the office together with them and me with my braces on show. No one else has said anything yet and it is very funny sitting here with braces on knowing that everyone can see them. I am sure others will say something but for now I will just pretend things are normal. I know it sounds funny but this is giving me a real thrill and has made for a very exciting day so far.
Hi There I just got this website off my workmate Ricky and it is great. I have worn braces a few times when going out but never at work. When I saw Ricky wear his braces last week he looked well hot and he knew it, sorry Ricky !! lol but you are the biggest man catcher in the company lol. He has spurned me into maybe having a go at wearing mine at work. Now that Ricky has worn his a few times and people don’t seem to bother I think I am ready to give my braces a go. Not sure if I should wait till the dress down Friday thing or just give it a go and see what happens.
Just for the who’s-who survey I am 27yr old office based guy working in the same company as Ricky, but he is much more camp than me lol. I have been into braces for many years, worn them out clubbing a few times but mainly kept them to myself or hidden and have never worn to work or in front of my family. I reckon my mate Ricky should be able to pull and drag me out the braces closet lol. but I am game to follow his lead and give them a go at work.
CHEERS PAUL !!!
Thanks for out’ing me on this thread as I had never mentioned I was gay until you jumped in – Cheers Mate !
And by the way for the record I am not the biggest man catcher here, as you know I don’t mix business with pleasure.
Just get those braces on for tomorrow and lets see what you look like – hot or not we will see lol. Just as well you are away this afternoon as you are in big trouble, wait till I catch you tomorrow, tx me l8r m8 !!!
Now Now Boys no spats or tiffs here!!!
I don’t think wearing braces is either a straight or gay thing just down to guys who like the feel, comfort and style of them. If you feel good wearing something then that is all it is about. I did wonder if my Pink braces were a bit of an orientation give-away.
Welcome Greg
I spent onths agonising whether i dare show my braces in public, but once I was caught in them it did not seem a big deal at all. It appears that it is a very British hang-up from when braces were regarded as underwear, but that was in the days when nobody even removed their jacket in company. Given the number of guys who parade around in their vests/Tshirts or showing their underpants, I feel no shame in being seen in my braces – at least I am properly dressed and more importantly, totally comfortable.
Keep the faith!
Hi Ricky/Paul
Agree with Wetscotsman, I don’t think braces are a gay or straight thing, and the fact that you have been outed Ricky makes no difference. I am a straight guy but have mates who are bi and gay – we all dress in our own styles.
Cheers Dan
Yeah braces are for everyone who feels comfortable wearing them whether gay, bi or straight. I had a word with my work mate Paul last nite and said he should not use this thread for personal banter between mates it is a discussion thread on braces not gays. Yes I am gay and out to my family, friends and workmates but I don’t shout it from the roof tops and did not think I neded to announce that on this thread.
I have said to Paul if he wants to make it up to me and for his sins he has to wear his braces this Friday, he says he will so I will let you know, hopfully he will not let me down.
Thanks Marc, I kept my braces on show all day yesterday after the other guys “forced” me into doing that but it was the best thing I could have done. I had load of people pass good comments and say they thought they look good, and I think most were vert genuine, a couple of guys even asked where I got them from. I have stuck with the braces today after reading the comments about not going back to a belt and having to start again. My confidence is high and I had no worries today about going to work with my barces on, it just felt so good and liberated I just don’t know what all the hang-ups were before. I will need to wear my different colours of braces to match my shirts etc. and people will then know I have several pairs of braces and not just a 1-off but I don’t care as I think I am over that now and going to be a regular braces wearer at work from now on.
Well done you guys for wearing your braces at work
Nice to hear more guys have taken the plunge and worn their braces to work, see it is not painful at all and I am sure that more guys out there would be more willing to wear braces if they saw others doing the same.
I think it is an old guys thing about having to hide them like they are your underwear, which is why maybe younger guys don’t feel comfortable walking about with them on show but as loads of you have experienced once you get over the initial few days most people just accept it and in fact like the look of them on guys to the point it sounds like some of your work mates are joining you in wearing them as well so it just makes the point even more. The more guys who wear braces and show them off the more guys will follow the trend. Think is is about time we crushed this old guys thing about keeping then hidden all the time.
When I wore mine out my mates wanted to borrow them and try them and when that guy saw me at the meeting in work he turned up the next week wearing them so it must be a confidence thing and feeling better if someone else is wearing braces too. I am goin got stick with min efrom now on.
Sorry Guys
I was having a laugh with Ricky and did not intend to out him on the site, but he is a Big Queen anyway… we are still cool and the best of mates but as a payment I will wear my braces to work tomorrow and Friday and see how I get on. Ricky has said he will keep wearing his so it is the least I can do to make up for slagging him off.
Apologies guys
My confidence waned a bit, and then my computer was unwell, but now I am back and it has been great to catch up. I confess I have not been brave enough to show my braces at work yet, altho’ with all your encouragements I plan to this Friday, but I did test the water at my mates house one night over a game of poker. I removed my cardigan at a strategic point in the game, and obviously put my mates off as i won well at that point. They were curious as to why I was wearing braces, and I said that simply they were more comfortable than a belt. After that, they made no firther comments, so it will be interesting to see if they try them in the future. Will keep you all posted.
Interesting thread, guys.
My take was that wearing braces is for older men as they need them when their gut spreads, and I have always accepted that I shall need them when I get to 40 or so. However, I have recently been ill, and have lost a lot of wieght, and have had great difficulty in keeping my jeans up without the agony of a tight belt. I am therefore encouraged by all your comments, and plan to try a pair. However, I doubt I shall have the nerve to show them in public as i am only 19, but thanks for the encouragement.
Welcome Back Jon
Nice to hear from you again and great that you are goin gto give you braces a go at work this Friday. I started like that at work and now feel so comfortable wearing them at work that it just feels the natural thing to wear. Good try out with your mates at the poker game, see they did not bother so whats the big deal. You said before your gf had seen you in your braces and tried to get you to colour coordinate your braces and t-shirts so have you followed her suggestion and has she seen you wearing your braces again since the first time she caught you wearing them.
Yeah I find other guys are curious when they see others wearing braces and sure most guys would like to give them a try just to see how they feel and look to wear. You should have offered your mates at the poker game a try of your braces. A few of my mates have tried on my braces before and a couple of them have since bought a pair of braces themselves and worn them out clubbing.
Go for it mate on Friday at work and wear your braces, what the worst that can happen, your mates were cool so I am sure your work mates will be too. Let us know how you get on. I am so glad I wore min eto work it gives me the freedom to wear them whenever I want now without the worry.
3 Days in a row wearing braces to work.
Well thats been the 3rd day in a row I have kept my braces on in work and I even had on different coloured ones today to match with my Blue shirt & tie. The people at work just accept it now and the only comment I got today was one of my co-workers noticed I had different colour braces on and I just said that I did have a few pairs to match with different shirts and the like. After reading the comments on here about other guys wanting to try braces to see if they like them I said to him did want me to bring a pair in for him on Friday to try them on and to my surprise he said yes so I am going to bring him in a pair of my skinny Black clip-on braces tomorrow to try. I have said if I bring them in then he has to wear them about the office and he said he will and has no problems doing that. He is a bit out going anyway so I think he will and it will be so funny to see another guy here with braces on.
Sounds like it just take one to start wearing braces and others do follow, that is so strange. I am 25 and he is about the same age so hopefully that age thing will be driven out and guys can just wear braces at any age.
I think Adam may be right about the image of only older guys wearing braces but it sounds like most of the guys on this site are younger 20 to 30′s so don’t know why anyone should feel nervous about beeing seen with braces on.
Comments before about the number of celeb’s you see on TV with braces like JLS, Olly Murs, Justin Timberlake, David Beckham etc. must say something about people feeling okay to wear them and be seen wearing them. I would just go for it Adam and tell anyone who comments that if Olly Murs can wear them why can’t you.
Sounds like everyone who has input a comment on here has always got positive things said to them when they wear braces and lots of other people have been interested and in a quite few occasions even given them a try themselves after seeing someone else wearing them. So why not just give them a go in public Adam you may find it was the best thing you did and can then wear them when you want without any stigma ot fear, which sounds to be all non-founded.
Wow What an Interesting Topic this is.
I went on Favsky.net just to look at something else and saw this topic was listed as the most popular topic on the site so I just had to have a look and I could not believe the amount of discussion this has caused. I have read the comments and discussion from start to finish and I am very intrigued by the idea of wearing braces. Like a lot of the people here I saw braces as a bit old fashioned, but take the points about Olly Murs etc. and most of the people here like me are under 30 years old anyway so that puts the old man’s thing out the window. I can understand the things people say about being nervous to wear braces in public but I am encouraged by the positive feedback people get when they do wear braces and it sounds like by wearing them you are even able to talk others into wearing braces as well.
After reading all this I feel the need to give them a try and see what all the fuss is about but I am not sure what to go for. Is there a certain type, style or colour I should look out for in my first pair of braces? Where is the best and easiest place to buy them. I am under 30 so need to look good but I can only ever recall seeing braces on sale in those old mens shops (sorry if you are older). The other dilemma is how do I launch myself into wearing braces as it sounds like loads of you have been wearing them for a while but never let anyone else see them or know you had braces on but also sounds like a lot of you have taken the plunge after reading this topic and are now happy to wear braces in public. I think if I am to give them a try I should just launch myself out there and see what happens so would appreciate any feedback on where and how I should first wear them like family & friends, stranges or the work environment. I have never been so interested after reading a topic that it has brought me to the point where I need to go off buy a pair of braces and try them out.
Hi Kenny, and welcome
I found my braces in my local H&M for only £6.99 a couple of weeks ago. I cannot believe how much more comfortable they are than a belt which needs to be too tight to be effective,or the hassle of constantly having to hitch your pants up. I was encouraged by this topic, having been curious about braces for some time, and I thoroughly recommend that you go fot it.
As far as tips are concerned, I would strongly suggest you buy the skinny ones, no more than an inch wide, or they will look very old-fashioned, and stick to plain medium or dark colours, or if patterned,only polka dots or muted stripes.Never buy comic or themed braces or you will feel really embarrassed. One other tip -buy the four clip style (2 at the front and 2 at the back). Those with only one clip at the back are more prone to fly off your pantswhen put under any strain.
I gauged reaction by trying them at home first in front of my family.If they make adverse comments, you should not necessarily be put off – just see whether that bothers you. If not, just go to work and be proud of your style, but more importantly the comfort.
Good luck! Do let me know how you get on.
P.S.Apart from H&M, Burtons, Topman and Peacocks also sell them, as well as men’s stalls on a number of markets and car boots.
Kenny
I had been a secret wearer of braces for some time before I
got caught in them.It seemed so embarrassing at the time, but nobody really mentioned it. It was like a weight had been lifted from me and I now wear my braces with total confidence when I want to,and feel so much more comfortable.
Just go for it.
Cheers Dan & Marc. I will go on the look-out for a pair of braces this weekend and see what I can find. Thanks for the input on what type and style to buy I will make sure I go for that. I do think a nice pair of skinny Black braces would be best as I have seen them on other people and they do look very good. I will let you know how I get on. I am out Sat nite so will give them a go if I get a pair and I think I will just take the plunge on Mon ay work and wear them, hey as you all say whats the worst that can happen.
Just an update that me work mate did try my black braces on at work this morning and has kept them on all day, as I said he is an outgoing guy so took it no problem was real funny to walk about the two of us with our braces on. He has even asked to keep hold of them over the weekend as he wants to wear them out at night. Just goes to show once someone tries braces they seem to stick to them.
Hi guys
Fortunately didn’t catch my death last weekend thanks to my thermals! Word seems to have spread, because although I did wear my braces today, they were not on show, but a steady flow of young punters came in search of them! The 40′s plus age group have no problem with just buying their braces, but the youngsters still seem nervous although with encouragement they do usually buy a pair, but I doubt whether they actually get roungd to wearing them.
I sold 35 pairs today, but they were all plain colours,so I cannot really restock until sell some patterned ones as they come in a mixed bag from China!
Plain are OK, but patterened are more of a talking point. I plan to wear a pair of striped ones tonight to the Club on a plain shirt.
Interestingly, I only sold 16 belts, which is the lowest this year.
Will keep you all posted.
Hi guys
After a number of false starts, I plucked up courage to buy a pair of braces, although the lad behind the counter gave me a strange look (but i might have imagined it).Tried them on in my room to get used to them, when my brother walked in and simply said “Oh, I was planning to get you a pair of those for your Birthday” He obviously has no problem with braces, altho he doesn’t wear them himself to my knowledge.
Will try them to college tomorrow and see how i get on.
Well I went for it and bought a pair of braces.
Yes I bought a pair of mid Blue skinny braces from one of those Tie Rack stalls in the shopping centre. I wore them out to the Polo Lounge in Glasgow on Sat nite and felt great. I did get a few good comments and a few guys did ping them but all in good fun. I was not the only one there wearing braces so did not feel too out of place.
I also took the plunge and have worn them to work today and I can understand why people feel a bit nervous about wearing them for the first time as they are different and people do notice them but again I have had loads of good comments from people at work saying they like the new look and asking why I went for the braces style. I felt fine after wearing them out on Sat nite so thought what the hell just wear them to work. They actually feel very comfortable and I think my trousers do look better hanging with braces rather than a belt.
As I said before I only stumbled upon this thread when looking for something else and did not expect to be buying braces and wearing them out and at work, they never crossed my mind before but all the comments here made me so curious just had to try them and glad I did so cheers guys. I will see how long I stick with them but I am amazed how good they looked and feel so comfortable to wear, I may had been converted you never know.
My work mate brought my Black braces back in this morning and dropped them off on my desk and said he had not worn them out on Sat night after all, I was gutted and asked why not and he then took his jacket off and said “becasue I bought these navy Blue ones for myself”. He had got his own pair on Sat and worn them instead and kept them on today for work. He said he enjoyed wearing mine during the day that for going out he wanted to get his own pair as he felt he was going to get a lot of wear out of them, and his outfit was Blue so had to get a match, he is so vain!!!
Hi Kenny
Congrats on braving your braces on a nite out and to work. I found work the hardest because if your colleages are rude you will struggle to continue wearing them, so the early reactions are very important and unnerving. Luckily, my mates only had a bit of fun when i first showed my braces, and there are no further ribbings. Indeed, a couple of lads have tried braces themselves, and all agree how much more comfortable they are than belts, how much better your trousers hang, just like you have found. I know how much more confident i now feel in my braces,and as time goes on, so will you.
Nice One Adam
Yeah my Bro saw me on facebook with braces on, so I got him a pair as well. You never know maybe your Bro would wear braces as well sounds liek he is cool with the idea, Is you Bro older or younger than you.
Hi Ricky
Was made up that my Bro was cool about my braces. He is a couple of years older than me and really should try braces as he never wears a belt. His middle is always a mess. He has been caught on several occasions with his underpants showing above his jeans as he tucks his shirt inside them. Sorry Bro, hope that didn’t embarrass you!
Wore my braces to College today, and enjoyed the comfort of them, but did feel quite self-conscious, although no really bad comments, and a couple of guys did enquire where I got them from. Maybe they will follow suit. Several girls said how smart I looked (grey shirt, grey jeans and skinny black clip-on braces). Will give them another go tomorrow.
Hi folks
I recently made some disparaging comments about my mate’s braces, and altho I don’t think he has contributed to this thread, he referred me to it. Having read the interesting and useful comments I think I may apologise, and borrow a pair of my Dad’s to see if they are as good as everybody says!
BTW I am 24 and am a lorry driver. Will keep you posted.
Hi Eddie…
I stumbled across this thread myself as it showed up as the most popular thread on this site. I like you had never though about wearing braces before but after reading all the comments I again like you just had to try a pair. I bought a pair of braces and wore them on Sat nite for the first time and it was great, loads of comments and attention, few pings as I danced around. I wore them to work as well this week and it went great, no disparaging comments made to me lol. I am going to stick with them all week at work and see how I get on.
Watch out your Dad’s are not the old thick ones as I was told to go for the skinny style and go for a plain colour, don’t want you to fall at the first hurdle and wear the wrong style for your age. I am mid 20 myself so did not want you to go for the wrong style and maybe get bad comments back, make sure you go for a pair of skinny ones as they are what all the young guys are wearing. Go get a pair and show your mate what you are made of Ha Ha.
Kept wearing the braces.
Hi Guys after my workmate Ricky shamed me into wearing my braces to work I have kept them on again this week and I can see that he has his on as well. I noticed another guy in our place had braces on today but I did not get a chance to talk to him, I am sure he must have saw Ricky & me and thought he would join in, how cool is that to be a trend setter lol.
Funny the comments about Brother’s liking braces as I went to my folks house at the weekend and wore my braces to see what reaction I would get. My M&D did not even say a word about them, just like I had walked in with a new shirt on. My little Brother came in and screamed and pulled my braces he asked how long I had been wearing them and then told me he had a pair upstairs that he got months ago but never had the guts to wear them out. I of course got him to put them on and then my M&D did notice but just made a passing comment.
I don’t think my Brother could believe his eys when he saw me sitting there in braces and I told him I had worn them out lots of times and even worn them to work and he was so excited I think that was the push he needed to start wearing his.
Hey Paul I knew you would have clocked that guy.
Just read your post and btw that other guy in work wearing braces is mine !!! lol
He works down in the dispatch area, (now don’t slag me off again), but I made a bee line to talk to him earlier but chill out mate he said his gf got him the braces for Xmas so we are both blown out there, if you pardon the pun. They looked nice in that deep maroon/wine colour with his grey t-shirt. Looks like they must have been bought from Topman or somewhere like that.
He did say that he saw us wearing our braces last week and he thought what the hell if those guys can do it why can’t he. I did say what do you mean by “those guys” and he just laughed. He did say he had worn them out a few nites with his girl but never thought about wearing them at work until he saw us. When he told his gf about us with ours on she was the one who said to him why he was not wearing his as well. He did say he got a bit of a ribbing first thing this morning but used us and an excuse by saying if Ricky & Paul can wear them why not. Don’t know if that is a good thing or not but I did tell him it was nice to see other guys wearing braces around the place.
Nice Going Adam
Nice you see you got a pair of braces and have worn them to college sounds like it went well for you. Also nice to know your Bro thinks they are good on you too, funny he should be thinking about buying you a pair, but sounds like he needs a bit of help with is dress style. Maybe get him to try your braces on and see what he thinks, should sort out his messy middle.
I like the colour mix of Grey t-shirt and Black braces I think it does make the style so much betetr if you get the colour mix right. I have seen older guys with totally the wrong mix and it looks very bad, hope most guys have it right and that is maybe why Charlie has been left with all the stripe braces and sold out of plain colours. Let us know if you Bro has a try of your braces to see if he likes them.
Cheers Kenny
I could have got it wrong – didn’t realise that the width of braces was important. My Dad’s braces are medium wide,but are patterned so i plan to just give them a go in private to make sure I find them comfortable to wear before buying my own.
Thanks mate.
Hi guys
We seem to be real trendsetters on this thread.
I came in tonite and my gf had the One Show (which i never watch) on Tv. her pin-up is Matt Baker, and what was he wearing but a crisp white shirt and black braces. Shame they were regular width, but she thought he looked gorgeous!
I saw matt Baker last night as well on The One Show. Yes the Black braces & White shirt looked very cool.
Yes I was surprised to see him with braces on TV but he did look good, it is nice to see guys on TV wearing braces and that is one sure way to get them seen by millions of viewer’s. I take it he did not have any problems or worries about wearing them in public, or maybe he has been reading this thread. I think his braces still looked classical with the wider width as I think the skinny style would have look strange in that situation the wider ones do look more traditional.
I have a wider pair of Black braces that I wear with a suit or my dinner jacket as I think that style looks better in more formal Circumstances. With wider braces I would stick to Black only as I think any wild colour of stripes would look like Grandad’s old braces. Skinny is the current look for us young guys but wider ones do still have their place.
I have kept up the wearing braces at work
Hi guys I have kept going with wearing my braces at work this week to give them a fair crack and I have to admit they are very comfortable and make my trousers look better on. I would never have thought reading a web site would convert me from a belt to wearing braces but I think it has.
I read some stories about being nervous about wearing them in front of family and friends but that happened to me without even thinking about it. I went to my parent’s house after work last night to catch up with them and I just took my jacket off and hung it up as normal and walked in the room forgetting I still had my braces on. My Mom just said I was looking dapper today. My Sis and her boyfriend were there and they both said they liked the new look, her boyfriend even said he had thought about getting a pair for himself a few weeks ago but did not know if he would suit them. My Sis told him he should have just got a pair as she liked them on guys and thought he would suit them. He then asked to try them on to see what they looked like and he did suit them so I think he is going to get a pair for himself.
I just find it funny that it sounds like whenever a guy tries a pair of braces they like the feel and style and in most cases end up wearing them instead of a belt. I would never have thought about it until I read this thread or maybe seen other guys wearing them out and about but I am sure glad I came across this thread as it has been a great style change.
Just stumbled across this article – Great Read!!!
I know a bloke in my work who wears braces and I thought they looked pretty good on him and have thought about getting a pair to try. I was searching the web for info on guys wearing braces and this site popped up, what a great read. I do have reservations about how and when to give them a try but after reading this site I am encouraged to give them a go very soon. Sounds like a lot of you like me have struggled with the initial thought of being seen wearing braces and the old man’s stigma they have but what I read is that most people are fine with them and like the look and style. It sounds like they are now becoming very popular with a lot of younger blokes and you do see quite a few young blokes wearing them around. I suppose it just takes that initial push to give them a go. I have read all the comments and am going to have to give them a go. Do you think I should just jump straight in and wear them to work as it sounds like most of you have done this and found it to be fine? Should I speak to the other bloke in work who wears them to see what he says about them and what reaction he gets to wearing braces or just jump in there and wear them?
Welcome Ian
You don’t know how lucky you are to have a colleague who already wears braces. The hardest part is the first step, but someone has already done it for you, so you will not get the almost inevitable ribbing. In your situation, I would just go for it and go to work in them, but you have then got to face the reactions of friends and family. However, having done it at work it will not be so difficult.
I personally would not speak to the guy at work – I am sure he will speak to you if you turn up in braces, and he will give you more respect than if you asked him first.
as I have said previously, once I took the plunge , I just felt so much more comfortable; my jeans stayed put and did not need to be so tight,and nobody reslly criticised my style.
GO FOR IT!
Nice one Kenny
Since braving my braces I have not worn a single uncomfortable belt, and i feel so much better for it, so it is not even a question of style, but more of well-being.
So glad your family liked your braces, and maybe your Sis’s guy will try them too. Let us know.
Hi Dan – Cheers.
Yes I can see why people would not go back to a belt. I see it as still early day’s for me with braces but already feel they are just so right for me, feel good and look good. Funny you mention my Sis’s guy as he text me last night to ask where I got my braces from as she has been nagging him to get a pair for this weekend as they are going out somewhere and she wants him to wear braces. I told him I got mine from Tie Rack and sounds like he is going to be dragged there at the weekend to get a pair. It will be good to hear if he buys some and wears them out.
I see from Kenny’s comments that Tie Rack sell braces so I think I will go out tonight as its late nite shopping and get a pair, thinking about Black or Navy Blue skinny ones as a safe bet based on the inputs from the rest of you guys. I also read a few people say Friday’s at work was a good casual day to test out braces so if I can get a pair tonight I will have a go at wearing them tomorrow. I will also go with what Marc suggests and just wear them to work without talking to this other guy first, I will see if he mentions it when I wear them, assuming I can get a pair tonight. I am prepared for a bit of a ribbing but if I can make the excuse of dress down Friday it may lesson and ribbing a bit. I could also say it was for Red Nose Day.
I have been thinking about braces for ages and get a kind of thrill when I see other guys wearing them, just don’t know why but it has tormented me for ages to the point where I need to try a pair on and just see what they are like. I don’t recall anyone in my family wearing braces so I don’t know where the impulse to wear them has come from. I am sure I will like them as you all seem to think that are great to wear. If I survive the day at work I will need to see about my family and other mates outside of work, which sounds like some of you found tough but again maybe like some of you I will find out that someone in my family or my other mates like braces too but have never worn them out or been seen in them. Maybe I too can start the trend setting thing
My gf asked me why I don’t wear braces after watching her favourite presenter Matt Baker present the One Show in a pair earlier this week. I said because I had never really thought about them, particularly as I had always assumed they were for old men with large stomachs, although even at my age ( a mere 24) I do find I am constantly hitching up my trousers although i ususally wear a belt. She carried on that she thought they looked great on Matt, and after some surfing found me this thread. I have found it fascinating, but think I will need to see a lot more guys wearing braces before i give them a go.
Will watch for further comments.
How did everyone come across this site?
My mate Ricky pointed me to this site as I had mocked him about his braces but how do random guys ever just find a site like this? I have been reading the comments and find it funny that guys can just stumble on a site like this unless they were searching for something to do with braces anyway. Mind you my Brother was a closet braces wearer as he soon confessed to having a pair the other night when he saw me with mine on. I never used to show mine off too much but had worn them out clubbing a few times but did not know there was such a following of guy who wear braces. Sounds like the more guys who are seen wearing them seem to encourge even more other guys to follow suit.
WOW I was just writing my comment above and you must have got in before me, sounds like you found this after your gf got you interested, at least that sounds logical as to why you ended up here. Hey mate I would just do as you are told by your gf and get a pair of braces. She sounds like she knows what she likes and if Matt Baker can wear them on TV and look good you got to keep up with him lol. What you got to lose man?
Hi Paul
Thanks for your encouragement. I usually do what my gf tells me, but I still suffer from this very British outlook that guys should not show their braces in public. I cannot explain why, but from the many comments on this site, it is at least good to know that other guys have the same problem, although I admire those who seem to be overcoming it. Strangely, it does seem to be an age thing, because I have no problem with being out with my dad or older brothers, who all have worn braces at times. It just seems that at 24 I am too young to succumb.
Help!
Hi folks
It was my birthday on Sunday and I received a pair of braces fom my Bro, who to my knowledge is not a wearer. We went for a drink on Tues and he asked me if I did not like my present as I was not wearing them. I blustered some excuse about getting dressed in a hurry, but it did set me surfing to see if braces wer the latest fashion, and from the comments, they may well become so. Anyway, as tomorrow is Red Nose Day, I plan to wear them to work – at least I shall have an excuse if they bomb!
Hi Jamie – Whats to Succumb to?
Just get a pair of nice skinny Black braces this weekend and wear them out to the pub and see what reaction you get and I am sure you will be surprised. I have had nothing but good comments and people do like the look and style of a guy in braces. At 24 you should be able to set your own style and not worry about being an age thing as loads of young guys do wear braces. Trust your gf I am sure she knows good style when she see’s it. If Matt Baker can sit on national TV wearing braces I am sure you can sit in the local pub…What you got to lose mate give them a go before you make your mind up.
Hey Harry Did you wear your braces today then?
Got a Pair of Braces and Wore Them Today.
Well I went for it. Got a pair of navy Blue bracesd at Tie Rack last night. Tested them out myself last night with various jeans and shirts and they looked and felt great so I went for it today at work. I wore jeans and a pale Blue shirt with skinny Navy tie and my skinny navt Braces. I got loads of good comments and just said I did it for Red Nose Day for something different. I was amased the number of people who said it looked very good and some said I should not just wear them for Red Nose Day but should wear then other days as well.
The oter guy in work saw me with then on and came over right away and started talking about my braces and how glad he was that someone else was wearing them too. He also said I should wear them more ofter so at least he did not feel so alone with his on. Yes a Great Day and glad I did it.
Hi Paul
I was nervous at going to work in my braces this morning, particularly as i work as a customer advisor in a Bank where I meet a number of the public, but put on a dark blue suit, pale blue shirt and dark blue tie to do with the blue braces my bro had gifted me. Drove in my shirt sleeves to the petrol station to test the waters with people who are unlikely to know me, and although self-conscious, I don’t think anyone noticed or bothered.
At the Bank, a couple of the tellers remarked how smart i looked, which gave me confidence, and by lunchtime I was serving my customers with my braces on full show to the world. Time flew by and everyone was as friendly as ever, and no rude comments about my braces, which really felt comfortable and kept my shirt tucked in fine.
If the braces go down well at social occasions over the weekend, I think I shall become a convert.
Thanks all for the encouragement.
Hi Ian
Great news mate. Once you have gone for it and had good comments, you wonder what all the fuss was about. I can’t believe I suffered an uncomfortable belt for so many years!
Hi Paul (Ricky’s workmate)
Was dragged round the shops today and my gf steered me into H&M where as a coincidence she found some braces for me to buy! I played disinterested, but she bought a pair of plain black clip-on ones for me anyway. I protested that I hadn’t the pluck to wear them in public, so she has pursuaded me to wear them to hers tomorrow to Sunday lunch with her family. I get on well with her parents and bro and sisters, but am still nervous. Will see how I feel in the morning.
Hi guys
Tested the water with a pair of my Dad’s braces – and found them great, so into the lorry kitted out in red check shirt over white T shirt with jeans held up by plain maroon clip-ons. Couldn’t find very narrow ones, but in my job as a lorry driver felt i could get away with the wider ones, and it seems my fellow truckers agree, as a number have asked how they feel and where to get them when I have been feeding in the truck stop cafes. It is great to leap down from a 40 footer, knowing my pants are secure! My gf also thinks they suit me so another happy guy.
How did it go Jamie ?
Sounds like your gf knows how to get what she wants lol. Also a good choice with the Black skinny clip-ons. Hey if they can sell them in H&M then they must be in fashion.
So did you wear them on Sunday after all and how did you get on, the next step is wearing them to work or out with your mates, just go for it mate.
Wore my Braces out over the weekend.
Got such a good response on Red nose Friday when I wore my braces to work that I decided to give them an outing at the weekend to test the water with my mates. Blue jeans, white shirt, retro blue skinny tie and my navy blue skinny braces was my outfit choice. A couple of my mates came to my flat to get ready first so that broke the ice a bit as they saw them when I put them on. They both thought they looked good and both wanted to try them on before we went out, so it was a bit of a braces swap thing. They both thought they looked good on them and I think they may be interested in getting a pair. I did say that I felt a bit self-conscious about wearing them out but they both said it was a great look and if I did not wear them one of them was going to wear them. I took that as a positive support and decided to wear them out. They went down a storm whem we were out loads of guys talked about them, a few pulled and snapped them on my chest but all in great fun. I am sure some of my mates will follow and buy a pair of braces before next weekend as they were all very interested in the style. I told them Tie Rack had loads of them.
I wore them to my brothers house on Sunday just to break them in with a family member and check his reaction. He said he liked the style and thought I looked very trendy. I was caught a bit as my parents, Sis and her bf came in by chance as they were passing. I could only sit there with my braces on and see if they noticed lol. My Sis’s bf was the one to mention them first and said he had a pair just like that and my Sis told my other brother that he should get a pair as she thought they looked great on a guy and that he would suit them. I never knew her bf had braces as I have never seen him wear them out. My brother ended up trying my btraces on to see what he looked like and everyone did say he looked very smart and trendy. I made him a bet that he would end up buying a pair for himself before next weekend and he just say maybe watch this space.
I have them on again at work today and notice the other guy in work has his on as well, he just gave me the thumbs up when we passed each other earlier today.
Update – Sis’s Boyfriend has bought himself a pair of braces.
Yeah I said last week that my Sis’s Boyfriend was getting pushed be her into buying a pair of braces after they saw me with mine on. Well I knew he was interested as he text me to find out where I got mine from. Well he has got himself a pair, skinny black ones and has worn them out with he in Sat nite and came over on Sun with them on to show off. He looked great in them and was so glad he bought them as he loved the attention he got when he was out with them on Sat.
My Mom saw him with them on as well and joked that my Dad should get a pair but he said they were just for the youngsters these days, which I thought was funny as a lot of people say braces are for older guys, the tide must be turning and the young guys are now taking over the braces wearing.
I have actully gone out and bought another pair so I can mix them with my other shirt & ties. I got a pair of dark wine colout ones from Topman for only £10 whicjh was good and they have loads there if various colours so people must be buying them. I have these new ones on with black trousers gray shirt and a skinny wine colour stripe tie, looks good I think and a couple of people have already mentioned that they are glad I have stuck with the braces as they think they look good on me. Guess that is me converted Ha Ha. All that just for being curious to read this thread by accident and now I end up wearing braces lol.
I have a few pairs of braces but have never let anyone see me wearing them. I often surf the net looking for stories and pics of guys wearing braces and have just found this site. I can’t believe so many guys have the same issues as me and worry about being seen wearing braces but it sounds like loads of you have got over that fear and started wearing them in front of your friends and work colleagues and got good results. Just wish i had the guts to do that as i would love to be able to wear them all the time like some of you are doing now and not just keep them private or under a jacket where i know they wont be seen. I wish i could take that step like you all say but still find it difficult to think about wearing braces in public. I did wear them once outside but that was walking along a beach and i was far away from anyone to really see me and i put my jacket back on again before i got to the busy part again. Am i just a big wimp or what, just need to know how best to get over this daft fear or worry i have as it is annoying me so much when i read on here about other guys being able to now wear braces in work and nights out etc. Any advice much appreciated cheers.
Hi Paul
Sunday morning dawned and I still felt nervous about visiting my future in-laws in my braces,but did not want to upset my gf. Decided to compromise by wearing a thin cardigan over pale grey button-down shirt and my black braces on black jeans. As soon as i entered their house, I knew i should not have worn a vest under my shirt as it was stifling, and I just had to remove the cardigan. My in-laws just said they were glad i was relaxed, and made no further comments on my outfit. We were joined by Jack, my gf’s bro, and her two other sisters, who all made me feel very welcome. However, shoot the gf – as soon as we sat down for lunch she simply said “Don’t jamie’s braces look great?” I could have died, but fortunately nobody disagreed and the subject was dropped.
Whether I have the nerve to wear them to work is another matter, but they did feel great – I had no discomfort after a big meal like normal when I wear a tight belt, so will let you know.
Welcome Grant
The first time you wear your braces in public is obviously the hardest, but heh, if they in store in the trendy young guys shops, what is the problem. As a teenager, i used to be so embarrassed when my dad would answer the door or pop to the corner shop without covering his braces, but loking back, nobody seemed to bother and he was still a popular guy in the community. To be fair, I got caught accidentally in my braces the first time, and was mortified (well at 18 it seemed like the end of the world), but not a single soul ever ribbed me or cut me dead. I did get a few twangs from the gals but that was great anyway.
Pick your first time carefully to gain confidence. A busy pub club or shopping centre would be scary, but try a garage or corner shop away from where you might bump into your mates and you will soon realise that no-one gives a damn, and if they do, you are unlikely to see them again to be embarrassed.
Good luck and let me know how you get on.
Hi Grant
I recognise your problem, but if TV star presenter Matt Baker can appear in front of millions in a pair of what were frankly ill-fitting and untrendy braces on The One Show last week, and still be popular, as indeed he is, then there should be no concerns for we ordinary guys. Just go for it, mate.
Hi Marc/Adam. Thanks for your feedback and encouragement.
I saw your comment last week about Matt Baker and checked that episode out on catch-up TV. Yes his braces did not look the most stylish but he must have had guts to wear them in front of millions. At least you have been able to wear them to college and you said your Bro has seen them and was even going to buy you a pair so that is cool.
Marc you say that you got caught wearing your braces and i have thought about doing that several times but just pretend to get caught so that at least someone see’s my braces by accident to at least break the ice but still not sure how or who to do this with. I like the idea about maybe going into a garage or somewhere as i won’t know the person there and sure my mates won’t be there either. Maybe if i do that a couple of times i will get more confidence and maybe let a mate see me with them on.
I did think about bringing up the topic of braces to my mates and see if anyone thinks they are a good thing or not and maybe say i was thinking about getting a pair myself to see what they say. If i then wear a pair afterwards saying i thought about the conversation of braces and bought a pair to try that may be a way to introduce them rather than just turn up with a pair of bracers on out of the blue. I think i just need a bit of a push to go for it as i do want to be able to wear my braces out in public and even more so as the better weather is on the way. All you guys here make it sound so easy so why do i struggle with it?
Hey Grant its no big deal mate get them on and get out there.
I know you said you have struggled with being seen in braces for a while but it is no big deal. I never even thought about wearing braces until by chance I saw this thread and having read it and heard what other guys said I went out and bought a pair of braces to try myself and found I like them. I just see it like maybe buying a hat for the first time as it is something you see others wear but maybe never worn yourself and don’t know how you would suit it. You often wonder what others might think but like most of the guys here they all got great comments from other people and as you hear no one gives a jot these days so just get them on and show them off.
I just see braces as one of the current fashion accessory’s and having started to wear them myself recently I have now noticed a lot of guys out there with them on so if they can all do it what is to struggle with as you won’t look out of place these days mate. I assume you have a good style pair of braces like skinny ones and not novelty ones or old Grandad ones, sorry mate just checking lol. If you are still struggling them maybe you idea of talking about braces with your mates will give you an idea of what they think and I am sure you will find they will think braces are a good style just now, hell why else would Topman and H&M etc. have them for sale. Let us know what you do mate.
Hi Jamie – Well Done Mate.
Good for you wearing braces to your future in-laws house, but I bet you gf would have just made a scene if you did not wear them after all the trouble she went for you to buy a pair. Sounds like it went well for you except for her comment lol. At least you were accepted into the family so the braces could not have put them off. So have you been out the house with them on yet, I am sure your gf will drag you down the pub next to show you off in your new braces stayle. I used to wear mine a few times out clubbing and drinking and all my mates were great and loved them.
Next step is your work mates…my mate Ricky does not even have his braces on today which is not like him but I am sure he has some feeble excuse to share why that is. So what’s to stop you wearing them to work now? You say they feel great and the family like the style so why not mate just wear them and see what happens, when my mate Ricky talked me into wearing mine at work I felt a bit funny at first but it was no big deal people just thought they looked good and added a bit of style so go for it mate and tell us how you get on.
…Someone Pinched my Braces…
Hi Paul, Someone borrowed my braces when I was out last night and I never saw them again I think they went around the club and back again but I never got them back, think someone wandered off with them. I stayed over at a friend’s house last night (please no sarky comments) and had to borrow a belt of his this morning as I did not have anything else.
So here endith the as you say “Feeble Excuse” Sorry mate but back to business as usual tomorrow with the braces again, just a bit pi***d I lost those nice black ones.
Hi Paul
Went back to wearing a belt on Monday to work, and realised how uncomfortable it felt, and my shirt kept coming untucked, so today (Tues) it was on with my braces, under my suit jacket, and into the office. Now our office is pretty warm even in the coldest weather, so it was my intention to remove my jacket immediately I arrived at my desk, but I kept putting the moment off until I nearly fainted! I went to the cloakroom to get some water, and my closest mate followed me in to see if I was ok. By that time, I was in my shirt sleeves, swilling my face with cold water, so he obviously saw my braces. Having cooled down, we made our way back to our desks, and my colleagues were so concerned about me that nobody mentioned my braces. It was too hot to wear my jacket for the rest of the day, and as time went by, several colleagues came over and made good comments about my new style, so shall give them another outing tomorrow.
Just hope I don’t feel ill again!
Hi Grant
I know just how you feel mate. I am very skinny, and have no hips to speak of, and my family have told me the best (and only) solution to keeping my pants up is to wear braces. I really am sick of constantly hitching my jeans up, re-tucking my shirt, and checking to see my boxers aren’t on show. However, not only can i not dare to wear a pair of braces, but I cannot steel myself to buy a pair in case the assistant makes fun of me. I feel so miserable at being so inadequate, because if I could get over this stupid stigma, I would be so much more comfortable.
Help guys, please.
Hi Jamie – You Silly Boy lol
Never heard of anyone making themself ill by wearing braces so that must be a first. See your work mates have just accepted your braces without any problems so there you were a week ago saying you “hadn’t the pluck to wear them in public” and now you have them on in work and at Sun lunch with your gf’s family. Nice going mate to go with the flow and just wear them cause you like them, none of this too nervous stuff. If clothes feel and look good why should people not wear them and be seen wearing them – Simple’s!!!
Hi Guys – One big step forward last night.
A couple of my mates were around my flat last night for a catch up and have a few beers and we were watching one of the music cannels when Olly Murs came on and i knew a few of you have mentioned Olly and his braces on this site so when i saw him there with his braces i pointed them out to my mates and just asked what they thought of guys wearing braces these days. Both of my mates said they thought they looked smart and had noticed a few other guys also wearing them around recently. My heart was pounding as i then said i had got a pair a few weeks ago but never had the guts to wear them so they persuaded me to go get them and try them and let them see. I went to my room took off my belt and clipped them onto my jeans (dark blue skinny ones) and went back to the living room. Both guys said they looked great and asked why i had not worn them out yet, which i just gave some poor excuse. They both tried them on themselves and said that was the first time they had tried braces but thought they looked good. I put them back on again after they tried them and just kept them on the rest of the night. Could not believe how easy it was to just start wearing braces in front of my mates. I have now been talked into wearing my braces out with them on Thursday night, which for me is scary but i can’t wait to go out with them on and at least i know that my mates have already seen them and won’t slag me off. Funny that all this happened so fast after reading this site and i am sure i would not have even talked about braces unless i had read all the encouragement from you guys comments. Next big step is wearing braces to work but i think that will be just a step too far for me, but you never know.
Good for you Grant mate
See no big deal with your mates, so what was all the fuss about not wanting to be seen wearing braces? Hope your Thur nite out goes well and your braces go down well. Let us know how you get on mate. As for work, what the hell is to stop you now mate just wear them and get on with it, they are only braces after all, see how Jamie got on above but don’t make yourself ill with them!!! I never even intended wearing braces and I think you guys have now got me hooked on them and also still got me leaving comments about them on this thread – how bizarre.
Hi Grant
Glad your mates eased you into your braces in the comfort of your flat. That was the hard part,and if your mates don’t rib your choice of style, why should work colleagues or strangers at a Club. You will either set a trend, or be admired for your individuality. Just go for it mate. Do let us know how you get on.
Hi Paul
Yes, mate, I was a silly boy, but at least I am not too self-conscious to admit it or to wear my braces to work, and today they have had an outing to the local park for my usual sandwich (when the weather is fine!)at lunch. I was soon joined on the bench by a couple of gals who both said how cool my braces were. Better not let my gf know!
Thanks for all your encouragement.
Matt
No shop assistant is going to risk losing a sale by making rude comments about you choosing to buy braces. Topman and H&M both have a great choice – just go for modern skinny ones in a plain colour and you will be fine.
Cheers Adam
I am defiantly going to wear my braces out tonite cause i am sure I will get a worse ribbing from my mates if i don’t after i agreed i was going wear them.
I was telling a guy in work that i was going out tonite and said my mates have forced me into wearing a pair of braces i bought a few weeks ago. He said that he likes the look of braces but was not sure if he would suit them. I said i had not really worn then out before but just tried them on and thought they look good. Then to my surprise he said i should wear them to work one day so he can see them and maybe give them a try himself. I did say i was thinking about doing that one time for a kind of dress down friday thing and he then said tomorrow is friday so why not wear them, so looks like i have a good excuse to wear them to work and have someone there who will be expecting to see me wearing braces. Still not sure about the reaction from the other guys in work but maybe they will be all as positive as this guy so it won’t be so bad. I think i will see how i get on tonite and maybe just brave the work in my braces tomorrow.
Still can’t believe i had never been seen out in my braces before this and by the end of this week i will have been seen by 2 of my mates, going to go out tonite with my braces on and if all goes well wear my braces to work tomorrow. How much of a difference can a week make. Don’t think i would have done that without reading about the rest of you guys on this site.
Hi Jamie good to hear you stuck with the braces.
See your gf did know best and good to hear you were not put off by your over-heating episode. So you not find it funny that you like me did not set out to wear braces but got dragged into it by someone else and then even more so by this site. I at least had worn braces a few times before but my work mate Ricky pushed me into wearing them more often and also at work. You had never worn them before and I recall you saying you never intended to wear them, but your gf won that fight lol.
Nice touch going out to lunch in the park with your braces on and yes I bet you enjoyed the attention, so if you gf knew that was what braces were going to do to you do you think she would have been so keen to get you to start wearing them lol.
I don’t think twice now about walking about with my braces on show, it just seems natural and I am at the point now where I even forget I have braces on. People at work have seen me and Ricky wearing our braces around so often now that they don’t even mention them anymore. Not sure if I should give Ricky the credit or not (he is big headed enough) but I do think braces are much better to wear than a belt and I don’t think I would have swapped over to braces without him giving me a push and also showing me this website and reading about other guys who enjoy wearing braces instead of belts.
Comfort and Style what more could a guy want.
Hi Paul
Still going with the braces, and am very grateful to my gf, you and all my other new found mates who got me into them. I didn’t realise how uncomfortable my belts were, or how often I needed to hitch my pants up until I tried braces. Having got over the initial embarrassment, I now feel much more at ease in my braces, and plan to go shopping for some more colours to match my other outfits this weekend.
My advice to any other guys, do try them, you don’t know what you are missing!
Hi Paul
Still going with the braces, and am planning to buy some more pairs to match my other outfits this weekend. Once again, thanks for the encouragement. Braces are so much more comfortable than belts.
Hi Guys – Glad I found this site.
Like Jamie and Paul I never intended to wear braces but got introduced to them by finding this site and now think they are great. I never had any hang-ups about braces from before so they were new to me but glad I have started to wear them as they are comfortable and stylish.
Wore my braces out on Thursday night.
Yes I went for it and wore my braces out last night and it was great. One of my mates came to my flat first to get ready so i had no excuse not to wear my braces as i don’t think he would have let me out without them on. Hit a few pubs first then into a club for a while and it was no problem. Loads of my other mates commented that they liked them and even a few strangers say they liked the braces.
After the great response last night and afte r speaking to that guy in work about me wearing them out I have decided to wear them to work as well today and the guy that i talked to about them yesterday saw me first thing and came over. He said they looked great and i told him i had worn them out last night and they went down well. A few people have made comments this morning and asked what the new look was about and i just said i fancied a change. Feels so good to have worn them out and let people see them, just can’t believe I have done that since last week when i would never be seen by anyone wearing them. Feel so relaxed and positive i begin to wonder what all the worry was before.
No More Comments ???
Hi Guys, just when i get brave enough to wear my braces out and to work all the comments on this thread dry up. I wore them out again on Sat nite and even walked down the street to the local shops with them on show on Sun, how brave was that.
Hi Grant
Sorry the computer went on the blink or I would have responded to congratulate you for wearing your braces out on Thurs, and to work on Friday. It is a confidence thing, and even I found it difficult to be seen in my braces at first, although having worn them in private before, I knew that I liked the style and the comfort they gave me.
Well done mate.
Hi Grant and others
I was pointed to this site some time ago by my Dad after I had a bust up with him over his braces. They were quite wide, and he appeared unconcerned at showing them in public, which embarrassed me. He later admitted that he had a severe medical condition which meant he could not wear his trousers tight on his waist, and although I felt sorry for him, I could not see why he could not cover them up. Having read all your comments and encouragement, I have tried a pair of braces in private, and can understand the comfort angle, and also how impossible it is to keep them secret in so many situations – eg, hot rooms, changing for sport etc.
My Dad is now slightly better in health, thank goodness, and I have made up with him. I still have not plucked up the courage to wear my braces to work or in social gatherings, but with all your support, I hope to have a go in the next few days. Thanks lads.
Hey Grant
Sitting here in my stylish skinny braces I am sorry I did not carry on the support which you should have expected from me. How far you have come, mate. And if your experience is like mine, a number of my mates and other young guys I come across at work have given braces a try as well, although some have chickened out since.
Would be interesting to hear if Charlie is still selling his braces well on the market.
Keep in touch.
Guy in work wore braces today
I can’t believe it but a guy in work has just taken off his jacket and he is wearing braces. I have never seen him wear them before and can only think that because i wore mine the last couple of days that he has done the same. I have not spoken to him yet but plan to try and bump into him later in that day to see what he says as i am sure he will mention the braces.
Hi Marc
Happy to update you. Yes, the braces are still selling well, probably about 50/50 with the belts, which considering I sell about 200 of each at 5 markets per week is great. A number of lads come back for more in different colours when they have tried them. Most admit they wished they had tried them earlier as they fing them both stylish and practical.
Spoke to other guy in work wearing braces.
I spoke to the other guy i saw in work who was wearing braces. He said we wears them a lot outside of work but had never worn them to work before until he saw me the other day with mine on. He said he when he saw me wearing mine he decided just to wear his as well. We had a bit of a chat and i told him i was nervous about wearing braces but after reading stuff on the net i decided to go for it. He said he was glad i did as it gave him a chance to now wear his to work as well. He said his work mates liked the look as well and he had a few good comments about them.
I think i will keep going with the braces as everyone is getting used to seeing me wearing them now, just funny when you meet or see new people for the first time, but i am not as nervous anymore.
Good for you Grant
Nice to see you have worn braces and got someone else in your work to start wearing them too. I am cool with wearing braces as I never had worn them before I swa this site but it just feel natural to wear them. The first time I tried them they felt good and I just stuck to them. Load of people say they loog good when they see them. Don’t worry about what other say or do just do what you want to do you will find that anyone new who meets you will like the braces style as well
Hi Grant
Having broken the ice with folks, I think it is important to carry on wearing your braces while they are used to them. I just find them so efficient at holding my pants up that I feel quite odd when I don’t wear them!
Popped round to my Grandparents this week, and it must have been the first time they had seen me in my braces, as both commented I had grown up at last! Well I did used to sag but unintentially.
I do now feel closer to my grandad, as he reminded me how I used to constantly ask why he wore such old fashioned clothes when I was a lad. Apparently in his day, all guys wore braces, and needed to as they also kept their underpants up with them as there was no elastic in his young days. No shame then, so why now?
Kept going with the braces.
Hi guys i have kept going with the braces both over the weekend and again this week at work. It is starting to feel natural and confortable to be seen wearing them.
Hi guys
Have kept on trucking in my braces, and wish I had tried them before, as manual work is so much easier when you are not constantly hitching up your jeans. A couple of other young drivers at my depot have been spotted sporting braces in the last few days, so word is spreading. Only downside is that i do find the clips do have a tendency to spring off my pants when I am stretching climbing up into my cab. Any solutions would be appreciated!
Hi Grant
Good on you for keeping going with your braces. Comfort is always better than style, although I think that today you can have both. You probably feel comfortable because nobody is making any comments any more, and therefore they have accepted your dress style.
Going to let the family see me in braces tonite
Hi Marc Yes i do feel more comfortable because no one says anything now but i still need to wear them to my parents house and let my brothers see me with my braces on. Sounds like your grandparents were fine with you wearing yours. I am not sure what the family comments will be i bet my brothers will rib me big time but i don’t know maybe they will like them too. I plan to go over after work tonite so will see how it goes. I think i will just walk in casual and take my jacket off and see what happens. Will let you all know how it goes.
Grant – Just go for it.
I only started wearing braces afetr reading this site and when I wore mine with my family my Sis liked them so much she got her boyfriend to buy a pair, and he did as well.
I have found since I started to wear them that most people love the look of braces and give you loads of good comments so I am sure your family will love the new look too.
Let us know how you get on tonite.
Hi Grant
Don’t know how you will get on with your family, but I suspect they will give you no grief, and once they have seen you in your braces they will happily accept the look and your right to dress and be comfortable as you want. And if not, it’s no big deal. You can still enjoy them at other times.
Hope it all goes/went well.
Braces went down well with Family
I went to my parent’s house last night after work and still had on my braces i just walked in as normal and took my coat off and sat on the sofa. My mum made a comment about how posh i looked and was very business looking. I just said a few of the guys in work started wearing braces so i just did the same.
My dad and brother came in later and my brother just started to pull and ping them for a laugh but at least it broke the ice. He asked why i was wearing them and i just said it was a work thing and a few of the guys in work had started to wear braces so i did as well. I told him i had worn them out on nights-out and he said a few of his mates wear them now and again. He asked to give them a go and i helped him put them on. He thought he looked pretty good and has asked if he could borrow them for this weekend as he was going out with his mates and fancied trying them.
My dad said he had an old pair upstairs but when he brought down they were a real old fashioned pair of wide stripe ones and my mum said something about he is not wearing those again, they should be in the bin. She said the kids looked better in them these days than old dad’s lol. I can never remember seeing my dad wearing his braces so it must have been a long time ago.
I am going to keep wearing them at work this week and let my brother have a go on the weekend to see how he likes them. I am sure if some of his mates already wear braces sometimes he will not get any grief off them.
See Grant, told you that your braces would not faze your family. My college mates (of both sexes) having originally ribbed me and pinged them now agree they are a great way to change or smarten up an outfit. I plan to get a few different colours so I can ring the changes with all my shirts and pants. Coincidentally, my Dad has dug out an old pair of wide striped braces since seeing mine, – just hope he don’t wear them in public!
Hi Guys Nice to know the braces are going down well.
My Sis boyfriend who was talked into wearing braces for a nite out after they saw me with mine on has said he is now wearing them to work as well. He has said a couple of the guys he works with have also worn their braces, sounds liek he were telling them about him getting pushed into buying braces and these other guys said they had braces as well. I think it was a bit of if you wear yours I will wear mine.
Funny how when a few guys start to wear them that other follow. I just think they are a great change from belts and allow you to mix and match your outfits.
Just as you say Adam I think I need a few more different colours as well to match my shirts etc.
Well done Grant for going for it and just getting out there with your braces on, bet you feel much better with yourself now.
Hi Guys just an update from Ricky & me
We have both stuck to wearing braces at work over the last few weeks and have now got another 4 guys in our work also started to wear braces as well. It is so funny to see a lots of guys walking about the office with braces on, compared to when it was only Ricky a few weeks before.
A few people have asked if we were staring a trend and we have said yes we think so. I just wonder how many more guys are going to start wearing them. I have spoken to the guys who have started to wear them recently and they have all just said they liked the look of Ricky & me with ours on so thought they would jump on the band wagon.
I must admit it does make some of the guys look very HOT ! and I have noticed guys who I would never have looked twice at before so I have to admit I am glad I was talked into wearing braces at work if it has had this type of effect on the other guys dress sence.
Wow! What a great thread to find, but just as i have, it seems to be drying up.
I switched to braces from a belt for comfort rather than fashion reasons, and really got a buzz from them Don’t know why – perhaps it is the old maxim that they shouldn’t be seen, but you just know you are going to get caught in thm sometime. Cool that they seem to be gaining popularity altho I keep mine covered up most of the time. Can’t think why lol.
My gf and her sis take great delight in trying to unclip them when they are keeping up my loosest pants, but it all adds to the fun I suppose, even if i did get caught in my long johns during the preChristmas freezing weather. No lasting damage despite my embarrassment at the time.
Hi Dale – Yes this thread has slowed right down – Need to get to the real reason guys wear braces…
I know the Buzz you are talking about lol. I have been in contact with a few guys on the net who love the thrill of wearing braces and the chance of being caught wearing them. I see a few guys here have got their mates to try their braces on so maybe more guys get the same buzz from seeing others wearing braces as well.
A lot of these guys say they end up with a semi when they wear braces and it is even more exciting if they see another guy with braces on as well, I have been at a meeing where a guy opposite took off his jacket and was wearing braces…all I can say is I am glad I did not have to get up from the table lol…just a big buzz down below Ha Ha… I have to admit I have had to crack one off a few times when I wear braces, just don’t know what it is like you say maybe because they should not be seen or maybe the chance of getting caught just gets me going.
Am I the only guy who feels this way?
Hi Wetscotsman
Have caught this thread a few times and found it interesting so here is my contribution. I started wearing braces and instantly got a buzz from them because I was brought up to believe (rightly or wrongly) that it was not the done thing (indeed rude) to show your braces in public. I knew that mine would be seen, and it is my rebellious streak that gives me the buzz. That said, they are jolly comfortable, but if more guys wore them out the secret allure and buzz would be lost for me.
Any other guys agree?
Hi all
Cannot see why braces come in all colours and patterns if they are not meant to be seen. This is a very old fashioned outlook which only persists in the UK. My American cousins are always showing their braces in public (sorry – suspenders in their speak) and are totally at ease in them.
Anyway, years ago it would have been considered very rude let your underpants be seen, yet every teenager and beyond is unembarrassed at revealing them now!
Hi Richard
Yes maybe the “Buzz” is a throw-back from something in the past when you were not meant to be seen wearing braces and as you know if you are not supposed to do something but like doing it anyway that’s where the “Buzz” comes from. But for me I just get turned-on by wearing braces and seeing other guys wearing them and don’t mind admitting to needing to spank the monkey on many an occasion lol. Sorry Richard but the more guys that wear them and show them the better it is for me Ha Ha.
Can’t say I have ever had that buzz or felt the need to J/O in my braces but whatever float’s your boat.
I just think they look and feel great but I do agree that other guys do look very smart wearing them as it gives them a bit of style over the rest of the belt wearing guys. Did not know clothes could give some guys that kind of buzz, but hey whatever.
Workmate just walked in this morning with braces on
Hi not been on this site for a while but i just had to update that one of my workmates just walked in this morning with braces on. He had on a light grey shirt with dark grey braces and tie. I could not believe my eyes. As it has been warm he came into work without a jacket on with his braces on full view. I smiled over at him at first and then chatted a bit later and he said he wears them a lot outside of work by saw me with mine on the last few weeks and just decided to start wearing them to work as well. So nice to have a braces buddy working beside me.
Maybe the nice weather will bring a few more closet braces wearers out into the open.
Hey Grant – Well done for spreading the braces style in your work.
As I said before when my mate Ricky talked/forced me into wearing braces at work I felt a bit daft as he was the only one who had worn them at work before. Up until last week 4 other guys have started to wear braces and this week another 2 have joined in. I think the good weather does make a difference and guys are more happy and comfortable to change their style once the better weather comes. A lot of other guys have asked and talked about wearing braces but not done it yet but maybe the shear numbers now will swing it for them. I think in my office the few guys still wearing a belt are now in the minority.
Hi guys
Interesting to see how once the ice is broken, more guys are wearing braces in the open. As I previously said, a couple of guys at my depot had followed my lead and are still going with them. In addition, several others have asked why I wear them. My answer is simple. I like the style, but also find that they are so much nicer to wear when you are sitting in the cab for hours at a time as you can have your pants that much looser without losing them. I can therefore see why you office guys enjoy them.My boss has mentioned how smart our braces look, and is investigating having the firms name incorporated as part of a uniform, like some gardening firms do. What a great advertising tool.
I just walked into work and the other guy who started wearing braces is standing with two of his mates and they are all wearing braces, i just cant believe it, he must have talked them into wearing them today as i cant believe they would both just start wearing them. I need to get an excuse to go and talk to them, i don’t know the other guys too well but sure the braces will be an easy talking point. Wow 4 guys with braces on in work at the same time, sounds like we are following Kenny’s lead lol.
Just spoke to the other two guys in work wearing braces today.
I just spoke to the two new guys who i saw wearing braces to work today and they said they were talked into it by the other guy who works beside them. They said they had seen me with mine on a few weeks ago and then their mate who works beside them started to wear them as well and they slagged him off at first but he talked them into giving them a go so they both did for the first time today. It’s a bit dress casual today as it’s a bank holiday weekend so they thought they would give them a go.
They both said they did like the feel of them and thought they were a great fashion style to wear them. Like me they have never worn them before but it sounded like the way they were talking they could be hooked on them. They were both going out after work today and said they would be keeping them on. Just so funny how when one guy starts to wear braces others follow.
Hi folks
Dad called round last week, wearing his wide striped braces, and was less than impressed when I asked him what he thought he looked like! He said he had taken his lead from me, but he had not realised he needed to update the style of his braces. I have bought him a pair of plain slim braces as an “Easter Egg” so hope he gets the hint!
Hi Grant
You are so right that once a guy wears his braces in public many follow. I have been out this Easter weekend in my braces as it has been so hot – nobody has critised me, and I have noticed a large number of guys sporting braces without any embarrassment. Indeed, a number have struck up a conversation with me, ultimately complimenting my style, which is great as braces are so comfy!
Hi Marc – Yes amasing how many other guys are wearing braces
Yes I noticed that a lot of guys were wearing braces out and about this weekend with the hot weather. I also noticed a few shops selling jeans with braces fixed on them already so the trend must be getting bigger.
Looked like a lot of guys were wearing them hanging down. So what do you think guys are braces on the up in the fashion world, and what about the hanging down look, good or bad?
Can’t believe it’s a month since I joined this thread, but living on the outskirts of London, i was talked into going down to see the Royal Wedding, and apart from my gf I guessed that nobody would know me in the crowds, so I decided to brave my braces in public. Wore a smart white shirt, grey flannel slacks and skinny black braces. My gf was well impressed when I picked her up, and I received a number of compliments, not to mention loads of playful pings from strangers! Also spotted quite a few guys wearing braces with a Union Jack motif. Nobody was embarrassed, and it has given me confidence to go with this trend at work next week (at long last!)
Hi Grant
Yes, I have noticed a number of guys wearing their braces hanging down. I tried it, unintentionally, around the house whilst relaxing, but found they caught everything and were a right pain! Much prefer them up, and have seen many on show this weekend – they are definately on the way up in the fashion world.
Saw loads of guys with braces on this weekend
Wore my braces out and about all weekend and must have saw about 6 or 7 other guys wearing braces as well, a couple even stopped and spoke to me about them when we passed in the street.
Not sure about the Union Jack ones Lee but good for you sporting your braces with the wedding crowd. As I have started to wear braces I have noticed more guys wearing them maybe it is becasue I am looking out for them more or maybe it is just an uptune in the number of guys wearing them. I was even behind a guy in Top Man and he had a pair of black braces in his hand waiting to buy them.
The last of the belt wearers have been won over
Hi Guys since I got my mate Paul to start wearing braces we have slowly converted most of the guys in our office over to wearing braces and this week the last 2 guys came into work with braces on… How Cool Is That.
They both siad they would buck the trend but decided over the weekend to each buy braces and joind the rest of us. It is so funny to see what is now 8 guys wearing braces around the office. If one of them does not have them on one day the other start asking questions why so looks like there is no way out of the braces wearing or you get slagged off for not wearing them…Can’t believe in 1 month all those guys have followed the trend. So who can beat that?
Just an update from my work place
Hi not beeen on for a whlie but after Ricky’s great success in his work place I can add that 3 and sometimes 4 of the guys who work beside me often wear braces to work these days. At first people commented (all good of course) but now it is just seen as the norm for us to wear braces. We keep trying to get this other guy to wear a pair but he is not up for it, don’t know why I think he is just a bit shy. Even brought a pair in for him to try but he would not have a go…any suggestions on how to get him to try braces as I am sure he would stick with them once he tried them?
Hi Ricky
My boss at the depot asked all our drivers whether they would wear braces as part of our uniform if they had the company logo on them. We usually wear blue shirts and jeans with a grey jacket when it’s cold, and the company colours would be grey braces with a black company logo. The cost per pair would be in excess of £25 as they would be customised and low volume so he would want value for money. I understand that 17 out of 26 voted for the braces, although only 4 have followed my lead so far, so whilst I can’t get your 100% in braces, it will be interesting to see how many actually follow the trend. The customised braces will take about 4 weeks to be made so I will keep you posted if this thread keeps going that long! it has slowed of late.
Hi guys
Dad liked the narrow braces I gave him for Easter, and has fortunately ditched the wide ones he was wearing, which are now consigned to gardening duties! I now feel much more relaxed when out with him in public – it has surprised me how much more modern they seem – a great update of a fashionable and comfortable accessory, which never embarrassed me, but I couldn’t realise why until now. Cmoe on guys, give them a try – the ladies love them!
Guy in work going to take a pair of braces home and try them
Ha Ha the guy in work who would not even try a pair of braces on has given in to the pressure and agreed to take home a pair of braces and try them on, don’t know why he wont try them in work but at least is is going to give them a try at home tonite. It will be so cool if he wears them to work tomorrow as he is the last guy in the office still wearing a belt, but somehow I can’t see him wearing them to work I think he is just a bit too shy.
Anyone else had this much trouble trying to get a mate to try a pair of braces on I can’t belive this guy has been so difficult to convert. I will let you know any updates.
Just out a meeting in work and 2 guys were wearing braces.
Hey just had to update you guys that I am just out a meeting in work and 2 of the guys there were wearing braces. I had never met these guys before they were new clients both young guys about mid-late 20′s. They cam in all suited and booted and before the meeting strated they both took off jackets and were sporting braces, nice skinny ones.
I of couse just had to take my jacket off but I waiting until the coffee break and both started talking to me right away when they saw me with my braces on as well. It just felt so comfortable and normal to be there with braces on and these guys looked like they wear them all the time.
Braces always seem to start up a conversation with guys.
Can’t believe the guy in work wore braces today
Wow I did not expect that…The guy we have been trying to get to wear a pair of braces has come in today with them on. I gave him a pair of skinny Navy ones to try at home last nite and he has come in this morning with them on. He looks good and suits them very well. Pale Blue shirt skinny Navy braces and a skinny Nave tie. He look so different and it has improved his sytle so much.
He has said when he tried them on last nite that he thought they look great on him and that encouraged to wear them to work today and knowing that a few of us already wore braces he said he felt safe and comfortable giving them a go at work. He has had loads of good comments so far today so I think he is on a high with his new style and image.
I think we may of at last converted him to wearing braces. Just hope he goes out and buys a few pairs for himself and I get my pair I loaned him back off him again.
I need a bit of real advice from real guys out there…
I have just found this website but it looks like it has run out of steam. I have been searching the web for a topic like and found this site. I want to change over to wearing braces but don’t have the guts to do it. I have read all the tread and it sounds like loads of you have gone thru the same as I am going thru now.
I have a few pairs of braces and have worn them around the house or out when I knew they would not be seen but I just feel daft with this hang up that I can’t bring myself to wear them out in public or even in from of my mates or family. Why is that?
I know people say just go for it and things like that but it is not easy to just do that. I would love to just turn up a work wearing braces like some of you guys have done or even go out with them on in front of my mates but I just can’t bring myself to do it.
Any advice would be great as it is getting to me. I know once I get over this it will be fine, like you all say but it is just that initial push I need. Help me Guys !!!
Hi George
You obviously appreciate the comfort of braces, but are not yet quite sure of whether you can rock the style. I was in exactly the same situation, and have come through it successfully. I now feel totally at home in my braces in company (and my stomach appreciates not being pinched by tight pants or a belt), but it did take time and perseverence. I am happy to “mentor” you – just let me know your age, workplace, family connections and weight, and I will happily share my experiences and suggestions with you.
Get in touch.
Hi Adam – Thanks for the offer of help and “mentor” – I think I need it.
I am 25 years old and work & live in the UK in a busy office. I am tall and of normal built and like to think I am trendy at work, tend to wear dress trousers, shirt & tie. I like you comment about being able to “rock the style” I want to be able to do that as I think the style and look of a guy in braces is great. It is a mixed office where I work with all different age groups. I have never seen anyone wear braces in the office but I know a couple of the young guys have worn them out as I have seen their pic’s on facebook. I just think after reading all the guys comments on here that I should just bite the bullet and wear them but it is that first big step to take that gets me. I don’t think anyone has ever seen me with my braces on. Maybe like a few of the guys here say once someone starts to wear them others will follow and it would be great to see a few more guys at work wear braces, so at least I don’t feel the odd one out.
My family and friends are great and I am sure they would not bother but again just that initial step of letting them see me in my braces that holds me back. I don’t even think I have ever seen my Dad with braces before let alone my brothers, but I think my younger brother may have worn a pair of his mates once. Not sure how to even ask him as he will wonder why I am asking about braces. I am sure if any of my mates had braces I would have seen them wear them before now.
Yes Adam and anyone else..please share you experience and give me some suggestions
Hey guys I think we need to help George out here.
Let’s give George a bit of support and get over the hurdle of wearing braces in public. We took a few weeks to get the guys in our office to wear them but as I said the last guy wore a pair yesterday and has stuck with them again today. George you need to maybe test the waters with people you don’t know first maybe just out and about at weekend or maybe in a shop to get confidence that the only comments you will get will be good ones.
You say you have seen pic’s of some of your workmate on facebook so just tell him you saw the pic’s and mention the braces style looked good and see what he says in reply. He may talk about them and that is your chance to say you always fancied wearing a pair to work and you never know he may suggest that he wears his as well if you do. I know it is hard to get over that first time in public but it will be all worth it as so many have done before
Hi George
Guys wear braces for two reasons – as a fashion statement, and there is a trend towards this at present, and for comfort, and who would deny anyone the right to be comfortable? So why do most guys get so uptight at taking the plunge? I think it lies with view (UK only) that braces are underwear, and should not be seen. Anyone who has ever worn braces will know how difficult it is to hide them all the time.
It is very easy to say just go for it, but very difficult for most guys. I even struggled to pluck up the courage to buy a pair at first. Try the following suggestions to help.
- choose narrow or regular width braces in plain muted colours so they don’t draw attention to you. Black with a black shirt is a good start.
- reveal your braces to strangers at first. Visit a place where you are unlikely to be recognised. I used to drive in mine before I broke cover locally.
- drip feed your new style to your family anf friends first, and preferably when they are on their own or in small groups. They are unlikely to be rude or hurtful, and may offer constructive comment, If they are true friends they won’t upset or fall out with you, and should admire your individuality.
- try not to appear self-conscious. I would not tale my jacket off in a room of people to show my braces, but found it easier to arrive first at lectures at Uni. I got murmurs of approval, and no adverse comments, so in your work environment, be first in, working at your desk in your braces. You say you have seen younger guys in braces from your office on facebook so maybe you will start a trend.
Good luck, and keep me posted.
Hi George
Would echo the comments made by Adam. I would suggest trying to engineer an accidental sighting by a close friend or family. I was out with my mates when a guy spilt a beer over my jacket. I had to remove it in the Gents to give it a quick sponge down, and of course could not hide my braces or my embarrassment. However, nobody said a word, and I have been wearing my braces openly ever since, Looking back, it was the best thing that could have happened.
Hi Adam & Marc thank’s the inputs.
I want to wear mine for the fashion style, but also like the comfort. I think it is that in the UK you don’t see many guys wearing braces, although I think a few wear them under suits jackets.
I have a couple of pairs both narrow and dark colours think I will try your idea of black on black or with maybe a very dark grey shirt or t-shirt so they can be seen a bit if someone catches a glimpse of them, as you say is must be difficult to keep them hidden all the time. I like the idea of revealing them to a stranger first and maybe going to a petrol station or a corner shop would be a good way to test out the reaction. Should I say anything to the person at the counter about wearing braces or just see if they comment. I read someone suggested saying something like being talked into or forced into wear these braces for the day just to try and get some reaction.
I may think about trying them out on my younger brother as I think he may have worn his mates on a night out once so maybe he would be okay with them. Maybe ask him round and have them on when I answer the door. At least if he is on his own it may no be too bad and I will know if he is cool with them or not. Maybe find out if he has worn a pair before and see how he thinks they will do down with the rest of my family and mates.
Hey Marc I do like your idea of trying to engineer and accident, I never thought of that but if I can let my Brother see me in them first I will gauge his reaction and see what he thinks about me wearing them out with my mates. If all goes well and I do take the plunge I think I may try what you say and maybe spill beer or something over my arm or my jacket and have to take it off to clean it. Not sure what my mate’s reaction will be but maybe after a few beers I will feel more relaxed about letting them see my braces.
Not sure if I am ready for wearing them to work but I do like the idea of maybe arriving earlier and being at my desk without my jacket on as the other come in, that was I wont have the dread of sitting them waiting to take my jacket off and the should I / Should I not situation. At least if I am at my desk they will all see me as the come in and it would not be a grand unveiling of the braces more a gradual being seen with wearing braces as people come into the office. If I have the guts to ever wear them to work I think I will mention to the guy I saw on facebook that I had seen his pic’s and see why he does not wear his braces to work as well.
Wow it is a lot to take in and a big challenge to take on..But why not !!!
Hey George
Mate, I know just how you feel, ‘cos I was there six months ago. Now I am sitting at my laptop typing this in a blue shirt, blue jeans and matching braces, with my parents, sister and older bro in the room, with no embarrassment whatsoever. They are totally comfortable with my style, altho neither my bro or Dad has followed suit, but my Mum thinks my braces look great as she can no longer see my underpants – well i was always untidy round my non-existant waist LOL!
I have worn braces for about a year, but at work always kept them hidden under my jacket, until the airconditioning broke, and I felt so faint I just had to “go public”. There were a few jokes and comments by my workmstes, but having weathered the storm, they actually commented more on the odd occasion when I did not wear braces, and so my comfort zone grew. Most of my male friends and workmates have been curious, and I know several are plucking up courage to try a pair. Once you have been seen in your braces the whole concern goes away.
best of luck.
Hi George
I would certainly suggest that you do not try to start a conversation about your braces with strangers. I did initially when I started wearing them, but was left with silence. If guys want to comment, they will, without any prompting. Making conversation will merely show how self-conscious and uncertain you are about your new style. just wear them and make out it is perfectly normal, after all, they are sold in all major men’s fashion stores at the moment.
George
Think I amy have gone over the top with my analysis, but it does show the agonies I went through before I dared to let the world see that I wore braces. now I look back, I do wonder what the fuss was all about. A few of my friends are converts, and nobody has fallen out with me. i am comfortable with my style, and so is my stomach!!! To hell with tight belts!
Hi George
I have followed this thread for several months without having the courage to contribute, because I was where you are now. You want your own style, but lack confidence. Fear not – my gf caught me in my braces when I thought she had gone out for the day, and I was mortified, but she did not say a word, and several days later she asked me why I had ditched the braces when she saw my underpants peeking above my jeans. I made some excuse, but she said I ought to wear them more as she thought they were very sexy, and looked smart.
I wore them in her company but not in public until a group of my mates dropped in unexpectedly, when I was expecting her and it turned out to be them instead. They were all genuinely interested in why I had switched from belt to braces, and I said i just fancied a change. We all went for a drink at my local, and i didn’t have the opportunity to change, but the barman and everyone else in the Pub just acted as normal, so I finally felt my braces had been accepted, and I have now happily carried on wearing them.
I think as long as you appear caught out rather than leading the style your mates will not even raise the subject.
Keep me posted.
George mate, we guys have little choice in ways to keep our pants up – it’s belt or braces, and let’s face it, belts are boring (and not very efficient). The are generally in black or brown leather, and everybody wears them. Braces are a statement – they show individuality and can really add a new dimension to your outfit. They are becoming more fashionable, and can be bought in many great colours and patterns – I have about a dozen pairs, and wear them proud!
Just go for it, you’ll wonder what all the fuss was about!
Hi guys
Still doing the markets and car boots, and now the weather has warmed up, I have shed my woolies and displayed my wares, i.e. my braces. The thing I have noticed is that since being seen in braces my customers have become younger.Yes, i still have my middle aged and older punters, but the lads aged 15 to 21 have gained the courage to ask what size thay need , and which sort I would recommend. (I generally suggest clip-on as most trousers don’t have buttons, and ‘X’back as two clips are safer than one on the ‘Y’ style). They are coming back the following week for alternative colours. I cannot get enough from my supplier, they really are the trend for 2011!
George
Todays news is tomorrows history. When i was dozing in front of a warm fire last winter and my sis and gf unclipped my braces, I came to and stood up to go to the loo. My jeans just dropped to the floor – that was bad enough, but as it was a freezing cold day, i was caught in my long johns. The girls tittered, but did agree not to tell anyone. Two days later, half of Barnsley knew i wore unfashionable thermals, and it seemed like the end of the world. Today, I still have all my friends, and although they and my family don’t let me forget my embarrassment on occasions, we all have a good laugh about it. I still wear braces, and will succomb to my long johns in winter, but the world has moved on and no longer cares.
George, good luck – just be yourself and don’t take life too seriously. But do let us know how you get on.
Wow that was an interesting weekend…
Thanks for all the feedback guys it is a great encouragement. I did get a bit further this weekend. I wore my braces while out driving and had to put fuel in the car and was in a busy garage filling up and then going to pay for the fuel. No one said anything buy I could feel by heart racing as I stood there in public with my braces on.
Later at night things got even better. I was going out with a few mates and one of them stopped by at my place before we went out. I was still busy getting ready and he came into my room and spotted the jeans I had on today on the chair with my braces still attached. He picked them up and asked what this was and was I trying out a new fashion. I must have gone scarlet as I did not think about my jeans and braces sitting there and him finding them, but I was found out for sure by pure accident. He asked if I had been wearing them and I told him I had just tried them to see what they were like to wear.
He wanted to see them on me so insisted I put them on. He thought they looked great and had said he was thinking about getting some before but did not buy them after all. He was trying to get me to wear them out that night and insisted I kept them on but I was a bit too nervous for that, but kept them on while in the house and had a few drinks with him before we went out. He still kept on at me to wear them and eventually he convinced me to wear them out. I was going to wear a jacket anyway so knew I could keep them covered but at the first pub we went into he announced to checkout my braces and pulled the jacket off me. The guys just cheers and pinged them a bit but it soon calmed down and I found myself standing there drinking with my mates while wearing my braces.
A couple of the guys later said they thought the braces look was good, and well done for me giving them a go out at the pubs. I told them my other mate had forced me to wear them out but they said they liked the style and said loads of other guys were them these days. I felt on high all night and once my mates had seen them and not bothered I felt much more comfortable, sure the few drinks must have helped and all you guys comments and encouragement.
Not sure about family and work mates yet, maybe that will have to be another battle.
Oh No – Pictures of me on Facebook wearing my braces.
I can’t believe it my mates have uploaded and tagged me in pictures from the weekend and they have some of me out at the pub wearing my braces. God and there was me trying to ease myself into wearing braces and now the whole world can see them. I know a lot of my work mates are on facebook as friends too and my brother also so they are sure to see them.
So what do I do and how do I explain if anyone does see the pictures? No one has said anything yet but the pictures have just been uloaded so I am waiting on the flack to start hitting me. Ever wished you have never been forced into something my a mate, I think I will kill him for talking me into wearing the braces out and pulling my jacket off.
Maybe a good thing in the long run but I will wait and see what happens and if anyone notices the picture.
Hi george
Sounds like a great weeekend. Everything fell into place. Your mates have done you agreat favour by posting pics on Facebook – it will show everyone you are not embarrassed by your braces, and have developed an individual style.
As for your workmates, they will probably expect you to be wearing your braces if they see the pics, so i would go for it withoiut hesitation.
With regard to your family, you may well be surprised. My Mom said how smart i looked, my bro joked he wouldn’t be seen dead with me and then produced a pair of his own, sis and bf said nothing, and my Dad congratulated me in growing up as he had always liked braces but did not wear them in case he embarrassed me. It made the family bond somehow stronger.
Let us know how it goes.
Cheers Tom – yes I think it went well – Unexpected exposure
Damn That Facebook – You get away with nothing do you lol
I have had loads of comments back on facebook asking about my braces and a couple of the guys in work have commented that I should wear them to work on day. One of my other mates has said if he knew I had braces he would have worn his out before.
My brother text me last night asking if those braces were mine or did I borrow them as he said he borrowed a pair of his mates once and wore them on, I did say I thought he had worn braces before. I told him they were mine but did not intend to have them seen all over facebook. I said he liked them and said he may get a pair himself now that he has seen me wearing braces.
In work today the two guys have already asked why I don’t have my braces on today but I have said I am a bit too embarrassed to wear my braces to work and only worn them the other night after I had a few drinks and my mate talked me into it. They have said I should wear them and go for it but I still feel a bit funny about wearing them to work.
I know what someone said about just going in early and sitting there with mybraces on but I still don’t know if I should take the leap to wearing them to work. Sounds liek my brother is cool with them so maybe the family will be fine but again still a big step to take. Seeing pictures is one thing but walking in wearing braces is another.
Any suggestions or help with the next step?
Pressure to wear my braces to work.
I have had loads of flack today about the pictures of me in my braces on facebook and the guys at work are pressurising me to wear them to work. I know it would be a laugh for them and I am sure I could cope with them but I have to go to meetings etc. and I don’t often wear a jacket so if I did wear my braces to work how would I explain them to other people in the meetings I go to or elsewhere within the building where they don’t know about the story of the facebook pictures, I can’t explain that story to everyone I meet.
Am I just being silly or not, but I do still have a hang up about being seen wearing braces, pictures on facebook is one thing but walking about the office and going to meetings etc. is a different thing all together.
Wish I had the same guts as some of you guy had to just go for it. Any suggestions ???
Well Done George, sounds like you have been pushed through the initail waering of braces in public with such speed and vigor I am sure you are still a bit dazed by it all Ha Ha.
See no one bothers and it sounds like your mates were fine and liked the new style. Your workmates are, I am sure pushing you a bit but maybe they just want you to be the first and others may follow. Give your braces an outing tomorrow at work as it is Friday and a few guys on here have said about being a more casual dress day, maybe you could get away with it. Why not talk to those workmates who are pushing you the wear them and suggest they wear braces as well and a few of you could make a style statement in the office tomorrow. Sounds like maybe some of them could have a pair of braces in their wardrobe but just need the chance to wear them.
George,
You have made such great progress, and the facebook outing was more of a help than you have realised. If your braces are on show to the world (and why not?), why should you bother about going to a few meetings wearing them? We all feel slightly uncomfortable at showing what was once regarded as underwear, but where did this hang-up come from? The photos in my family album of years ago show many of the guys in their braces, and my cousins from the States are totally relaxed bout wearing their “suspenders” in public on both sides of the pond.
Mate, you have come so far so quickly, just go for it whilst the impetus is still with you. I would have been mortified in Dean’s situation but he has come through his embarrassments unscathed.
If you can’t face the office this week, try your family over the weekend. All will be fine.
Sorry George
I meant Dale’s comments, not Dean, who s a mate staying over and interrupted me.
OMG Wore my braces to work today
I can’t believe I have done this but I have my braces on in work today. My work mates kept on at me so much yesterday that I eventully gave in and said I would were them today.
I used the suggestion of Black shirt and my Black braces so it does not stand out too much, but everyone has still noticed right away. Great comments that have given me a boost in confidence. A few silly remarks, to be expected but most think they look good. I don’t think my workmates beleived I would wear them and think they were a bit shocked when I was there at my desk this morning with my braces on.
Family is the next thing but I need to build up to that, at least my brother knows about the facebook picture so he should be supportive. What a week this has been considering I would have died to be seen in my braces this time last week.
Ha Ha one of my workmates brought his braces too.
The guy I had seen on facebook with braces has brought a pair into work and just put them on. He said he never thought I would wear them but he brought him in his bag just incase I did. When he saw me in mine he has gone and changed his belt for his braces and came back in the office laughing what we were like twins, everyone had a great laugh at that.
He has black skinny braces as well but with a White shirt and black skinny tie so his stand out a lot more than mine. I can’t stop feeling great right now. The question is will I be able to continue wearing them next week or should I go back to a belt and keep the braces for casual Friday’s only.
No meeting today so no need to worry about that situation. If the rest of the day goes well I may think about wearing them to my parents house after work and just see how it goes, get it all over in one day so to speak, then I can have a damn good drink tonight and relax about it.
Chickend out on Monday but wearing my braces today.
Hi guys after last weeks events and being able to wear my braces in public for the first time ever I got the jitters yesterday and did not wear them to work. A few people comments about me not wearing my braces and asked if that was just a once off. A few people said they liked the new look and that it suited me so I have plucked up the courage to wear my braces again today.
I did as suggsted before and have come in early, taken off my coat and sat at my desk working away. I will just pretend it is natural for me to be wearing them and see what people say today. Wow this feels so great.
If all goes well I am planning to go to my parents house tonight after work so think I may just keep on my braces and see what reactions I get. Ha Ha just realised I don’t have my belt with me so I will need to wear my braces anyway to my parents house, omg forced into another outing with my braces on. Just hope they are fine with it, my brotehr should be there as well so we will see how it goes.
Hey Well Done George
Hi mate good for you, see it was not painfull was it lol. I just knew if you wore them that someone else would follow and sounds like your workmate has done that. Good for you wearing them again today. I have read a few guys who have stopped and struggled to start wearing them again so goo on you mate. So any big meetings to attend, that will be a good test for your confidance. Let us know how the family like your new style tonite when you go there, and please do keep them on as you have come so far only the family left.
I am still wearing my braces most of the time and don’t think twice about it. I still think it is funny that I never even thought about wearing braces until I read this thread and now I have been converted, the power of the interner Ha Ha. Keep in touch mate
Yeah good on you George m8. Just so funny that after all that time of you worrying about being seen wearing braces you are now bold as brass out there with them on full show and even wearing them to work, as well as getting one of your mates to wear his as well – good on you m8. We are still strong braces wearers in our office, most of the guys have stuck with them, a few falter now and again but always end up wearing braces again before the week is out, must be peer presure or somthing. Keep us updated on your nite with the family.
Great day at work wearing my braces.
Things have gone great today and I am glad I took the step to wear my braces again today, not sure if I will wear braces every day but at least a few times a week to just keep them out there after all I have been through this week to start wearing them.
I am going to wear them to my parents house tonight and am just leaveing work soon to go there. I just feel that after all the public showing of my braces I should not be bothered about my family seeing them, so I will let you know how it goes. Wish me luck lol…
Wore my braces to my parents house.
Hi guys well I did it and I wore my braces from work to my parents last night. My Mum just said “very smart” and my Dad said he remembers wearing braces years ago and had noticed a few of the young guys wearing them again nowadays.
My brother came in with his boyfriend and they both wanted to try them on. Was so funny to see them wearing my braces but they both suited them. My Mum even said they should get a pair each and the 3 of us could start a trend. My brothers boyfriend did say that loads of guys are starting to wear braces again and maybe they would think about buys a pair for each of them.
Well I think I have now well and trully got over the braces in public thing and just so glad it all went so well. Cheers guys for ll the help and support you have given me.
Good on you mate – Welcome to the worls of wearing braces lol
See no big deal, just go for it like everyone says.
Have we no more new guys on this thread wondering about how to shake off this funny “can’t be seen thing” and start wearing braces, sure we can get a few more over this hurdle and out there with their braces on show to the world.
Hi Guy’s I just typed in a search about should I wear braces to a wedding and this site came up on the list. It has taken me ages to read all the comments but it was great reading. I am going to a wedding function and thought about wearing braces as a bit of a different thing to do. Bit of a laugh but I have heard they make a suit look better when you wear them. I was just looking for ideas and about wearing braces and if they did make suits look better etc. I have read about loads of you guys having hang-ups about wearing braces but I am happy to just give them a try out at the wedding. I was going to go for a funny pair but reading the comments I think I will stick to a more plain pair to match my suit & tie. I just want to make a statement at the wedding and look a bit different to the rest of the guest’s. Any idea’s or suggestions?
Hi Charlie2
Weddings are a great time to start wearing braces,as they bring a degree of formality and will certainly make your trousers hang better. They are also more comfortable as you can wear the waist slightly looser thereby accomodating the excess of food and drink you will enjoy at the occasion.
I would stick with plain braces, in a similar tone to you shirt and/or tie. Just appear confident in them if you remove your jacket and I am sure they will get you many admiring glances.
Enjoy the day.
Charlie
Much as i love my braces, I would resist the urge to wear a “funny” pair unless you want to play the clown. Most guys I know would love to have your “couldn’t care less attitude” to be seen wearing braces, but at a wedding you don’t want to wreck the photos by wearing a pair that is anyway less than classy. Go for a dark colour to match your suit, or a pair that tone with your tie or cravat. You will be the star of the show.
Hi Ricky
How I support your move to get more guys wearing their braces in public. From a female perspective, I think you lads look mean and moody in braces, but you have this strange hang-up. I bought my bf a pair of trendy skinny black braces for his Birthday, but to date he has only worn them around the flat. He always covers them up if we go out, although he has said how great he feels when he has them on.
Please encourage him – he lloks so sexy in them!!!
Hi Sue, Cheers for your support.
Good for you buying your bf a pair of braces for his birthday that is a great gift, just got to get him to wear them out. If he likes the feel and style of them then encourge him to wear them out once just to see the reaction he gets. Maybe the local pub or just out for a walk in the park. Nice grey or black jeans and t-shirt and his black braces is a good trendy look.
Get him to wear them out and for a bit of fun both of you watch how many guys (and girls) look at him. Bet you loads of people have a good look as they all like the style, some may even comment on them but I bet by the end of the nite he will feel great about wearing them and all the attention he gets from other people. Loads of celeb’s wear braces these days so he can be in the cool club and help set the trend in your area. I bet you will see other guys out and about wearing braces as well so he does not need to hid them away in the flat or cover them up.
Get him out there and give his braces a try in public – your bf will love the reaction.
Cheers Tom and Adam – Great input on Braces.
Hi Guys taken your advice and went out an bought a pair of Blue skinny braces for the wedding. My suit is Blue with Black piping on the edge and I plan of wearing a White shirt and Blue/Black strip tie. I tried on the outfit last night and it look great. The braces do make a difference to the way the suit trousers hang, much better than a belt.
When I take the jacket off it does look very smart and sure will stand out but not too much as you say, just a nice different touch to have.
I actually tried the braces out on Saturday night and wore them with my jeans and a casual pale Blue shirt when I went out for a few drinks. We ended up in a club later on and I did get a few good comments about my braces. I saw a couple of other guys with braces on as well and it just seemed so natural and stylish to wear them. No hang-ups about wearing them I think just good fashion sense. Roll on the wedding I can’t wait to sow off my new style.
Sure glad I caught this thread, maybe me wearing braces will catch on and last beyond the wedding, you never know.
Hi Charlie, Great to hear someone who can just buy a pair of braces and wear them without any hang-ups about being seen in public with them on. Sounds like you have just the right attitude to life…”just do what you feel is right and don’t worry what others may think” I found out that once I got past the initial stage that no on edid bother and most people do like the look and style of a guy in braces.
Hope you wedding function goes well and great you were able to feedback to us your experience. Let us know how the wedding goes and also if anyone else turns up with braces on.
How many of us on this thread would have loved to just be like Charlie and wear braces without worrying about what others may think, what a great attitude. Anyone else support my thoughts?
Hi guys
Have been browsing this site for ages, trying to pluck up courage to wear my braces in public. I am not disabled, but do have a hip deformity, which means my hips are not level. You can imagine the problems I have keeping any pants up with a belt! Braces are so much more practical for me, yet all through school I was so ribbed whenever I wore braces than I have struggled with impractical belts ever since, and am now 22. My gf has bought me several pairs of braces for special occasions and my mates and bro are totallly understanding of my situation, yet I still cannot bring myself to be seen in public in braces. What is the matter with me? Why do we guys have this hang-up? HELP!
Hi Luke.
Well I don’t know what it is about this hang-up but it is all in the mind I can assure you. I struggled for ages with being see in public wearing my braces. You have said your gf, bro amd mates are cool with it so what is stopping you wearing your braces in public. Most guys biggest problem is with their family and mates and if yoru are cool then no one else is going to bother. The public who you don’t know should be the easiest bit.
I had to setup and try and get caught out wearing my braces to break the ice with my mates, family and work mates. You are already there with your gf buying you braces she must be trying to get you to wear them so why not just start and see what reaction you get. You will find like me and the rest of the guys on this site that most people think they look good and give positive comments. With your hip problem it sounds like a win win situation. You get the best solution for holding up your pants and you also get over your hang-up about wearing them in public. Go for it mate.
Hi George
Many thanks for your encouraging comments. Yes I know it should be easy to strut my braces. My gf is cool about them obviously, as she buys them for me, her bro has worn a pair on occasions, and my bro has offered to wear braces out when with me. And yet I still have this irrational fear of being caught in them, despite the fact that in my case they are more for function than fashion. I have worn a pair around the house and garden, and yet when the postman called, I didn’t answer the door until I had put a cardigan on.
However, I have steeled myself to drive into the country this weekend, and go for a walk in my braces where I am unlikely to meet or know anyone as a starter. Will let you know how I get on, and thanks again for the encouragement.
Hi Charlie
Your wedding outfit sounds great, and how many guys would love your devil may care attitude to being seen in your braces. I would bet that most men have a pair sitting in a drawer that they have tried or wanted to, but cannot pluck up the courage to do so. Shall be interested to hear how you get on.
Hi Tom – Thanks for the reply
Not sure about me having a “devil may care attitude” but I just don’t see any issue with wearing braces and being seen with them on. I see them just as any other item of clothing and I never worry what ayone thinks of me when I wear a wild t-shirt ot whatever so why bother with braces.
I just think they look great and are a good fashion style at the moment. Did you see the guys on Britains Got Talant last night “out of the Blue” they all had on suits white shirts and were all wearing braces as you could see them when they jumped and reached up etc. So if folks can wear them on national TV why should anyone bother.
I think guys should just get rid of this hang-up thing and wear what they like including braces.
You go for it Luke m8. Sounds liek you gf, her Bro and your Bro are all rooting for you to wear your braces, and for your Bro to offer to wear braces with you is great and if your gf Bro have worn them before I don’t see why you can have a problem anymore they are all giving your the best possible support for you to wear your braces in public.
Why not take up your Bro’s offer and maybe get your gf’s Bro to wear his as well and the 3 of you can go out with your braces on together that way you will not feel the odd one out. Bet once you have worn them a few times and got used to people seeing your with them on you will look back and wonder what all the fuss was about. I was like you but once I was outed in mine I don’t think twice now about wearing them. And for you it will help you so much with your hip etc. sounds a “no-brainer” Go for it mate.
Hi Charlie
Sorry if I mis-described your attitude. What I meant was that many guys would love to have no hang-ups about their clothes, and would admire your outlook of just wearing what they like. Unfortunately, many are very self-conscious, and wear what is perceived to be fashion, whether they like it or not.
So Luke…You been out with your braces on yet mate?
Did you go for that walk at the weekend? Bet if you did you feel 100% better about wearing rbaces outside and sure you will have had a few more outings planned. You family are supporting you mate so just go with the flow and wear them you will feel great once you have done so.
Wedding went Great
I just got an email alert from George’s comment he added and it remined me to update you all on the wedding. I wore the braces with my suit and it did look and feel great. Kept my jacket on until after the meal when it was just too warm to keep it on any longer. I got a few cheers when I took off my jacket but everyone thought the braces looked great. Blue suit with black edge pipeing, white tie, blue/Black stripe tie and blue skinny braces.
I thought more braces would have been on show but I was the only one. A few of the young guys said they looked great and wished they had worn thier’s. I found out about 4 of the guys also have braces that they wear out at nites and weekend but they did not wear them to the wedding.
Just felt they were so confortable and was amased how many people commented on them. I never thought a pair of braces would have that amount of impact, but it was great. I felt at ease wearing them so come on guys whats this hang-up thing some of your have. The amount of great commnets I got should be a confidence boost for any guys who wears them. I think I will kep wearing them more often now that I know the type of good comments I get about the style.
Hi George
This weekend has been a revelation, literally! Sunday am dawned, and I had the day to myself. It was fine and warm, so I had a lazy breakfast, and then got dressed for my walk. Chose a pale blue denim shirt and dark blue Levis, deliberately loose enough that they would not stay up without support, and left my belt at home. Clipped my dark blue narrow braces on, and apart from the style immediately felt more comfortable around my gut!
Got cold feet fetching my car and wore a cardigan, but was pleased that on arriving at the carpark at the start of my planned walk it was too warm to keep it on. No turning back now, so I just set off with my braces on full view to the world. Met a number of walkers on route, and most had a few words without any adverse remarks on my attire. Feeling more confident, I decided to stop for a drink and bite at a quiet country pub. The barmaid made me very welcome, although I did sit in a corner after ordering at the bar.
I returned to the car about 4 hours after I started, feeling more confident thsn when I had set out. People had chatted to me and nobody had passed any rude comments, although a group of youths did say something like “great braces mate”, which I suspect was not exactly what they meant!
On the drive home, I passed a soldier in uniform thumbing a lift, and did my good turn for the day. He was heading to his gf’s in my town, and we chatted about his life in the army, and it transpired that on parade the guys still wear braces, which although they liked, always felt self-conscious about in public. he asked me if I regularly wore my braces out and was surprised when I said I did. How’s that for new found confidence?
Kept my bracse on during the evening , and after dark went to the corner shop to buy coffee which had run out. Again no reaction, although I did feel several guys were doing a double-take.
WOW, went to bed happy at what I had achieved. sadly by morning, my resolve to wear my braces to work had weakened, but with your encouragement, will try later in the week.
Cheers M8.
Hi Ricky, and others
True to his word, my boss had our company logo braces waiting for us at the depot on Mon morning, and even said there would be a small bonus in our pay packets at the end of the week if we wore them. Most of the guys were up for it anyway, and I think even those who voted against are having second thoughts! I wish I had had a video camera – the sight of around 20 guys undoing their belts and then struggling to fix their braces to their pants was something to behold!
Will let you know how many last the course!
Hi Charlie
Great Wedding and great comments on your braces – and you agreed how comfortable they were. What a great recommendation to self-conscious guys to go with their braces and enjoy dispensing with uncomfortable tight belts (which still let your pants slip down). I never fear giving mine an outing in public, and always get rave reviews!!
Hi Luke – Well that was a good weekend you had.
So glad you went for it and wore your braces in public, see no one bothers. Great about picking up the Army guy in uniform, so I take it he did not have his braces on that day. Anyway great you were able to chat about braces and felt comfortable wearing them all day. Thats one day down just take each day as they come and you will feel after a few outing that you no longer have any hang-up abour being see in your braces.
Get a work mate to come over and catch you in your braces or something so that at least one person at work will have seen them and then talk to him about wearing them to work, bet he will encourge you to give them a go at work and at least you can always say that he forced you into wearing them for a laugh, once worn and the ice broken you can then wear them now and again and then swap over to them more often.
Hey mate you are on your way lol.
Hi George
Didn’t wear my braces to work last week – fear that if I got an adverse reaction i had got to see the same folk every day i suppose. However, a new recruit joined the office on Friday, and just breezed in with his jacket slung over his shoulder, wearing a classy pair of grey braces for everyone to see. The girls were all over him and the guys seemed to approve, so here I am at my desk today proudly sporting my braces. The new guy doesn’t have his on today, but a couple of others do, so I do not feel too nervous.
Will let you know how we get on.
Hey Luke, good for you, see just takes on eto start it and others follow. Sounds liek the new guy had no hang-ups starting a new job and wearing braces the first day shows real style and confidence. You stick with the braces mate and show the rest of the office you have style as well.
Great to hear a few other have braces on as well, sounds like they were all just waiting for the first guy to wear them and then they all jumped in and wore them as well. I bet a load of guys out there have a pair of braces in there drawer and just need the chance to wear them.
Yes George, I have stuck with my braces having broken the ice. The new guy (Dom) has also come in his braces on a couple of days. He spoke to me in the office dining room and admitted he was embarrassed on his first day when nobody else was wearing braces in our office, as in his previous place there were quite a few in evidence. However, now that a few are going with them, he is more than happy to wear his as he just hates belts.
Hi all
This site has really opened my eyes. I was given braces for my Birthday a few months ago by my bro, my flatmate, and my gf, and just threw them in a drawer as I was too embarrassed to contemplate wearing them. As time has passed, each has made small hints about me not liking their presents, so i am sure they were not meant as jokes, but I feel I shall have to try them at some stage in the near future. But I am only 20, and work on a building site, where butts and boxers on show are the usual sights. Help!!
Hi Luke, Glad to hear you and Dom are leading the way in your office. Sounds like his last place had a few braces wearer’s Like a lot of people have said on this thread in the work place once someone starts wearing braces other will follow, just takes one to start.
Hey Henry. I work on a site too but am mainly office based but do go on-site once/twice a week and wear my braces around the office all the time.
Your mates & gf bought you braces to wear not to stuff in your drawer so get them on mate. Best worn out a nite to the pub or clubs. You must see other guys wearing braces when you are out yourself and I am sure they don’t feel embarrassed about them. Give them a go one night when your mates and gf are with you so you can always slag them off for buying them if anyone did comment on them. Tell your mates you will only wear them if they get a pair as well and you all wear braces, that would look great and I bet in a few weeks time you will see loads more guys wearing them once you set the trend. Let us know what you do.
Wow what a web site.
I got this web site from my mate Grant who I met at a wedding at the weekend. I have known him for ages but never met up recently until the wedding. It was so funny as I tossed and and turned a bit about wearing my braces with my suit to the wedding as was not sure how they would go down. I kept my jacket on during the meal and was talking to Grant afterwards at the bar when a couple of other guys walked into the bar, took of their jackets and they both had braces on. I right away said to them that I now don’t feel that bad as I too had braces on and right away took off my jacket to show. Grant burst out laughing and I thought he was laughing at my braces but he just said that makes 4 of us and he too had braces on. We all had a good laugh at that funny situation. The other guys planned to wear them together anyway and it was just by chance Grant and me had ours on.
He went on to tell us about this web site and said we had to have a read of it and see how many other guys out there do like wearing braces. I have spend ages reading this site and think it is great. I can understand why some guys feel a bit awkward about wearing braces as not that many guys do let them be seen, I am sure more are worn than we all think, just never shown lol. I don’t know why anyone should bother these days as they are very common around and the more guys who wear them and show them the more we will see.
Just had to leave a comment after all the reading I have done, just nice to know their is a strong group of guys out there who like to keep the braces style going.
Welcome William
I am one of those lucky guys who has no problem with being seen in his braces, but I was glad to read your comment, as it proves my point that once you have broken the ice, you will find far more support (sorry for the pun) than you thought! I also take the view that since most guys now dispense with ties, the best way to jazz up a boring suit or shirt and pants is with a pair of braces. They are not only comfortable and practical, but also fun and loved by the gals.
I just take the view that I would not look down on, or comment on the young guys who show their underpants these days, so why should I feel awkward at wearing braces.
Hi George
Thanks for your support and encouragement. Deceided to give the widest pair of my gifted braces an outing to the building site. Started in Tee shirt and jeans with braces covered by a cotton slipover,but it soon became too hot and had to shed the slipover. I could feel the eyes of my brickie mates on me, but nobody in earshot made any comment, and at lunchbreak the foreman remarked how my productivity had increased to the other guys, and said it must be because I was not constantly hitching my pants up. he even suggested that other should follow my lead and wear braces, so it will be interesting to see if they do. Yes, I did feel uncomfortable at first, but by the end of the day I really couldn’t care less what the other guys thouhgt of my braces, and plan to continue enjoying them!
Hey Guys – Wore my braces to work today…
I normaly only wear my braces with my suit but after reading all the comments on here I decided to wear them to work today, which I have never done before. Not that I was bothered about wearing them before just that no one else had worn braces in work before and I never gave it a thought about wearing them until I was reading this thread.
I wore my suit trousers as they have the buttons on them and as yet I don’t have a pair of clip-on braces for my other trousers or jeans (must buy a pair). I just walked in as normal today took my jacket off and got to work. It has just taken to now for one of my work mates to go past and ping my braces, which is the first reaction I have had. He just laughed but said he liked the new look. I did say I had worn them loads of times before but never to work. A couple of the other guys chipped in and said they liked the look as well and they said they too had braces and they suggested they should wear them tomorrow to keep me company. I just say yes why not guys join the club. So we will see if they do wear them tomorrow or not but it just confirms that once one person wears them others will follow. Sounds like loads of guys must have braces hidden in their drawer but just need the initial push to wear them out and about.
I will let you know if these guys turn up with their braces on tomorrow
Hi guys
Watched “The One Show” with my gf tonight, who pointed out how much more manly Matt Baker looked in his braces. I said I thought he looked as if he had just come in from the garden, but she insisted how mean and fashionable he was, and pointed me to this site which she had been folllowing with interest as she wanted to get me wearing braces! I said that even he made some comment at the end about not being let in if Gok Wan had been on the show, but she is insistent that I will look great in braces. I am sure I will just be too embarrassed to wear them, even after all the encouragement of this thread. HELP!!!!
Hi James – I missed Matt Baker but he has worn his braces on the show before, and yes he does look good in them. Sounds like you gf is wanting you to wear braces so whats the deal. Go with her and buy a pair and you can try them on at home. Go for a nice skinny pair, not the wide ones.
If she is keen for you to wear them try them out a home and see how they look. Try with a few different outfits and you and her will know the outfits they go best with. Wear them around the house to get used to them and then go for it mate. If you go out and about with her it will be fine and bet she will think you look great with your braces on. Most guys on here have said they struggled and they did not know what others may think of them bu as your gf is pushing you to wear braces then you have it on a plate mate.
Just try them first and then have the odd outside outing and like most of the guys on here you will find yourself hooked on braces and I bet some of your mates will start to wear them too once they see you in your braces, maybe their gf’s will push them into buying braces as well.
Hi George
Thanks for the advice, mate, but swmbo beat you to it! We went shopping, as usual on Saturday, and I was dragged into a few shops to check ou their braces. I managed to refuse several – too wide, button on (my pants don’t do buttons), too bright, too patterned, but then she found a pair of skinny dark grey clip-on ones which I couldn’t find any excuse for declining, so she treated me. I was trapped, and I knew it. I was due to have a meal with her and her parents that evening, so back home I tried my braces on a few outfits, as I knew I would be in trouble if I was not wearing my present. I settled on a mid grey suit which I always liked but whose pants were too loose to wear without a belt, and was surprised how comfortable it felt with the braces.
I arrived at her parents house, to find to my dismay that we were going out to a local upmarket restaurant, rather than the cosy meal at home which I was expecting. Still, I could always keep my jacket on I thouhgt. The room was baking, and I considered going to the loo to remove my braces so I could remove my jacket, but knew that whilst I was seated I would be ok, when I stood up, my pants would need a helping hand to stay up. Fortunately, I did spot a couple of guys in the room were wearing braces, and when my prospective father in law removed his coat to reveal a pair of wide maroon braces, I breathed a sigh of relief, and shed my coat as well. He made some comment about how unusual it was to find a young man (I’m 19) sensible enough to wear braces, and my gf said it was her idea. He was well impressed that I listened to his daughter, and the evening passed off very enjoyably. However, I still felt more comfortable when we left the restaurant and I put my jacket back on.
Back home, I nonchalantly walked in and slung my jacket on a chair, without realising my brother and his mate were in the darkened room. He laughed and asked if I had been out with my braces on show. Although his mate said he thought they looked cool, I lied and said of course I had covered them up, so I am not sure if I have the guts to wear them in public again, although I fess they were very efficient – my shirt stayed tucked in, and my pants did not sag.
Perhaps when I am older!
Hey James whats the problem ???
You said you liked the style, the comfort and your gf’s parents liked them, even you brothers mates thought they were cool. I bet you brother also liked them and his laugh was not intended to be negative. You said other guys in the restaurant had braces on as well…so no problem !!!
Sounds like you got over the intial wearing of them out in public so I don’t know why you are worried about wearing them again. You will find the more times you wear them the more natural it feels and you will after a few more outing with your braces not think twice about wearing your braces in public. And of course show them off…they are a great style and image that you should promote and I bet once your mates see you wearing braces a few of them will follow.
What do you think mate, you going to wear them again ?
Hi James I agree with George, get those braces on and wear them out and proud lol. Your gf and family are cool so get them on and let your mates and work colleagues see them as well.
I used to wear mine only with my suit until the other weekend when I was at a wedding and met a few guys also wearing braces. I have now started to wear them to work and bought a pair of clip-on ones that I can wear with my other non-button trousers. A couple of my work colleagues joked a bit when I first wore them to work but they admitted that they also had also worn braces outside work and agreed to wear then to work. They have both worn them now a few days each and said they would never have done it unless they saw me first with my braces on. Now that you have got your braces, worn them out in public and the family have seen the “what’s the problem” just wear them now you feel comfortable with them and after all it is your own style so go for it. Bet others will follow, they always do. A few more outings and you will be fine and do give them a go at work, first day will feel strange but the next it will be forgotten about and your style will become a trend setter in the office as I am sure someone else will follow very soon.
Hi George and William
Many thanks for your encouraging comments and support. Whilst I enjoyed my evening, and didn’t feel too self-conscious in my braces, I admit my brother’s attitude and comment did knock my confidence, but I think his mate has had a word, since he has since asked why I am not wearing my braces, and admitted that he has toyed with the idea of trying braces himself. (he really ought to as his middle is always a mess). I guess I may give them a go over this weekend, and will let you know how I get on if I am brave enough!
Hi James. Yes you need to give your braces another outing this weekend, once you have worn them a few times you will not worry anymore about what others may say or think, and in factfind out thatmost people will have great comments to give about them.
I also think you should get your Brother to try your braces on to see what he thinks of them, just get him to do it for a laugh, but I bet once he tries them he will see right away how comfortable and stylish they actully are. You never know the both of you may end up wearing braces before long. Sounds like it has happend to loads of other guys who have worn braces to work and others have followed so you never know, maybe you brother and his mate will follow your style. Let us know how you get on.
Hi George
It’s James’ brother here, and I am now feeling guilty, as we share a computer and I realise the agonies James is going through. I should not have teased him about his braces, but I only did it because i have tried a pair in private, and although I really liked them, I do not have the guts to wear them in public. He looked great in them, as my mate confirmed, so I shall encourage him to wear them again, and just maybe I shall have the spunk to follow suit. At 19, he is my little bro, so I do pull his leg a lot!
Thanks for making me see sense.
Hi James…Ha Ha nice to know you are going to give your bro a bit of support. I think you should both have a pac an d both wear braces out on day, best with a bit of help from your Bro. You bing the older Bro should take the lead and not him showing you how it is done.
Funny I have never met a guy yet who has not tried a pair of braces at some time or other, and it is funny how many guys have a pair of braces somewhere in their cupboard or drawer. Just need everyone to haul them out and wear them.
If you still have your braces I think you should put them on to help encourge James into wearing his again.
Wow my Boss just walked in wearing a pair of braces….
I can’t believe what I have just seen. My Boss has walked in this morning wearing a pair of skinny Gray braces with a White shirt and Gray checked tie, wow….
I started to wear my braces to work as you know a few weeks ago and a couple of the other guys who admitted to owning a pair of braces have worn their’s a few times as well but today without any discussion or pre-warning our Boss has turned up in a pair of braces. I have not had a chance to speak to him yet but I saw him come in and take his jacket off. The other guys spotted him too and eveyone thinks I have started a new craze in the office. My Boss is a youngish guy maybe early 30′s but he looks great in a pair of braces, what a difference in his style.
Can’t wait to catch him later and talk to him. I am the only oyher guy in today with braces on the other guys don’t have thiers on today, Ha Ha bet they will tomorrow not they have seen the Boss wearing a pair of braces.
Hi George
You set me thinking – yes, I managed to find my braces lurking at the bottom of my drawers, so I put them on again, and it felt really good. James came in, smirked and said “at least mine were fashionably narrow, yours are Grandad width!” Hadn’t realised that there was a fashion element with braces – just thought they were all the same. Must get myself an up-to date pair.Btw, James is still too embarrassed to wear his outside the house. What a wimp!
Hi James—Yes narrow skinny braces are the only way to go these days, the old wide ones are a bit old fasioned. You will find the narrow skinny ones are what is on sale in the likes of Topman and H&M etc. Think you need to get a narrow skinny pair of braces and then encourage your bro to wear his as well. I don’t think he would want to be seen with you wearing a wide pair but sure he would wear his out in you had on a narrow skinny pair as well.
So if you do buy a pair would you be willing to wear them out the house, or are you a wimp as well lol.
Just go for it mate and lead the way, your bro will follow and I bet a few of your mates will come out the woodwork as well and start wearing braces as well, it just take one to start it.
Just and update – Spoke to my Boss about his braces.
Yeah I got a chance to catch my Boss yesterday and ask him about his braces. He said he was telling his wife about me and the other guys starting to wear braces and she said that he should do the same. He said he just laughed it off but she went and bought him a pair at the weekend. He said after a bit of nagging from her he decided to give them a go at work and said he was sure glad I was wearing mine as well that day so he did not feel the odd one out.
He said he tried them at the weekend when his wife bought them and did like the feel and look of them, he had worn them during the weekend but chickened out on Monday but after his wife’s nagging he went for it yesterday. He did say he felt a bit funny wearing them and felt everyone was looking at him, but then as the day went on he just felt normal and did not give them a 2nd thought. He has kept them on again today, Black shirt and gray tie today – nice.
I told him that maybe people were looking at him because they liked the new look and he did say a few people have passed good comments to him about his braces and how smart they looked.
Funny one of the other guys has started wearing his braces again today, bet he is just trying to keep in with the Boss lol.
Hi George
Don’t know how my bro Giles has the nerve to call me a wimp! He has apparently had braces for some time but I have never seen him in them until the other night. True I was unnerved by his comments on sseing me in my braces, but I have worn them on a couple of occasions since, and will continue to do so, as nobody made any comments about them. Difficult to incorporate them into work, as I am employed by a gardening firm who have a uniform, although the belt is optional, so perhaps I could wear braces. It would be more productive as I wouldn’t have to keep hitching my pants up!
Hi James, Sounds like you have the right attitude to wearing braces, as you like the style and look and plan to continue to wear them out and about. Yes true not many people will comment but any comments you do get will all be positive. You are right not to bother about your Bro’s comments as you say he has hidden his braces from you all this time, just a shame he cannot get a pair of decent skinny ones to get the modern look instead of the grandad look lol. Sounds like work and braces may not go too well for you but hey, just wear them when you are out a nites and weekend and enjoy setting the new style trend.
I bet before long a few of your mates will join you and start wearing braces as well. Get a few to try yours on to see how they like them, bet once they try them a few will go out an buy a pair for themselves. Have any of your mates mentioned your braces and have any said they have a pair themselves or ever worn them before. I have found that anyone who shows and interest is always game for giving them a go and more happy to try in someone else is wearing them as well. Let us know how you get on.
Hi guys
My mates and I are having our school Prom this weekend, and a couple of them have raised the question of wearing braces with their dress suits. I was not sure, but came across this site which has made me more positive about the idea, particularly as the suit pants don’t have belt loops. Plan to buy skinny clip-on style to match my tie, so will let you know how we get on. Just hope they will adjust short enough for me as at 17 am only 5ft 6in tall!
Hi Callum – Yes m8 go for it and wear the braces to your Prom, you will be the most stylish one there. Nice if a few of your mates wear braces as well, but if not just show them how stylish you are. Bet the girls will love the look.
Skinny clip-ons to match your tie sound great, what colour are you going for and where do you plan to buy them. Tie Rack do a good range and Topman and H&M also sell skinny braces. Sure they will adjust no problem to suit your size.
Braces with a formal suit are very traditional and the young look of skinny braces just gives it thet modern edge.
Anyone still doing Dress Down Friday and wearing braces.
Hi Guys not been on this site for a few weeks but looks liek loads of updates and comments been left. I just remembered about this site as a couple of my workmates arrived today with braces on. They have never worn them before but the first thing they said was it was dress down Friday and I knew I had head that before on this site.
Myself and another guy often wear braces to work but is was just so strange to see those two other guys walk in with braces this morning. I had a chat to them and they both decided just to give them a go as they knew I would have mine on and they felt it would be good to join me. Sounds liek they both often wear them out and about at weekends but the first time ever at work. Just wondered if anyone else stuck with the braces on Friday stuff.
Braces on Friday …
Yes I think we have started that in our office by accident, as I said my Boss wore braces the other day after his wife bought them and nagged him to wear them to work as he mentioned to her that a couple of us had started to wear braces to work as well. Today we have a new braces recruit, not sure if its just a Friday thing or not but Nick has on a pair of braces today and I have never seen him wearing braces before. He has on narrow Navy Blue ones with jeans and a polo shirt, looks weel dress down Friday to me lol. Maybe he is just trying to keep in with the Boss Ha Ha.
Work mate Nick has his braces in again today…Looks like it may not have been a Friday thing after all as he has them on again today. I had a chat with him earlier and he said he borrowed them from his partner to try them out on Friday, liked them so much he decided to wear them again today and he did say because me and a couple of the other guys wear them a lot he did not feel so bad wearing them to work. He did say he would have to get a pair for himself as he and his partner were fighting over who was going to wear them out on Sat nite. Anyone else got a group of mates who all wear braces, funny it is like little clusters or guys.
Hi guys
WOW, what a great weekend and Prom! Went along with my mates idea to wear braces on my suit – it was charcoal, and I had chosen a white shirt and dark purple tie, but was unable to find any shade of purple braces (except on the Internet, which was too late for delivery) Had to settle for skinny black, but the girls absolutely loved them – I had loads of great comments, and a number of twangs, but just as important was how confident I felt – no untucked shirt, slipping trousers or underpants on show. Only one of my other mates stuck to the plan to wear braces, and he had a good time too. A couple of other guys , who I did not really know, also sported braces, and they seemed to be getting attention as well.
Plan to wear my braces again in ordinary circs, and see if the reaction is the same. Will keep you posted.
Well done Callum, glad you decided to wear your braces to the Prom and sounds like they went down a storm, nice colour too the skinny Black would have looked good.
Great to hear you good good comments and they made you feel so confident, amazing what a pair of braces can you for your style and comfort. Shame only one of your other mates wore braces as well but nicde to know other guys did wear them.
Yes mate you go for it an wear them again a few times and I am sure you will stick with them for the great style, comfort and great comments you get
Hi Callum – I was in the same type of situation as you but I was wearing my braces to a wedding function a few weeks ago and was not sure if I should or not and thought I was going to stand out but found 4 other guys also wearing rbaces. So good on you for sporting the braces and yes try them a few times out and about in nornal nites out, you will find you get loads of great comments. I have been wearing mine a few times since the wedding and even one of my mates has bought a pair of braces and started to wear them as well, so it must be catching. Let us know how you get on mate.
Don’t have my braces on today – Feels strange !!!
For the first time in a long while I don’t have my braces on to work today. As it is so warm just felt like wearing a cool short sleeve shirt and no tie and felt the braces did not look right with that casual style. But it feels strange and a few people have comments on the lack of braces.
The other two guys who wore braces last Friday have both worn them a couple of times this week and speaking to them it sounds like they are going to stick with braces to work a lot more. They said once they had worn them last Friday and broke the ice so to speak they just feel it is so easy and comfortable to just be able to wear them as and when they want without wondering what other people would say. They even commented about how many other people had given them good feedback on the new style and look.
Don’t think I should go without braces too many days as it does not feel right anymore…Is that strange or is it just me that feels that way without braces on?
Hi Kenny
This is a strange phenomenom. I have no problem with wearing my braces in public,and therefore wear them very regularly, but got up late and in a hurry the other day,and didn’t switch them from another pair of suit trousers. I actually felt quite naked without them, and I lost count of how many times I had to hike my pants up!I now plan to buy more pairs so that I don’t have to switch them around.
Hi Tom …Yes how true I felt a but naked too without my braces on, alas I am restored to normal braces dress code today and feel normal again.
Think you should invest in a few more pairs of braces, I have bought several pair recently and have the morning issues of trying to get the best match of braces with my shirt & tie, have found that the Black, Blue or Wine colours seem to match well with most of my colour schemes. The skinny Red ones take a lot of skill to match and a lot of guts to wear I must say but look great when worn. So am I the only guy with loads of pairs of braces and has to spend time each day working out the best match or are ther other guys out there with the same vast selection of braces that they need to work out the colour combination before they can get dressed?
Its Dress Down Friday Again – Can’t believe its Friday again. Just had to tell you guys this…My work mate Nick has come to work wearing a wild Pink with Blue strip braces on. I am sure I read on here about someone wearing Pink braces, but can’t find the thread. He did say he was going to buy a pair and his partner convinced him to get the Pink ones. Must admit they do look great but I think it takes a gay guy to carry them off.
My Boss has his Navy Blue ones on again today so it looks like the braces theme has stuck well and truly in our office. So who else would dare to wear Pink braces? What is the most wild pair you guys have? I believe braces should be seen and not hidden otherwise why would they ever think of making wild Pink colour. It has got me thinking but not sure if I could carry off the Pink ones, maybe I should ask Nick if I could try them on or is that a bit too forward asking that of another braces wearer?
Go for it mate with the Pink braces, bet they look great. I don’t think I would get away with them at my work as I work on a construction site (office based) but still all the same I bet I would get major ribbing for wearing Pink braces lol. It was bad enough when I started to wear normal braces never mind Pink ones. Not so sure about asking to try the other guys braces on unless you are a good mate of his, he may think you are trying it on with him lol.
My wildest pair of braces are bright Red but I do have a White pair as well that I have never worn out yet as I am not sure what best to wear with them. Yes I agree as well that braces should be seen and not hidden.
Hi guys
My Prom last weekend convinced me that braces were the way to go, and I decided the best place to try them in more normal circumstances was at the petrol station where I work on the late shift a couple of times a week. I felt slightly uneasy at first, although nobody was rude or even mentioned my braces, altho i did feel they were doing a double take at first. Then a couple of my mates came in, the ones who had ducked out of braces at the Prom, and asked if I was going to stick with the braces, which I confirmed I was as they kept my pants up most comfortably. Later in the evening the local boy-racers came in for fuel, and I did wonder what reaction i would get, but a couple commented “great braces mate, wher do you buy them, and do they have any other colours?” I gave them the info, so it will be interesting to see if they were taking the mickey, or were genuinely enquiring. The strange thing is that now I am wearing bracse more, I don’t feel I am fully dressed without them. I just hope they become more accepted in public.
Hi guys
Remember me – we truckers have now completed our braces uniform trial, and have voted unanimously, well almost, to continue wearing them on the road. A few of the guys were not keen, or even embarrassed at first, but irrespective of the style issues they had, they do agree that if you drive all day, they are so much more comfortable, as you can wear your pants that much looser without the fear of losing them when you get out of the cab! And all our customer drops know who we represent when they see us.
I find them so comfortable, I have bought a couple of plain pairs for everyday use.
Saw a Stobbart truck guy wearing Stobbart logo braces today. Was that your company? I saw the guy walk into McDonalds and caught sight of these big wide Red braces with the name Stobbart written on them,I was going to ask him about them but he was a very big guy and looked a bit Menacing so I just got my coffee and left.
Got a chance to wear my White braces at the weekend. I put them on with my White jeans and t-shirt and just left them haning down…Style looked nice and at least I got a chance to wear those White braces for the first time, if even only hanging down.
Found out Braces don’t like getting wet – Think I trashed a pair of braces on Sat nite as when we came out a club in the early hours it was hammering down with rain, bouncing off the road and like you do after a few too many drinks you just start walking…no coats or jackets just shirt, skinny tie, trousers and braces. Well by the time we got home we were soaked to the skin and had to strip off and dump all the clothes in the bath, even my underwear was soaking so it shows how heavy the rain was.
The next day when we dragged the wet clothes out the bath and untangled them all, my braces looked a bit streched and out of shape and even once they dried they were still all twisted and out of shape and they don’t look right when worn now. Think that pair has been trashed so as a warning just look out guys if you are going to be daft enough to wear your braces out in the pouring rain that they may get trashed lol.
I am sure that must be a first unless anyone else was out in the pouring rain this weekkend fully clothed and no jacket, Ha Ha, sure I was not the only one who got caught in the rain… but now I know what it is like to take a shower with all your clothes on lol.
Just had to give you all an update guys on wearing braces. As I said in a previous comment I wore braces to a wedding and also that one of my mates also got some braces and the two of us have worn them out a few times, they are great and get loads of comments from other people when we wear them. Well this weekend I bumped into a couple of guys from my work while I was wearing my braces and they thought they looked great and asked why I never wore them to work.
All I could think about was all the comments on this thread about people starting to wear braces to work and feeling awkward etc. and as I know I don’t have any real hang-up with braces I just like the feel and style of them. So after the guys kept on at me to wear them to work I have decided to wear them today for the first time (Skinny Blue braces, White shirt and skinny Blue tie). I did not belive the comments other guys had made about how well they had gone down when they wore them but it is true, I have had loads of great comments and I have only been in work about 1 hour. It just seems like wearing braces is a magnet to attract people to stop and talk to you. I don’t know why I never wore my braces to work before. The guys I met on the weekend have both said they did not think I would wear them but I think they are jealous by all the attention wearing braces are having on me. Would not be surprise if they did not want to get some and give them a try out, but that would be just copying I think, but why now.
Hi George
Sorry to disappoint, but we are not in the Stobart league. Didn’t realise their guys wore company braces, but good luck to them. Ours, which is a small operation of about 25 drivers, have grey braces, with a black logo in the form of a dog’s head as we are “Retriever services”. The guys cannot believe they have not tried them before!
Hi George
Sorry to disappoint, but we are not in the Stobart league. Didn’t realise their guys wore company braces, but good luck to them. Ours, which is a small operation of about 25 drivers, have grey braces, with a black logo in the form of a dog’s head as we are “Retriever services”. The guys cannot believe they have not tried them before, but are loving the style and comfort now!
Kenny – My Braces survived a soaking the other week
Funny your story about getting soaked last week and ruining a pair of braces that was a shame. I found this funny as I got soaked a couple of weeks ago at work, and I had my braces on. I work on a construction site but am mainly office based but do try and get on-site at least a couple of times a week to monitor progress. A couple of weeks ago while I was on-site on a Friday afternoon I got caught up in a bit of high-jinks and ended up getting wet. The guys were going to give someone else a good soaking before he left site as it was his birthday that day. I just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and when they turned the hose on him he ran in my direction and I caught some of the spray as well, he grabbed hold of me hoping that they would stop as I was there too but someone shouted let them both have it and I could not believe it but they opened up the hose again and we both got soaked to the skin. My trousers, shirt etc. were soaking and as usual I had my braces on that day as well. I only had my hi-vis vest on over my shirt so it gave no water proof protection. The pair of us were like drowned rats, the guys did apologise for getting me as well but just laughed and said I was a casualty of war.
Lucky for me it was Friday afternoon and the site was ready to close anyway for the week so it was not too bad but my braces did survive once they dried out and although they looked a bit stretched and out of shape at the time they dried out at home later and returned to normal shape and size again. I have the same ones on today and they look fine. Guess you were just unlucky with the type of braces you had that they got ruined. Glad I had a spare t-shirt in the car but the drive home in my damp trousers was not very nice. The guys had a good laugh about it later and were glad I took it in good spirit but I think I will avoid Friday afternoon’s on-site in the future. No one will own up to shouting let them both have it but I have my suspicions and I still can’t believe the guy with the hose actually opened fire on the both of us, he said that as I was already a bit wet anyway he thought he would just carry on.
Like you Kenny I would have been annoyed if my braces had got trashed but looks like mine have survived the soaking but I don’t think I would want to try that too often. Ha Ha so you are not alone, looks like at least two of us out here have been soaked with braces on, wonder if anyone else has been soaked as well, sounds like a bit of a theme.
Nice warm weather this weekend – loads of braces on show.
Was it just me maybe looking out for other guys wearing braces or were there actually a lot of guys with braces on full show this weekend perhaps the warm weather has made more guys remove jackets and tops to show off their braces. I must have counted about 10 guys over the weekend sporting braces in various colours and styles. I had mine on of course and I even passed a couple of guys and said in the passing that I liked their braces, they both laughed and commented back on mine. I don’t know if it was just me watching other peoples reactions but I did think a lot of people were checking me out. I could almost sense guys having a good look when they passed, it must be true like a lot of you have said that once some people start wearing braces others do follow.
Oh yes and I had to let you know that one of my work mates who talked me into wearing mine has bought a pair at the weekend but has not worn them to work yet, but I am working on him, will let you know when he does.
Yes Charlie I think you are right I have seen a few more guys with braces on over the last week. I assume other guys maybe do wear braces quite a lot but don’t show them and with the warm weather they are forced to take their jackets off etc. or they would over-heat. Don’t know why these guys don’t just show them off all the time, why hide them.
My work mate Nick has worn his Pink braces a few time since I last wrote on this thread but I did not have the guts yet to ask him if I could try them on to see what they would look like on me. My Boss is still wearing his braces on most days, when the colour combination allows for it, so he has moved on from the dress down Friday thing. I spoke to him the other day and he said he was glad his wife had nagged him into getting some braces and wearing them to work, he says he loves the feel and style of them and said that lots of people have commented on them since he has started to wear them.
A couple of other guys in our office have asked and talked about braces and I just feel they are wanting to try a pair but don’t have the push just to do it. I have said to them to give them a try and if they don’t like them fine but I have said that I bet they do like them and would stick with them. With 3 of us in the office already wearing braces most of them time I don’t see what their problem is. One of our clients came in the other day and was wearing braces under his jacket so I even pointed that out to them but they still have not taken the step yet. Should I push them a bit further? I was thinking about bringing them in a pair to try on and see what they think but maybe that would be a bit to pushy, what do you guys think?
hi guys its been ages since I was last on this site but so nice to see it still alive and active and looks like a few new guys have joined the ranks of wearing braces as well – great stuff guys and welcome. My office is still very much a braces place now and the few guys who still wear a belt are in the minority now. Not sure why these guys still stick to belts but they are all a bit of a weird bunch and never get involved with the rest of us much anyway.
So how many guys are still veiwing this site?
If I knew it was still so active I would have been back sooner to read the updates and let you guys know whats happening with me.
I am still here and still wearing my braces lol.
Hey Ricky I did not know you still read this thread. I set up and auto alert when someone writes a comment so I still drop in now and again, not left a message in ages myself. Lets have a got at the “Belt Brigade” in work and set ourself a challenge to at least get one of them to try a pair of braces for a day, that should be a good challenge lol. I think Simon would be the easiest one to convert, who do you think? Any suggestions from the rest of you guys out there how we tackle and achieve this challenge?
Can’t believe it is Friday again.
I spoke to my workmate Nick (The Pink Braces wearer) the other day about the couple of guys who were asking me about braces and what they were like to wear and I said I was tempted to bring in a pair of braces for them to try on. Well nick turned up today with a spare pair of Black braces and has got one of the guys to try them on, he looks a bit uncomfortable just now but has kept them on for the last hour or so, but I don’t think he has left his desk yet.
Lunchtime should be fun as we will see if he joins us in the cafe or not, maybe we should get him to go out for lunch and see if we can push him to a public viewing of him wearing braces. You never know Nick may get the other guy to try them on after lunch and you never know we may have another couple of braces converts.
The Boss still has his braces on today and made a passing comment to the guy about wearing braces, something about the rest of the guys wearing him down till he had to start wearing braces. He did also say to him welcome to the gang.
Great Lunch – Just back…
Got our workmate to go out to the deli near our office and forced him to keep the braces on that Nick brought in for him. He said he felt a but strange but as me & Nick had ours on he said it was fine. Was a funny lunchtime conversation all about braces but got a good insight from him as well. He has asked Nick if he can hold onto them over the weekend and see how he gets on with them. He is not sure what his Wife will say when he gets home tonight wearing a pair of braces. I think we may have got him converted. The other guy in the office is not up for trying braces at all, he just won’t entertain it. Oh well one convert has to be a good thing. Can’t wait till Monday to see if he wears the braces again, or maybe even turn up with a pair of his own braces.
Hi folks
Have been persevering with my braces, and generally getting positive comments. Just finished my nightshift at the petrol station, and was quite surprised to see one of the boy racers, who came in a couple of weeks ago, wearing a pair of skinny red clip-ons on his jeans. He actually thanked me for telling him where to buy them (H&M), but was disappointed that they only had red, as he wanted black. He said his mates in the car were going to get a pair, but did not want red, although they thought he looked good in his.
Now that I am wearing braces,I have noticed that more guys are doing so as well.
Well done Callum, good for you sticking with the braces and even better for converting a few of the boy racers. Yes skinny Red bracers do have a bit of an image thing about them but they can look good on the right guy. Sounds like his mates could well turn up in a few days time with Black braces on, all to your credit lol.
Yes funny once you start wearing braces it appears that more guys are also wearing them, maybe just you are looking out for them more, but I think more guys are wearing them as well. With the likes if H&M, Topman and Zara all selling braces and also jeans with braces attached they must be catching on more and more. Well done for keeping up the braces, bet you won’t go back top a belt now lol.
Just an update the workmate that tried on Nick’s braces on Friday and took them home for the weekend he has got a pair of his own and worn them to work today. His wife got him a pair of dark blue skinny ones from H&M. He said when he went home after work on Friday with Nick’s braces on his wife had a double take and then said she loved the new trendy look. He said he was forced into wearing them but had got used to them as the day went on. Looks like his wife went and got him a pair on saturday. He said he wore them out saturday nite but did not have the guts to wear them on monday morning but his wife nagged him to wear them today after she went to the bother of buying them, so he did what he was told, as men do !!! Nice to have someone else with braces on in the work place.
Hi guys – was surfing and found this most informative post. I am 24, and hate belts, they are so uncomfortable, I suffer from a stomach disorder, and just feel so much better wearing braces so my jeans/pants float around my waist, but I simply cannot bear the thought of being seen wearing them in public, and I don’t know why. My partner and I have recently moved into a new area – nothing grand, just a northern terrace, and I resolved to wear my braces loud and proud, and hope the locals would accept my style, but still find myself putting on a coat or cardigan just to fetch something from the car parked outside, or popping over the road to the corner shop. My partner thinks I am crazy, but I simply have a mental block on this. I know it’s stupid, particularly as I have met a couple of the neighbours in the street in their braces, but I cannot get over it. Why? Help!
Hi Ben – This is just an old British thing about not letting your braces be seen in public, something about them being thought of as underwear !!! Hell the number of guys who walk about now with the boxers on full show must wipe that old underwear myth out for good.
Most guys do feel a bit uncomfortable about wearing braces at first but after you have worn them out a few times you will very soon find that no one cares and in fact most people will give positive comments about the look and style. You just have to watch the TV to see how many celeb’s are wearing braces these days, hanging down or up either way. The likes of Matt Baker has worn his a few times on The One Show so millions of people have seen him. The likes of JLS, The Wanted even David Beckham have all worn braces recently.
So come on man, whats stopping you, get out there and wear them with pride lol. If you are still worried try a few local outing first, to the shop, garage etc. and just get to feel comfortable wearing them out and being seen, after a while you will wonder what the big issue was. I bet like most of the guys have said on here once you start to wear them a few of your friends or workmates will follow the trend. Let us know how you get on mate.
I suport Goerge and I think you should just go for it Ben and wear your braces, its not like its a crime lol.
So funny in work today, we had a meeting with a group of possible future clients and I just walked into the meeting without my jacket on and with braces on full show. During the meeting we got coffee delivered and it gave people a chance to have a leg stretch etc. when two of the younger guys came over and said to me they liked my style and should they take there jackets off as well as they both showed me they were wearing braces. I said of course we are fine with braces on show around here. It was funny as they both said they had removed jackets before at other places and som eof the older guys frowned upon it a bit and gave they dirty looks. It must be the old guys thing about not letting braces be seen in public.
These two guys were only late 20 to say 30ish and they looked so smart and stylish in there braces. When we left the meeting they both said how nice it was to be able to sit and be comfortable as a meeting and not over heat with your jacket on trying to hid your braces. Will be nice if we end up working with them as I will get more chanced to see them both again inthere braces.
My first time wearing braces was for a fancy dress party a few years ago and they got many comments and twangs. I had never worn them before and noticed they felt good, very comfortable and less restricting than wearing a belt. I had never thought of wearing them again until recently because none of the people I know wear braces regularly. I saw maybe two of my friends wearing them in the past but only as part of vintage themed fancy dress. But I have been noticing they have been coming into style and decided to give them a go because I like the way they look and the comfort compared to a belt.
So far I have only worn them over a tee-shirt, under a non-tucked casual shirt, I can assume no other people have seen them. Having worn them for a few days I do prefer them to a belt. Today I was wearing them and because the weather was hot I wore my shirt unbuttoned while I was out with friends. I don’t think anyone noticed but if they did see the braces there were no comments. I did adjust the straps a few times while talking to people and they must have been visible at moments when the breeze caught my shirt.
I don’t know why but I can relate to a lot of comments in this thread, I feel nervous about wearing them on show, despite the fact I’m not a nervous person. I am in my mid 30s and like to think I have a good dress sense and know what looks good on me and what doesn’t. I do dress a little differently to my friends and try to keep my own style. I do pay attention to what others wear but I’m not the type to follow everything in fashion and have my own tastes. I feel that wearing something that is so suddenly different will attract attention or my friends will think they look silly. But I have done this before with other clothing items, why are braces any different to suddenly starting to wear hats, or wearing a red shirt for the first time? It doesn’t make logical sense.
The first pair I bought for the fancy dress party are mid blue. Up to now only my partner has seen me wearing them and has said I look good in them. I went to the shops and found another pair today, purchased some slim black from H&M so that I can wear them with any colour. They are around two thirds of the width of my other ones. I think they look great and they are very comfortable to wear. My next step will be to (hopefully) wear them for going on a night out to test the water if I can get over worrying about what people think!
Hi William & George
Many thanks for your comments and support. Got ready for a friendly get-together with our new neighbours, and my partner asked why I had not put my braces on. I asked her why, and she replied honestly that my middle looked a mess -shirt already becoming untucked, and underpants waistband showing. I reluctantly put them on, determined to keep my cardigan on, although it was quite warm, but I was the only guy not in just a shirt, so I did remove it after a few drinks, and steeled myself for the adverse comments. However, our hostess siad how nice it was that someone had taken the trouble to dress formally, and a couple of others agreed, so I didn’t feel too uncomfortable. Back home, my partner said how proud she was over my effort, but I am still not sure whether I will persevere, although it was nice not to have to worry about my pants slipping down all evening!
Hi Mick
If you read my original post, you will see that I too did not realise that braces were not just braces. There are different widths,a nd even some colours are more “in” than others. Your skinny black ones will be well received I am sure, but your original mid blue ones may be too wide to be acceptable nowadays! Rather than just throw them away, I would use them for cleaning the car, or gardening, where whatever fashion these is supposed to be with braces is less likely to apply.
But do persevere – braces are so much more comfortable than belts, and surprisingly the girls do seem quite favourable towars them – perhaps just as we guys like them in suspenders!
Hi guys
Fell upon this site under favsky.net, and found it both interesting and reassuring. It mirrored my own feelings of a couple of years ago. I had experimented with braces, and liked the feel but not the potential embarrassment of being caught wearing them in public, so always kept them hidden. However, walking my gf home from the pub one evening she shivered, and asked to borrow my cardigan. What was a chivalrous guy to do? She made no comment about my attire, and in fact acted totally normal. Next day she came round to mine, and I felt obliged to mumble something of a apology for last night, but she was totally cool about my braces, and said if they were comfortable to wear, then she had no probs. After that episode I found myself wearing braces more and more in public, and I now rock them loud and proud! BTW I am 22, and work for an Insurance Company. I was the first guy in the office to show my braces, but several others now do so as well.
It’s all about confidence!
Hi folk
Have worn my braces to work this week, but haven’t had the courage to remove my jacket. If someone else would, I would as well. Perhaps we need a National braces day. May be brave on Friday which is dress down day.
Tonight I wore my skinny black braces to the pub again, under an open denim shirt/over grey tee-shirt. Was sat slouched on a sofa with them showing slightly and a girl I was with mentioned I was wearing braces and said wow, they look really cool, and she had red braces if I wanted to borrow them. Ha! She seemed to like the look of them on me. Think that may have given me some more confidence, going to try them on show soon for a night out.
Pleased to have caught this thread before it grinds to a halt. My gf, now my wife bought me a pair of braces as a present, and was most insistent that I wear them as she was sick of seeing me hitch my jeans up every few minutes despite having a belt on at the time! She lectured me on the inefficiencies of belts, which because of their weight naturally pull your pants down, unless they are so tight as to be very uncomfortable – a fact which since switching to braces I have to agree with. Like most other threaders, I felt very self-conscious at first, but soon realised that true friends and relatives, who are the people that matter in our lives, couldn’t care less what I wore, and just appreciated me for myself. This was a great wake-up call, and raised my self-esteem no end. I now wear my braces in any company, and feel totally at ease – so go on Mick and Ben, give them a go, but do be confident, and you will wonder what the problem ever was.
Hi again guys
Thanks for the positive comments. My confidence is growing! Wore my braces with my suit yesterday. I don’t usually have to wear a suit to work but have been attending a business event where smart dress is required, so I decided to wear them with a suit, shirt and skinny tie. I felt really good wearing them and spent most of the day with my jacket off. I had never met any of the people who were at the event before and there were no comments. As yesterday was warm I was walking around town with no jacket on lunch break and felt really smart and confident. Later some of my friends met me in the pub on the way home and complimented me on how smart I looked but no remarks about the braces at all. I now need to get into wearing them more often. I think I’m going to take it slowly at first until people I know get accustomed to seeing me wearing them, rather than change suddenly to wearing braces all the time because I don’t get many opportunities to wear them with a suit, and I need to buy more shirts and t-shirts which they will look good with.
Congrats Mick
You have come further than me! I switched to jeans and a cardigan on Friday, as it was dress-down day, and whilst I did not hide my braces, I did not remove my cardie, although I did wear it open and am sure that my braces were on show.I have got to get more positive, as i not only like the look of braces, but they are so much more comfy than a tight belt.
Hi guys
A few years ago, I took part in a local amateur drama group play, and as it was set in the 1950′s, I had to wear braces for authenticity. I felt so totally relaxed in them, I started to wear them in everyday life – no more hitching, no shirt hanging out, and no more flashing my underpants – and now at the grand old age of 26 I am still wearing them regularly. This of course was before they became as fashionable as they seem to be now, but in all that time, I have only received the odd jokey comment. Initially, I resolved to keep them hidden, because of the strange English view that they are underwear, but I soon realised that this was impossible, and whilst I do not go out of my way to make a statement with my braces, I do enjoy the comfort they afford me.
So guys, the moral is persevere – I am grateful that I did, and the skinny ones on sale now are much more stylish than the my early versions, which I have now updated.
Hi Guys, I am just back from holiday and catching up on things. Nice to see a few more guys have joined the thread and started to wear braces. See it just takes a few to start and other feel more comfortable to follow. Still funny how we all feel a little bit funny wearing braces at first and want to hide them, but after a few outing’s the jacket comes off and they are on full show.
Well done to the new guys for letting us know how you have been getting on and please keep us all updated with your progress.
Hi guys
Re-reading the many encouraging comments, they got me thinking why the heck should I worry about being caught in my braces – it is impossible to keep them hidden all the time, and having seen pics of Will Young in a trailer for his show on ITV next Saturday in braces on Sat night, I decided I would brave my braces to my Sunday morning footie match, where at least my team mates are all friends.
There were a few jokey comments in the changing room when I took my jacket off, but nothing I couldn’t handle. and as i scored the winning goal late in time added on, I felt good returning to get dressed after the match. Well, some joker had unclipped my braces from my jeans, which made the after-match drink in the pub precarious, since i needed to keep one hand on my pants to stop them fallling down as I had no belt with me as a back-up! There was a lot of friendly banter about how the team should SUPPORT each other, and how my performance had been very SNAPPY, but there was no malice, and I hope to get my braces back soon. At least, I have now broken the ice, and will have another pair on when we play next weekend. Just better score the winner again!
Hey Ben Well done mate, sounds like a great bunch of mates you have there in the footie club and I am sure your braces will return, maybe one of them has taken them home to try out lol. Yes get another pair for next week.
So when is the first wear to work going to be then? Sounds like your mates are fine so I am sure your workmates will be as well. Like your idea of Natinal Braces Day, why not wear them to work on Friday and if anyone comments just say “don’t you know it is National Braces Day today” and ask them where their braces are lol. Now you have broken the ice with your mates and maybe at work on Friday you will wonder what all the fuss was about keeping brcaes hidden. I bet once you wear them a few more times some of your mates or workmates will follow and start to wear them too.
Hi guys, I kept getting auto alerts about updated to this site so just had to log in to see whats being said and it sounds like a few more guys have joined the site, whicj means more braces will be on show.
Sounds like Gavin & Stan are well there with his braces and comfortable to wear them anywhere anytime and for Mick & Ben you have gone for it big time and I think you guys will be open and out braces wear’s very soon with mates, work and family they should all get to see you with your braces. Frank & Giles glad you both got a narrow pair as they are much more trendy than the wide ones, let them be seen mates!
Nice to see so many new guys sharing their thoughts on braces and how they have started to wear them. I wear mine most the time and a lot of my friends have followed the trend, like a lot of you same once you wear them you just have to stick with them and getting over the first public outing seems to be a common thing as well, but no one has ever said they have had any bad comments from others, so what is the problem of fear we all think we have,,So funny.
Hi William
Footie practice last night, but no sign of my missing braces. It’s strange, but I feel quite naked without them, so shall buy another pair as soon as I can get to the shops. Annoying really, as I had built up courage to wear them to work this week.
Hi Ben, shame your braces never turned up, I am sure they will show up soon, can’t believe your mates would have ditched them. Maybe like I say someone has taken them to give them a try out lol. Yes get another pair and wear them to work, sounds like from reading other guys comments that a Friday is always a good day to try out braces at work so why not get to late nite shopping on Thursday and get yourself a new pair. While you have built up the courage to wear them to work you don’t want to lose that. I think you should go for it mate and tell us how you get on with your work mates, so who’s next to see you wearing your braces, family and friends?
Hi Guys I just visited this site to check out a few fashion things and noticed this thread is the most popular thread with over 350 comments and its been going for over 1 year – wow that’s great.
The thing is I have never thought about wearing braces but I am now very intrigued about them after reading these comments. I live in Edinburgh in Scotland, 31 years old and I have seen a few people wearing braces out and about but never paid any real attention. A bit like people who wear hats, they look good on some people but something most of us never think to try and wear. Some guys made comments that most guys have a pair of braces somewhere in the drawer or have worn them before but I must be the minority and I have never worn or even thought about wearing a pair of braces on before. – But I am now!!!
From reading a lot of the comments on here it sounds like once you try wearing braces you don’t want to go back to a belt and it also sounds like most people have a strange fear about being seen wearing braces in public for the first time but get over it after a few outings.
Well I can understand that and relate to that as well as I don’t think I would feel confident just buying a pair of braces and starting to wear them out, but as I said I am very, very intrigued and do want to give braces a go, just to see if the comment about once you wear them you won’t go back to a belt is for real. I do however feel a little bit self conscious about starting to wear braces and what reaction I would possibly get from others. I can see from all the comments that other have gone through this before and once you get over the initial few times it is fine after that, but it still feels a big change for me, like starting to wear a hat for the first time.
I also need to buy a pair of braces first and it sounds like the skinny style are the ones to go for. These are the style I have seen other guys wearing and they do look good, but again like the hat thing maybe always look better on other people. I would like to wear them with maybe jeans and a t-shirt for the more casual look, save the suit wearing for at work.
I have an H&M shop near me, would you suggest this a good place to get then from?
Also where do guys think is the best place to test out wearing braces for the first time?
I don’t think I am ready to walk into my work wearing braces just yet but who knows maybe soon but I do want to give braces a try and read that hiding them is not the way to go so want to pick my initial moment well so that I don’t get any rejections. I am not sure what my mates will say as I know none of them have ever worn braces out before but I am sure I could take any ribbing they may give me, I suppose I could always take the braces off if it got too bad or I felt uncomfortable but I would like to see it through and test out the theory you guys have all said about wearing them once and not going back to a belt and also that once someone wears them other will follow, I would like to see if any of my mates will start to wear them as well, like an experiment to test the theory. Any suggestion or inputs most welcome, cheers,
Nicolas welcome to the world of wearing braces – Well almost once you buy your first pair that is lol. Sounds like you are keen to give them a try and glad we were all able to make you think about braces and make you want to try wearing a pair to see what they are like. I know you will love the comfort and I also know the style will go down well with your mates I have not met anyone yet who does not like the look of a guy wearing a pair of braces.
Yes mate get out and buy a skinny pair of clip-on’s for your jeans they will look awsome and don’t worry about where or when to wear them just go got it mate. I know easy for we to say but you will find you will get a great reation from your mates and your street-cred will just go up so much lol.
Come on guys lets give Nicolas a bit of support and see if we can get him to join the ranks of the braces wearer’s We are all behind you mate and want to hear your success story.
Hi Nicholas
As a guy well relaxed about wearing braces and being seen in them in public, I felt I just had to give you a helping hand.
The comments about never using a belt again are, in my opinion, true. I find being able to wear my jeans/pants slightly loose around my waist so much more comfortable than being trussed up in a tight belt, and in warm weather it is also cooler.
I would go for the skinny ones, unles you are a Michelin man, in which case regular width (1.5 inches) will look more in proportion.
Without the expense of a tailor, you will not be able to wear button braces, but I find the clip-on ones more convenient, and stylish. There is a choice of X or y back – the Y look more modern and fashionable, but both are acceptable, and you are at greater danger of becoming undone with one clip than two at the rear!! Believe me, I know!
Colour is a matter of choice. Grey or blue are less formal than the black which most guys wear, but any plain colour, except perhaps red, are easy to use. H&M stock several plain colours, and are a good bet for a first purchase.
As you are naturally nervous of your new look, it is best to try it out in front of family and friends, who will be your worst critics, but will not fall out with you! And I have to say, at 31 years of age, you will not have half the hassle we younger guys might suffer! it does seem that as we lads get older, it is more accepted and indeed expected that we will wear braces, altough probably more for need than comfort and fashion.
Sorry to have gone on a bit, but most guys do not realise what they are missing in shunning braces, and the more who do wear them, the more will follow.
Good luck – let us know how you get on mate.
Hi Tom, Thnaks for your words of encouragement. The more I was thinking yesterday after I wrote my comment about buying and wearing a pair of braces the more I was determined to get a pair and give them a go. I take your advice and will look for a skinny pair maybe Grey or Blue to go with my jeans and T-shirt. Not sure what you mean about the X and Y back but I am sure I will see what you mean when I look at a pair in more detail.
I think I will get a pair either tonight, if I catch the shops or at the weekend and again like your advice about family and friends being my first victims. I am sure I will get some hassle off my mates but I am sure I can handle that, might be a bit of a laugh anyway. Not sure if I am ready to wear them out to pubs and clubs yet but maybe I will try them during the day and see how things go. I don’t think I have even seen my Dad wearing braces before so that should be a bit of fun going to their place with braces on, my little Brother is sure to give me some hassle but him I can deal with lol.
Still like the idea of dress down Friday for an initail work outing but think I need to test the water with my family and fiends first. Thanks for your support and encouragement, any more works of support from anyone would be useful to push me on my way to my first pair of braces.
I did not expect this thread to be still running but I am impressed. Good on you new guys for giving braces a go.
Just an update from me and it may help some of the new guys like Nicolas get over that initial hurdle of wearing braces. Since wearing my braces to a wedding a few weeks ago I have now also worn mine to work loads of times since a couple of my work mates asked why I never wore them to work. Like a few of you here I can now say that 2 of my work mates have started to wear braces from time to time at work, which makes me feel a lot more comfortable and nice to know I started a trend in our office. People now just expect and accept us wearing braces around the office and it feels so normal now, even a few of the other guys have tried them on to see what they are like but as yet it is only the 3 of us who have stuck with the braces, but I am sure others will follow soon.
So for the new guys on here like Nicolas just be yourself and set the new trend. Wear a pair of braces like you say to work maybe on a Friday to break the ice but stick with them every other day or so and you will be amased at the great positive comments you will get from your workmates. I think workmates are a bit easier to deal with than family when you are trying a new style of fashion cause they only know you from the work side of things and don’t know what you are like outside of work, just tell them you often wear braces out at weekends and thought you would wear them to work for a change, maybe to add a bit of flare to the office.
Hi Nicholas
Go for it mate. You are nearly there, and you won’;t regret it. I am at my desk, comfortable and at ease in my braces, along with three of my colleagues. We are still in a minority, but nobody makes any adverse comments, and others are just curious as to why we like them. Well, they mean you can wear your trousers just a little loose at the waist, which is great when you are sitting at a desk all day, and after a large meal! They also keep you middle much tidier because your shirt stays tucked in.
I am only 5feet 7 inches and skinny, but wearing braces has increased my confidence and certainly got me noticed.
Good luck.
Hi Nicholas
You may just be surprised at the reaction you get from your family when they first see you wearing braces. I just came down to breakfast one morning in mine, and didn’t expect the comments I received at all. My Dad, who like you I had never seen in braces, said he had always wanted to wear them, as his Dad had, but felt he would embarrass me. My Mum siad she thought they looked very smart, and my little bro was “Wow, must get a pair”. Needless to say, they both wear braces often now.
Whenever you do give them a go, just don’t show any nerves or concern about being seen in them. Confidence in your new style will boost you no end.
Just about to log off at work and thought I would check for any updates – Thanks Charlie, Stan and Gavin for your feedback and comments. I am going to try and make the shops tonight before they close and see if I can pick up a pair of braces from H&M. Hope I get there in time as I can’t wait to try them on when I get home. Funny how a pair of braces can make you feel excited like this, am I strange or what? lol…
A little Devil inside me keeps saying I should wear them to work tomorrow but not sure if I am that brave yet. If I get a pair tonight and wear them to my parents house afterwards I may be able to see what reaction I get from them and my little Brother, that may help make my mind up about wearing them to work on Fiday or not. I will post an update tomorrow.
Well I have done it – Bought my first pair of braces !!!
I went to H&M last night and got a pair of skinny dark Blue braces, and I know what the Y and X means, this pair must be X as they have 4 clips on them, is that correct?
I went home and tried them on wih jeans and a light Blue T-shirt and they did in fact look and feel very good, I was very surprised at how nice they looked on me. You know what it is like if you try a hat or something on it just never looks good on you but these braces just seems perfect style for me. I went to my parents house afterwards, keeping a jacket on over my braces…sorry not that brave yet and when I arrive they were both there with my Brother watching TV. I went in took off my jacket and asked what they thought of the new style. My parents both said they look nice and very smart and my Brother said a few of his mates were braces now and again and he was thinking of getting a pair. He tried mine on and also thought they look and felt good, so I can see him getting a pair of braces soon. I put them back on and kept them on the rest of the evening and on the way home I just carried my jacket with my brcaes on full show and passed loads of people on the way without any comments, not that people say anything anyway.
I don’t know where I got the courage from but I have worn them to work today, I think the positive feedback from my family and being able to walk home with braces on show must have gave me the boost I needed. I wanted to target Friday as it is a more casual day at work so I worn my jeans, dark braces and not wanting to stand out too much I wore a dark Blue polo shirt, similar to my braces colour. I wore my jacket on the way to work but had to take it off when I got there. At one point I was tempted to take my braces off and chicken out but I kept them on. Sat down at my desk and started work. It must have been an hour of so before anyone said anything, maybe the dark Blue polo camouflaged the braces a bit but at coffee time a few of the guys comments on my braces saying they liked the new style. The girls thought they were very trendy and I got a couple of people pinging them, one guy saying “rock on Tommy” but that was it.
A massive step for me in 24 hours but it was fun. I can now see what you guys are all talking about when you say they are comfortable, stylish and I can understand the initial fear of not wanting to be seen wearing them but after today at work and the good feedback I am going to give them a good wear over the weekend as well and see how I get on with my mates. You never know I may be tempted to wear them a few more times at work and if my mates don’t give me too much grief I may wear them out to the pub/club this bank holiday weekend. So glad I read this post lol.
Hi Nicholas
Am glad you went for it so to speak, as I told you to! In a few days time, you won’t even think about your braces in a self-conscious way. Did yuou continue to wear them over the Bank Holiday weekend?
Hi Gavin and other guys…Yes I wore them most of the holiday weekend.
I wore them out during the day on Saturday when a few of my mates were going into town. It was cold on Sat so I wore a jacket but once in the shopping centre I just had to take my jacket off amd my mates were fine. They all said they liked the braces and asked what made me want to wear them. I told them the story about the web site and finding this thread and then just having to try a pair of braces to see what they were like. A couple of them said they had tried them before but it was along time ago. I said I had worn them to work on Friday and I think they were impressed that I had the guts to do that and asked if I was going to wear them when we went out on Sat nite. I said I did not know but they convinced me to wear them, which I did. It felt easier wearing them on Sat nite once some of my mates had already seen them during the day, and it was them who convinced me to wear them.
On Sat nite I did not camouflage them like I did at work, I wore my dark Blue skinny jeans with a light pale Blue shirt and the dark Blue braces so they stood out but it all matched well. I got a good few complements from my mates and I was surprised how many other people commented on my braces when I was out, just complete strangers would say something like they liked the braces look or nice style mate. It was very strange as no one normally talks to you like that or comments on you clothes when you are out. I did see about 3 other guys with braces on when I was out and I made passing comments to them in the club about liking their braces, they just laughed and said cheers.
I did not wear my braces to work yesterday but I have today, but again this time not camouflaged. I have been even more brave and worn a White shirt with my dark Blue braces and a skinny dark Blue tie. Only one person has made a comments saying that I stuck with the braces then but one one else has said anything. I don’t know if it has been the weekned confidence or not but I feel very comfortable walking about in work with my braces on today and unlike Friday when I was worried that everyone was looking at me, today I just feel fine and almost forget I have braces on.
I know it sounds funny but what I have expeienced since starting to wear braces has boosted my confidence a great deal and I feel like a much more outgoing guy than I was before. What I have gone thru is just the same as everyone else has written about on this thread, how can starting to wear a pair of braces do that to you???
Did anyone see Will Young wearing braces on Saturday nite?
Hi guys if anyone is still worried about being seen wearing braces then they should have seen Will Young on Sat nite with is braces on national TV and most of his backing singers too were wearing braces, dancing and pulling them up and down. If guys like Will Young can wear braces in front of millions of viewers, why should anyone have a problem of wearing them in front of their friends and work mates. Maybe people seeing Will Young on TV wearing braces will push a few more guys to start wearing them.
Yes I saw Will Young in his braces and he looked great. I agree Charlie if Will can wear braces on TV then there is nothing stopping anyone else wearing them in front of a few friends and family. I think he suited them and the jeans and braces image did look a good style. Think we should support Will and get out braces out there in the public eye lol.
Hi folks
My so-called footy friends have yet to return my braces, but I have bought another pair, and following Will Young’s appearance in a pair on Sat nite, I have worn them to work this week, with great reactions. I am also told by my junior colleagues that “One Direction” have been pictured in a Sun Mag wearing braces (I don’t know who they are), but apparently it has added to my cool image. Wow, now I feel much more confident to dress as I want.
Thanks, mates.
Hi again
It was the last day of my course yesterday and I’ve been wearing braces with a shirt and tie for a couple of weeks. No one has said anything, except my housemate who commented they looked cool. Another one of my housemates said I looked very dapper but didn’t comment specifically on the braces.
Recently I’ve been wearing a belt more with casual clothes. Although I do prefer braces I seem to have more confidence wearing them with a suit than I do casually, I don’t know why. I also wore them on a night out last weekend but I was wearing a waistcoat with t-shirt and jeans so they were covered. Next time I might ditch the waistcoat!
Hi Ben – One direction were in the Sun mag with a couple of them wearing braces. They are like a young version of The Wanted. So no wonder your cool image has gone up lol. Shame your footy mates did not return your braces but good to know you have got another pair, you may need to get a few different colours to mix and match your outfits with now that you have started to wear braces to work – good on you mate.
Hi Mick – Yes a suit is easier to wear braces with as it is a bit more formal but casual goes down very well too. I agree ditch the waistcoat on your next night out. I bet people would have noticed anyway even with a waistcoat as braces tend to show at the back if you bend over or stretch, just go for it mate sounds like you have the confidence now to wear braces anywhere.
Well it Friday again and it has been 1-week since I started to wear braces, what an amazing week. I only found this thread by chance, never thought about braces before this but now I think I am hooked on them. I have worn them in front of my family, my mates at the weekend and worn them the work most days this week. I even can’t believe that I have talked another guy in my work to wear a pair of braces to work today. He commented on mine and said he had a couple of pairs that he wore out now and again and I said he should wear them like a kind of dress down Friday and he has turned up today with his braces on. He is about mid 20′s and has on Black jeans with Grey skinny braces and a White polo shirt.
Hi George
Thanks for letting me know who “One Direction” are!
Away footy match today, and I thought it strange that none of the team were in shirt sleeves on the Minibus. However, when we changed for the game, I noticed that most, if not all, were wearing braces, quite similar to the pair I had lost. Not sure whether they were taking the mickey at my braces, but did not feel like discussing it on the way home as our opponents thrashed the pants off us, although I did score a consolation goal towards the end. Will keep you posted on future developments.
Hey Ben, That is awsome you must have one hell of a team of mates at your footy. I think they were taking the mickey but still it is quite a thing for them all to arrange to wear braces on the day. I think they must like you a lot, shame you never talked about it as it would have been nice to hear what they had to say but I am sure you will find out later from some of them why they did it. You never know you may have converted a full footy team to wearing braces, that would be so funny. I bet a few of them will wear them more often now that they have had a try of them.
I saw 2 young lads each buying braces in Topman on Saturday.
Not sure if it was the Will Young thing with him wearing braces on TV or not but it was funny to see these 2 guys each standing in the queue at Topman both with braces in their hands waiting to buy them. I had mine on that day and just said “nice choice guys” to them and they both laughed when they realised they were both buying the same braces as each other. I did notice that Topman and H&M had a good number of braces on stock so they must be expecting a demand for them.
Am I brave or not ? Gave the braces a miss yesterday but have got them on today. I knew I had a big meeting yesterday so did not have the guts to wear them to the meeting but I did put them on today, and would you believe it I got called into an afternoon meeting that I was not expecting and had to sit there with my braces on full show. There were 5 guys from one of our sub-contractors at the meeting along with about 6 of our team and I was the only one with braces on. I did get a few looks of the guys and one even said to me at the end he liked the braces look. I said I did not know the meeting was going to be on today or I would not have worn the braces but he just said no way they do look good and I should wear them when I like, he said don’t worry what others may think, it shows you are confident in your style. Wow that gave me a great boost.
Hey Nicholas
I have always maintained that wearing braces is a confidence thing, altho’ why I am not sure! I found that once I had been “caught” in my braces, it did not seem to matter, as nobody made any adverse comments. The fact that none of the guys at your impromptu meeting said anything except the one who was in favour just proves my point. Anyway, what you wear is up to you, and nobody else.
The old taboo that whilst it is ok for guys to wear braces, they should not be seen does not even stand up to the evidence. I see many old newsreels of times when most men and boys wore braces, and they all have them on show in public. So wear what you feel comfortable in. You have made great advances – one more step is all you need to be totally confident.
Cheers Gavin and yes I do feel so much more confident, even having to go to that meeting and sit with my braces on show gave me one hell of a boost and the guy making the comment just added to my confidence. The other guy in my work has his braces on today, he came over this morning and said he thought it was great I wore my braces to the sub-contractor meeting yesterday (he was one of our team also at the meeting) and I told he I did not intent to wear them but felt fine having done it. He said he just thought, what the hell in Nicolas can wear his braces during the week why can’t he so he has turned up today with his braces on, Nice light Grey shirt with his Grey braces and Black trousers and it looks very nice and stylish. Maybe more guys should start to wear braces just to see if they get the same confidence boost that I have found, not that I was not confident before but it just makes you feel much more outgoing and able to deal with anything…is that so strange?
Good on you Nicolas glad to hear you wore your braces to work and getting another workmate to wear his is a great achievment. Bet that meeting was funny with you the only guy there wearing braces, but as you and other have said it boosts your confidence big-time. I would not be surprised if that guy who mentioned your braces at the meeting does not turn up at the next meeting wearing braces himself, I often find the guys who comment on them are the ones who are interested and just want to have an excuse to wear braces themself, so who knows. I have a couple of guys who work with me that wear braces now and again to work and I too take the credit for getting them to start wearing them, it just take one to start and other feel more comfortable to follow. Yes it is all about confidence.
Nicolas I had a similar thing happen to me back in early August. I normally wear my brcaes around the office and kept my braces on to a meeting and then found out a couple of the young guys in our clients team there also had on braces and they were both happy to take their jackets off after the coffee break saying they thought it was so cool a company that supported guys wearing braces on show. They both said thay had worn braces at other companies and they got bad looks from some of the older guys for daring to take their jackets off and show thier braces, so since then they kept jackets on and braces hidden.
I just think it is a shame that young guys should be made to feel ashamed to wear and show off their braces in public, these guys were so much more comfortable when sitting in shirt & braces rather than a hot jacket, they just seemed to be more at ease and able to be themselves. Nicolas I think you should stick to wearing your braces to these meeting and see if you can get a few more guys to do the same and follow your example. Why should we have to hid our braces after going through all this fuss and worry about being seen in them, why cover them up again.
Well guys I went for it big time and what a blast… I read on here ages ago about someone wearing Pink braces and I saw a pair in the sale at Tie Rack and just had to buy them. They were the button on ones and a bit wider than I would normally wear but hey what the hell I thought why not and they would fit one of my suit trousers as they have buttons. I wore my suit to work today as we had a few visitors in today. The look on the guys in the office when I took my jacket off and had on brightPink braces was so funny. And yes I got a lot of comments, some slagging them off and other thought they looked great if not a bit wild. Everyone know at work that I wear braces but today they just all came over and had to talk about the Pink braces and could not believe I had the guts to wear them to work. Like you have all said if you have the confidence to wear braces you can do anything.
Not sure if I will ever wear these Pink braces out at the weekend or not but you never know.
Hi guys
This confidence thing needs to grow. I spotted one of the lads in my office who had shown surprise at my braces on show driving into our carpark in his shirt sleeves and braces. However, when he was at his desk, he kept his jacket on. I pretended I had not seen him earlier, and asked if he was cold as he normally worked in his shirt. He went a bit red, and said that after seeing pics of One Direction wearing braces, he had bought a pair and really liked the feel of them, but had chickened out on reaching the office. I explained that it was only confidence to break the ice, and suggested he join my friends and me for a drink after work at the pub, where at least two of us would be in our braces. I guessed he wouldn’t come, but he did, and after joining us for about 10 minutes, he slipped his jacket off, and seemed to enjoy himself.
That was Tuesday, and he has stuck with his braces since, although he has only taken his jacket off a couple of times. Glad I was able to bolster his confidence a bit, and will have a further chat when the opportunity arises.
Hi George
Wow mate, I admire your guts for giving the pink braces a whirl!!! However, why should we guys not wear bright colours like the gals do? I tried a pair of purple skinnies the other week which I had bought off the Internet, and altho I regularly brave braces I did feel slightly self-conscious – need not have bothered, the gals loved them and my mates were quite jealous!!
Gavin the Purple braces sound great, can just see these with jeans and t-shirt bet they looked great.
Stan you are the Man lol…So good to give this guy a confidence boost, I bet he felt great in the pup with his braces on along with a couple of you also in braces. Yes it is all just about confidence. Nice to know he has continued to wear his braces and I am sure his jacket will be off much more once he gains more confidence.
I am very tempted to wear the Pink braces out this weekend but now sure even if I have the guts to do that, maybe after a few pre-party drinks I may put them on before going out. I just think they would go down so well and get loads of attention.
Follow-up meeting with our Sub-contractor today at their office and I have my braces on with my suit. I just wonder if the guy who commented on my braces before will be there. I feel much more confident as they have seen me in my braces before when they were at our office but I know they will have a lot more new people there today, but I feel fine going there and knowing I will be taking my jacket off. My workmate does not have his on today but what the hell I can pull it off. Would be so nice if someone else there turned out to be wearing braces as well, that would make my day.
Just back from the meeting we had today at our Sub-contractors. Our team were sitting there with jackets on etc. and the guys from the Sub-contractors came in just in shirt sleeves but what a shame not one had on braces and the guy I had talked to before when he was at our place was not there. Surprise surprise that guy arrived a bit later and strolled in wearing a nice pair of Black skinny braces with a pink shirt and black tie – very nice. He sat down and looked over at me and just smiled.
After a few minutes he suggested we open a few windows as it was a bit hot in the room, which of course resulted on most of our guys then taking their jackets off as well so I had to follow. I was sure the guy was watching to see if I had my braces on as well and he gave another smile when he saw I did have my braces on. When we broke for coffee he came over and laughed and said he did the open the window thing as a bit of a laugh to see if we would take our jackets off, and it worked. He said he was relieved I had my braces on as well as he did not feel the odd one out afterall. He said he liked the look of braces when he saw me with mine on last week and thought he would give them a go so bought a pair at the weekend, he said he had a bit of a ribbing off a couple of the guys when he first wore his braces today but most said they liked the new look and tought they looked smart. I hope with me wearing mine as well today he will have gained a bit of street cred and boosted his confidence as well.
Ha Ha What did I say Nicolas… I keep getting an email notification when anyone writes on this thread and it was so funny to check back here and see Nicolas comment about the guy wearing braces to the next meeting, that is just what I said would happen lol. I think it is a sure thing that if any guy shows an interest in braces he is near the edge of wanting to try them anyway that a bit of a boost just does the trick…wow that was soo funny to read that Nicolas.
Hey George I think I saw the same Pink braces you spoke about in Tie Rack at the weekend, I was tempted but did not have the guts to buy them, so did you were yours out this weekend. Sounds like bright colour braces are the in thing with Geo in his Pink and Gavin in his Purple.
I saw a massive poster in H&M at the weekend with a picture of a guy wearing braces as part of a clothes promotion and in the glossy mag with the latest style it had 2 more pics of guys wearing braces, not as loud as Geo and Gav but still nice to see braces getting highlighted.
Hi guys
Home footie match this weekend, and I was the first into the changing room, only to find my missing braces on my peg! The rest of the team filtered in and most of them were still wearing their braces from the previous week. We had some banter, and whilst some admitted that it was a mickey -take originally, they were actually pleased they had tried braces as they really did like them!!!
Watch this space – will keep you posted.
P.S. We did win today, altho’ no luck in the net for me.
Hi Ben, Glad to hear your missing braces turned up and how good to know a few of your footie mates have stuck with the braces, sounds liek a real “win” for you after all.
Have you stuck with the braces at work then?
Hi George
Thanks for the compliment – I think I did boost the confidence of the guy in my office – he has come in several days and let his braces show, although only for short periods at a time. I have told him that once folk know you wear braces, they are cool with it and there is no point in hiding them. He says he will wear them on view all day on Friday as it is dress-down day.
Did you brave your pink numbers over the weekend? Am sure they look great, but not sure even I could go public in them!! Lol.
Hi Nicolas
Have just returned from holiday, and looged -on. Cannot believe the progress you have made, but I am sure you will agree that once you have worn your braces in public, the concern and nerves just melt away. There must be literally thousands of younger guys out there who would like to try braces, but have this unfounded fear that they might be taunted by friends and family. Why? Simply because of the fear itself. The more guys who wear braces in public will make it more the “norm”, and the style will gather momentum.
Well done!
Stan I think you are so right telling your workmate that once he wears braces a few times people will just accept them and not give them a 2nd thought.
Well I did give the Pink braces an outing at the weekend but I wore a waistcoat as well. I also found out that they came with the option of clip-ons as well as the button so they could be worn more trendy as well. I had a few mates round before we went out and when we were getting ready I laughed and said do you think these braces would go with my outfit. The guys just laughed and dared me to wear them. I was still not sure but after a few more house drinks I was pushed into trying them on and in fact they did look great with the outfit even a few of the guys were impressed by the look. I still did not feel 100% about wearing them out but put a waistcoat on to hide them a bit, but I did leave the waistcoat open. We left the house and went out but I was still feeling a bit nervous about the Pink braces and my mates kept pulling my waistcoat open to flash my braces. After a few pubs and a few more drinks I was feeling more relaxed and the waistcoat was then dragged off me by one of my mates leaving me with the Pink braces on full show. I did get a lot of attention and felt everyone was looking at me, but I am sure that was not realy the case. We ended up in a club later and hit the dance floor and I know I got them pulled a few times but it was fine they did get me loads of attention and I was glad I wore them. I can’t recall all what happened but I saw a few photos the next day and there was some of me topless with just my Pink braces on in the club, so somehow I must have got my t-shirt off and pulled the braces back up on my bare chest. I also saw a few photos of some of my mates with the braces on in the club as well so they must have been doing the rounds. When we woke up at my mates house the next day he had the braces still on his jeans so he must have been the last guy wearing them. He kept them on when he got dressed and even went out to the local shop to get rolls etc. for breakfast wearing the Pink braces, what a laugh. I worry about next weekend lol.
Oh the evil of drink lol.
Hi Tom,,,Yes I agree with your comment to Nicolas about guys wanting to try wearing braces. From my comment about I discovered after checking the nite out photos that a few of my mates had tried my braces on when we were in a club and they looked on the photos to be enjoying wearing them.
One of my mates even woke up in the morning and he had my braces still on his jeans so he must have walked home after the club wearing them and he kept them on the next day so yes I do agree that loads of guys would just love to give braces a go. I am sure now that if I suggest to some of my mates about wearing braces themselves they would be happy to do so, in fact one of them has bought a pair since, just a skinny black pair but maybe just that initial push was all he needed to feel confident enough to buy a pair. I have not seen him with them on yet but maybe next weekend will be the first chance and I am sure some of the others may follow as well. That reminds me I have not got my Pink braces back off my mate yet since last weekend, I need to get in touch with him in case he tries to wash them or something or sticks his jeans in the wash with the braces still attached or someting as I understand that could ruin them.
Good on you Nicolas and well done for getting your subcontractor to wear his braces to your meetings as well..see I did say others would follow and it sounds like a few of the others guys on this thread are saying the same thing about others following and wanting to try braces.
I got one of my mates to try my braces on a few weeks ago, well kind of tricked in into it a bit lol. We had been out for the afternoon and got a bit wet and muddy and on return I offered him a dry pair of jeans, while looking out the jeans I clipped a pair of braces onto them and brought them through to him. He took them and asked what do I do with these and was going to take them off when I said not don’t bother just leave them on they won’t harm you. He put on the jeans and pulled up the braces. He said it was the first time he had tried braces and remembered his grandad wearing them. He was fine wearing them around my house and I offered to stick ourt dirty jeans in the wash, knowing he would then have to wear mine home. He did end up wearing mine home but asked if I had a belt before he left to which I said no I did not and he should just keep the braces on, so off he went with my jeans and braces on. A few days later when I saw him again he did say the braces were actually very good to wear and he confessed to swapping them onto his own jeans and wearing them a few times as well.
So maybe like people say loads of guys are just waiting for an excuse to try a pair of braces and most like the feel and style of them once they have tried them.
I still have not got that pair of braces back off him yet so I think I will hold onto his braces for that
Cheers guys…yes Tom I feel I have come on a long way and I do think also that a lot of guys would wear braces if they saw others wearing them as well. The more common they get the less the so called fear and possible taunting people may feel they would get about wearing them, which is all unfounded as we all know.
So how do we get other guys to try braces? Sounds like George’s mates were all game for a try and swapped the braces about in the club and sneaky William tricked his mate into wear his jeans with braces attached to them. I have not heard of anyone who has tried braces yet and not liked them.
I got am email from the sub-contractor guy who wore his braces to the meeting, he said he thought it was great that he had seen me wearing mine the week before, liked the look and style and it encouraged him to buy a pair for himself. He said he would never have worn them to the meeting if he had not seen me wearing mine before and he took the gamble I would be wearing mine when we met at the meeting in his office’s. He has said a couple of the guys he works with have asked about his braces and why he switched to wearing them. I replied back that loads of guys I am sure would love to try them but don’t have the confidence to do it. I told him one of my workmates wears them sometimes as well and he said we need to make sure we all wear them to the next meeting and he is going to see if he can talk any of his workmates to buys a pair.
Should I tell him about this website and thread?
George make sure your mates does not wash your braces.
My partner stuck a pair of my jeans with braces still attached in the washing machine and they came out all fraid at the edge and stretched so had to be binned. I also read somewhere on this thread about guys getting braces wet and they were fine afterwards but I think the washing machine is a bad move as it spins them etc. so make sure you get hold of him soon so he knows not to.
I could not find the comments but I think one of the guys wore his jeans, shirt & braces in the shower or something and said they were okay afterwards, not sure why he was in the shower with his clothes on, but everyone to their own.
Interesting stories about how some of you guys get your mates to try wearing braces. I have never tried any of these tricks yet but sounds like if we are going to have a determined drive to get more guys wearing braces maybe I should start trying a few of the tricks. Not sure how I am going to get my mates to wear a pair of my own jeans with braces attached, he might think I am up to something if I try and get him to take his jeans off and put mine on lol. Maybe I can get a few guys to try them on but not sure what excuse to use to make get them to try them in the first place, any ideas guys?
Well guys you have all been busy in this thread I thought it would have died off by now but it looks to be going as strong as ever. On the topic of getting other guys to try waering braces myself and my work mate Paul started wearing braces at work ages ago and a few others have followed since but we had a few guys who we knew would never give them a go. We spoke about the style and look of braces and some of the other guys did go out an buy a pair and do wear them now and again but a couple of guys just did not want to know so we hatched a plan. This guy Simon was our target and we plotted with a couple of the other guys a way to try and get him to wear a pair of braces. We arranged to go out to the pub after work one Friday and the gang of us all agreed to wear our braces that Friday. Simon was the only on in the gang going to the pub who did not have braces on, there was 5 of us in braces and Simon without. Before we left work we were all talking and someone asked Simon where his braces were, he just laughed and said he did not do braces. One of the guys said if you are going to the pub with us you have to wear braces and he pulled a pair out his desk drawer and threw them to Simon. Simon just laughed but soon discovered there was no way the guys were going to let him off this time, he even went a bit red and flustered. After a bit a jeering and pushing he fell to the peer pressure and agreed to try them on. He had to get someone to clip them on for him as he did not have a clue how they went on. I could see he was so uncomfortable but at least he had the braces on.
We headed off to the pub and Simon tried to sit there with his jacket on until one of the guys pulled it off him. After a while we looked a bit more comfortable and even went up to the bar and the toilet etc. with the braces on. When we left he realised he had left his belt in work so was stuck with wearing the braces home, it was so funny. He told us the next week his girl was surprised when he walked in and was wearing braces but she said she liked them and thought he looked good in them. She made him wear them a few times over the weekend and on the Monday he came into work with the braces still on saying he thinks he had been converted, what a laugh but it goes to show even the guys who resist wearing braces tend to like them once they have given them a try, so whatever way you can find get your mates to give them a try and see how they like them I am sure you will be surprised at the result.
X-Factor on Saturday nite had loads of braces on show.
Did anyone see the X-Factor on Sat nite ? I saw about 6 pairs of braces on show. Harry from One Direction had them on and the guy with the Red trousers and White polo as well as the guy in Black trousers and jacket and a few more were spotted in the crowds outside waiting to perform. Just goes to show that Braces are on the way back into fashion big time again. I think I will bring up the X-Factor in conversation at work and see who saw the guys wearing braces and point out thatthey are all the rage just now, maybe get a few workmates to take the bait and give them a try.
Got my Pink braces back off my mate this weekend and lucky he did nto wash them… and my mate who bought the Black skinny braces wore them out on Sat nite. I wore a “normal” pair this weekend, I think we did the Pink braces just a little too much last weekend. My mate wore his new braces hanging down, which was nice but not a true braces wearer lol.
Hey Stan, Ben and Gavin how are you guys getting on with your braces and getting your mates to wear them as well.
Carlie, yes I saw the X-Factor, lots of braces on show.
Hi George & guys
Most of the football team have kept with their braces, and some have even bought extra pairs as colours other than black have started appearing! On chatting in teh pub after the match it seems they do actually like the comfort of them, as well as the style. And actually they are making me less-conscious of wearing mine – yes, i have worn them to work a couple of times, with no bad reaction, and some of my neighbours in the street have seemed more friendly towards me when I have my braces on show. Perhaps they feel I am more one of the lads, or just normal up north!
Hi Ben, Nice to know your footie mates have stuck with the braces, I am sure that makes you feel a lot less self conscious when guys around you have braces on as well. Good to hear you have worn them to work as well and let your neighbours etc see you wearing braces, it all just goes to make them more normal and acceptable to be seen wearing. Don’t think it is just and “Up North” thing lol as I think guys across the whole country are wearing braces more and more.
I don’t think anyone has ever had a bad reaction for wearing braces, sounds like everyone gets good comments and encourgement so why do we still feel a bit funny about wearing braces in front of people initially when we know we will feel fine after we have worn them a few times in front of people and we know everyone will think they are a good style and even perhaps want to try wearing a pair themself?
Hi George
Been down to Cornwall on hol, so no computer to keep up with this thread. Yes, I am still braving my braces – wore them most days while away, altho’ not to the local pub until I had weighed up the regulars. They were welcoming so wore my purple skinnies under a cardigan after a couple of nights, and then removed it when a young guy came in from work in a check shirt with jeans held up with fairly wide grey clip-ons. He cautiously asked where I got my narrow braces from, as all the shops down there had only regular width ones, and said he would try to get a connection when I told him they were off the Internet! Later in the week he came in with another guy, also wearing regular clip-ons, so the trend is spreading to the far flung corners of the UK!
Good to hear the braces are going down well in Cornwall lol.
Just got an email from my subcontractor who wore braces to our weekly meeting he has said one on the lads he works with has bought braces and is coming to the meeting tomorrow with them on so he has asked me to make sure I wear mine and to get the guy who works beside me to wear his as well. He thinks is will be so good if the 4 of us all wear our braces to the meeting tomorrow. I have spoke to my workmate and he is going to wear his so it could be 4 of us tomorrow with braces on after all, that will be funny.
Wow, 400 responses on the Anniversary of this thread! I am the lad in Stan’s office who he encouraged to be more open at showing my braces in company. Tried braces about a year ago, and really felt at ease in them, but only in private. I have continued to wear them but always hidden. Wish they were more accepted, but Stan and you guys have certainly helped. I can now remove my jacket/cardigan in public when with friends, but still do feel uncomfortable at times. But I will persevere. Admire you all.
Is that 400 responses, that is so wicked and a thread still running after a full year is great.
Guy so nice to here from you and glad you and Stan are keeping the braces going in your work place. I know it can still be a little difficult for guys to feel comfortable wearing braces on full show in public but just think back to the times you have worn them and I bet you have never had a bad experience, and I also think you will have had more positive comments than others. People are fine with guys wearing braces so just let yourself go a little bit more. Once people see you wearing them once or twice they just accept it as your style. Some people you will find will follow your style as I think a lot more people would like to wear braces if they were in an enviornment where other guys were wearing braces as well.
Go on Guy live dangerous and give those braces a bit more of a public outing, you will feel so much more at ease after just a short time and after a while you will not even think twice about wearing them anytime, anywhere, any place lol.
Just out my sub-contractor meeting and yes 4 of us there with braces on, what a great sight and feeling that was.
I was glad my workmate had his braces on today ready for the meeting and we both wondered if the two guy from the sub-contractors would in fact turn up wearing their braces as well, and they did. They both smiled when they came in the meeting room and saw us both sitting there with our braces on. The looked at each other and almost in tandem they took their jackets off and sat down.
The guy running the meeting made an opening comment about dress code and asked if someone had made braces compulsory at the meeting or something, which got a good laugh from everyone, nice way to break the ice. Someone suggested it should be the new uniform for the team.
It was funny during coffee break everyone was talking to us about why we were all wearing braces and it was amazing how many guys owned up to wearing braces in the past and many said they would wear them again if they were not going to be the only one. That is why we said we were all wearing braces to encourage other to start and feel confortable about wearing them as well and that if they saw us wearing them others may feel more at ease about wearing them as well.
A couple of the younger guys said they do wear braces but never to work but after our show today at the meeting they were going to think about wearing braces to work to see what reaction they get.
Interesting conversation at lunchtime today at work with a couple of guys. They were asking why myself and a couple of the other guys in the office wear braces now and again to work. I just told them it was a bit of a style thing and they were more comfortable to wear than a belt. They both sounded very curious and said they had see a few people on TV wearing braces so I mentioned the X-Factor last weekend and they said they both saw it and noticed the guys wearing braces, which is why they were asking me about them. I suggested they just give them a try and see if they liek them.
I thought about the comments on here with trying to get other guys to try out wearing a pair of braces and I thought this is my ideal chance so I have offered to bring them both in a pair tomorrow to try. It is Friday tomorrow so I suggested the dress down friday approach and they both sounded like they would be willing to give them a go. I have spoken to the other couple of guys who were braces sometimes and they said they would make a point of wearing their braces tomorrow just to make these other guys feel a bit more comfortable trying braces out for the first time.
Feels a bit strange bringing in braces for guys in your work to try on but hey why not if they are game to give them a go why should I stand in their way, will let you know tomorrow if they try the braces on or not.
Well tell us Charlie did your other workmates try on the braces you brought in for them. If I can have 4 of us at a meeting wearing braces it would be nice to hear of someone else who can get 4 guys to wear braces at the same time. Can anyone beat that? Bet som eof you can lol.
Hi Nicolas thanks for asking and yes the braces went down a storm, ended up someone else worn them instead but great result.
I brough in the extra couple of pairs of braces for the two new guys and also the couple of guy who wear braces now and agian were good to their word and had their braces on today. The 3 of us were there with our braces on and we all walked next door to the new guys desk and through a pair of braces on each of their desks. They both looked up and laughed saying they never thought we would bring braces in for them. One of them was well up for it and got up pulled off his belt and put the braces on, with a little bit of help from someone. He right away said they felt good and he did not expect them to look and feel so good.
The other guy was very reluctant and would not try them on, even after us trying to bully him into it he still would not budge so one of the guys he sits with said he would give them a go. This guy was about mid 20’s and said a few of his friends wear braces out at the weekend and he always wanted to try them to see what they were like. He put them on like a real pro but showed off a bit pulling them and pinging them but said they were good and he could see himself wearing a pair of them.
We persuaded them to keep them on for a while to see how they liked them and they both still have them on yet, so sorry Nicolas but that makes 5 of us wearing braces today so that beats your score Ha Ha. The young guy has asked if he can hang onto them for the weekend and I have said yes as he wanted to wear them out with his friends.
I think a real result today and the question is will these guys or any others in the office start to wear braces to work after our little Friday morning braces trial.
Great work Nicolas. I did a simalar thing last week and the guy ended up liking braces so much he now wears them a lot to work. His Girl also liked them and has got him wearing them out at weekends. Just goes to show if you give guys that little push they will find that they like braces and stick with them after the initial trial. So who else like Nicolas has converted someone to weraing braces?
Away football match last Sunday, and 8 of the guys were still wearing braces on the coach. They admitted after the match that initially they were taking the mickey at my braces, but most have stuck with them as they are both comfy and different. How’s that for a conversion?
Hi Guys just to let you know the young lad in my work did wear the braces he borrowed out over the weekend and said he got loads of attention and loved it all. He has worn them both days at work this week and said he is going to buy himself a couple of pairs this weekend. He said he tried to get the reluctant guy to try them on this week but he still refused to give them a go, lost cause I think.
At least one other guy in work has started to wear braces.
Hi Guys…Any new guys viewing this thread and want to share some of your thoughts? Secret braces wearer’s are all welcome.
Hi Ricky
Newbie here, but haven’t got off the ground! My dad and older bro (24) both wear braces on occasions, and say how great they feel. I would like to give them a go, but none of my mates or work colleagues have ever worn them, to my knowledge, and I don’t want to risk rejection from my comfort zone. I am 22, and fess that i do struggle to keep my pants up, with or without a belt, but don’t know if I dare take the first step. It could all go wrong! Help.
Hi folk
Tidying my bedroom yesterday I found a pair of grey braces someone gave me a couple of years ago, and which i just shoved in a drawer. However, I have seen a few guys wearing braces in the last few months, so went on-line, and found this thread. It does appear they are more popular now, but still not mainstream. I think I could try them in private, but no way could I be caught in them outside my home.Should I persevere?
Zac / Scott just go for it mates, what have you got to lose?
Zac if you Bro who is 24 can wear them why can’t you, just read the comments on here and no one has ever had any bad press when wearing braces and most all get good comments and others start to follow and wear them as well, go on mate be the first in you work or mates group to wear them. Why not both you and your Bro wear them out to break the ice.
Scott, sounds like you are intersted in giving braces a try so get them on mate and give them a go. As you say you have seen otghers wearing them so why not you. No one is going to laugh or say anything except give you good comments. Try them at home and then let the odd mate see you with them on and go from there, you will be surprised.
Hey guys, well it’s been a few weeks since I posted here and I see the thread is still going strong. I’m liking the stories about encouraging others to wear them too, I have still to get to this stage lol. But I have worn mine out a few times now!
Last weekend I was out clubbing and I wore my black skinny braces with grey casual shirt and black jeans, there were a few remarks but no negative comments or strange looks from anyone including my mates. The next night I was djing at a party and wore them again, a few people did pass compliments and one guy knew where they were from and said he had some identical ones at home. Also, I tried to get my brother to try them on after a few drinks but he wouldn’t lol.
I wore them again last night but because we were standing and moving between bars for most of the night my jacket stayed on until I got home. A little shy at being seen in them every day but I’m slowly getting used to wearing them, and they are more comfortable than a belt. I am also wearing them over a t-shirt and under a thick denim shirt quite often but they are not on display.
Hey the guy in my work who borrowed and tried the braces was true to his word and did buy a couple of pairs over the weekend. He had a Grey pair in yesterday and came in today with a light blue pair on which he said he bought from Tie Rack. The both looked good and as he wears blacks and blues a lot they suit him well.
Hi Ricky
Thanks for the encouragement mate. I tried my braces for the first time at a family BBQ on Saturday in the heatwave, and apart from my kid sister, who gave them a friendly ping and thought they looked “ace”, nobody batted an eyelid. Went to the park in London in the sweltering heat on Sunday and was comfortable shedding my waistcoat as there were a number of guys from about 18 to 30 in braces.
Planned to give them a go at work this week, but just couldn’t go that far yet. But I must admit being able to wear my pants that bit looser than with a belt was great. I can understand why older guys with a bit of a gut wear them more!
Hey Scott, good for you mate wearing your braces to the BBQ and giving them a public viewing in the park on Sunday, see you also saw other guys wearing them so why not just go for it like I said. The work thing is not such a big problem, like you say you have seen other younger guys wearing braces out and about so will everyone else so they won’t be surprised to see you with a pair on, its not like they will never have seen a guy wearing braces before as a quite few younger guys do wear them these days.
Not sure what type of job you have or where you work but try a subtle approach first and wear maybe a grey shirt or top so your grey braces blend in and if you are a waistcoat guy wear a waistcoat but wear it open so the braces show now and again. I know you will not get any grief for wearing braces, quite the opposite so just give them a go and let a few people see them and I am sure you will get positive comments. If like a lot of the guys on this thread you are the first to wear braces in work I bet a few will ask you about them and maybe even own up to having braces themselves and even join you at work with braces on, it only takes one guy to start the braces in the office and others will follow.
Let us know how you get on mate, maybe go for the thried and tested Dress Down Friday for your first outing at work with your braces on, at least you have a good excuse to wear something a bit different that day.
Hi Mick, If you are able to wear your braces out a few nites clubbing and DJ-ing I am sure you must be feeling more relaxed about wearing them now and being seen by others. You will find the more you wear them the more you just feel relaxed about it and you get to the point wear you don’t even think about them anymore. Once people see you wearing braces a few times they just see them as your style and don’t think twice about it and just expect to see you wearing braces now and again. Also see how people will strike up a conversation with you if you are wearing braces like the guy who had the identical pair as ours, just a nice way to get chatting to guys and you will find most guys are interested in wearing braces or giving them a try.
Hey so get that Bro of yours to try them on I bet he does want to give them a go but is a bit shy. Why not sneak into his room and clip them on his jeans for him and tell him you have hidden his belt until he has given the braces a go he may just try them to keep you happy, you never know.
Mick – check out my comments on this thread about wearing braces at work. I wore mine to a meeting and a couple of the guys asked about them and they both ended up wearing braces to the next meeting and have done so since. Even one of my workmates has started to wear braces as well so as Ricky says above it only take one to start wearing braces and other will follow. It is also so funny how many guys do maybe have a pair of braces tucked away in a drawer or somewhere but just need a bit of a push to wear them.
Reluctant guy in my work has braces on today !!!
After all the problems the other week to try and get this very reluctant guy in our work to try on a pair of braces he has walked in today with a pair of braces on – bold a brass without a care in the world walking around the office with braces on show. I shouted at him when I saw him and he just laughed and said if you can’t beat them join them. I think we must have worn him down last week trying to get him to put them on, but I think the guy who sits next to him must have kept on at him all week until he cracked…Great result lol.
ITS FRIDAY – ANYONE GOT THEIR BRACES ON TODAY???
Dress down Friday anyone?
What about other guys maybe mates or in work wearing braces for the first time, anyone talked other guys into it? Sounds like most of us like to get others to try wearing braces. Just good to get more people wearing them to push the numbers up.
Hi guys
Dress-down Friday gave me the excuse to try my braces at work. Went in wearing a pale blue shirt with indigo jeans held up with dark blue skinny braces from H&M, and altho nervous, I did try to exude confidence, and it WORKED! Nobody made any derisory comments, and several colleagues of both sexes said they thought the braces looked great. I just found how comfortable they are, and will attempt to persevere on a non-dress down day.
Thanks mates.
Well done Zac, good on you mate for wearing your braces to work, see I told you no one would say anything bad and you just get loads of good comments. Like the sound of the dark blue braces on pale blue shirt, nice choice mate. Did you tell your Bro that you got braces and wore them to work? Now the question is have you worn them again to work this week when you don’t have the dress down friday excuse? I bet once you wear them a few times some of the other guys will ask you about them and they will end up trying them out as well and before you know you will no longer be the only guy wearing braces in your work. Let us know how you are getting on mate.
I have had a few people comment to me about seeing a lot of guys on X-Factor wearing braces like mine, the main one being “The Risk” on Sat nite with two of the guys with braces on. People make the comment about me starting a fashion trend but I just say no but it goes to show how popular braces are if all those guys are starting to wear them. I have noticed in H&M and Topman etc. that they have loads more braces for sale so they must be expecting a rush of guys top buy them, could be the new winter fashion thing.
Hi Nick, I saw them on x factor as well. If you google images for “the risk x factor” you can see the photos of the two guys with braces on. One has them up the other hanging down. The guy with the braces up suits them very well and looks well smart. It is surprising how many guys on TV wear braces so it should not surprise anyone to see others wearing them out and about and at work. I am surprised that more guys have not started to wear them out there yet, maybe they just need our help to give them that little push lol. And yes I too have seen a lot more braces for sale in the shops these days.
Just had to log on and tell you guys that I saw a young guy who was visiting our office today and he was wearing braces. He must have been early 20′s wearing a nice sharp looking suit and he was over at one of the desks the other side of the office from me. I saw him arrive and he later took his jacket off and he was wearing a classic pair of skinny button end braces, blue & red strip, which matched his tie. He looked great and just seemed so comfortable and natural wearing them. He saw me later in the morning across the office with my braces on and smiled over at me.
Just thought it was so cool of him to arrive as a visitor and feel no issues or problem about removing his jacket and showing off his braces, he was obviously a regular braces wearer. He also looked like he knew his style was good and was happy to show it off to others without a worry or problem with hiding his braces.
Hi Ricky et al
Have worn my braces to work this week . Kept my jacket on for the start, but then a couple of the girls joined me for lunch and said how much they liked my Friday look, and why wasn’t I wearing braces anymore. I opened my jacket to reveal them, and mumbled that I was a bit nervous once dress-down day was over. They persuaded me to remove my jacket, and when I walked back into the main office with a girl in each hand proudly displaying my braces, I could see jealousy on a number of guys faces!
Wonder if there will be some more converts in the next few days?
Interesting to read these comments. I have always preferred braces for comfort and appearance but have been shy. Now retired I seldom wear trousers or jeans without braces and am delighted to see so many younger guys have found confidence to wear them in their workplaces without jacket.
I guess it is true that many guys have a pair somewhere that they need encourageing to put on!
Keep the posts coming folks!
Good on you Zac mate, see people do like the look and style of braces on a guy and the girls just love them. So was it your dark blue braces and what colour shirt did you have on. I bet you feel more comfortable now and will now start wearing them more often during the week. I don’t think it will be long before some of the other guys join you and wear braces as well. If the girls in your office like the look other guys will sure follow. I bet by next week some of the guys will ask more questions about your braces and they will be the ones who end up buying a pair and giving them a go, maybe the dress down Friday day will be their first trial, as it is for most guys who wear them at work for the first time.
I think the younger guys are out numbering the older guys wearing braces these days. Myself and a lot of my mates wear braces these days and we are all in the 20′s and just watch the TV and you will see loads of boy band members wearing braces as well. I think it is defo a young guys accessory these days. Wearing braces out at weekends just leads you to want to wear them in work and hay why not take your jacket off and show them off.
I agree with above I think most guys who are maybe mid-20′s or above must have a pair of braces hidden somewhere in their wardrobe or at least tried a pair at some time in the past. So whats stopping them wearing them again?
When I started wearing my braces out and about I asked a few of my mates if they ever had braces and most did have an old pair of braces somewhere, but thankfully most bought a new more trendy pair to wear out as the ones most had were a bit old and too wide. Skinny is best…yes?
Great to see more posts since mine yesterday. Today is Friday and as one of the the lazy retired I am at home (busy as it happens!)wearing blue workman trousers and red braces. These trousers have metal buttons for braces and side adjusters.
BUT as it is Friday how many of you are sporting your braces at work and how many of your mates are?
Look forward to reading more presently!
Interesting to see more posts on this even in the last few hours!
As today is Friday, dress down day for some, I wonder how many of you guys are wearing (showing) your braces and how many work colleagues might be following this good trend.
For the record as a now retired man I am at home busy as it happens and am wearing blue workman trousers which have metal brace buttons. With the blue trousers I am wearing a blue shirt and red braces.
Will be interesting to read any Friday follow up!
Wow what a great site. I was out with Nicolas after work last night and he told me about this site and I just had to drop a note. Hey Nick, I did not know you had been telling stories about me at our meetings on this site, but what the hell glad you did.
I have worn braces a lot and often to work but some clients we work for frown upon guys taking jackets off and showing their braces but I was so pleased when we went to Nick’s company and he was there with his braces on show. I knew right away I was going to enjoy working with them and was determined to wear my braces to the next meeting to support him. It was great when both he and I got another person from out teams to wear braces as well, it was a bit funny all of a sudden 4 guys sitting in the meting wearing braces, must have looked like a set-up, which it was I suppose, even the chairman made an opening comment about it.
I just think it is great that young guys can show a bit of flare and style and be comfortable to wear braces out there in the work place,or anywhere to be exact. They were always seeen as an old guys thing (sorry Sherlock) but I think the younger guys are taking over with the braces now and giving them a modern twist and style. Funny even when we were out last night Nick and I saw a couple of other guys with braces on,one guy was the older stereotype business man type but the other guy was a mid 20′s smart suited guy and he knew he had style and was willing to show it. He just looked so smart. I caught his eye when he was at the bar and he smiled over at us, shame he did not come over for a chat but it was nice to see other guys walking about feeling comfortable in themselves with braces on full show. Nice to find a site that brings guys who like wearing braces together and encourages other guys to start wearing braces maybe for the first time.
Hey Nick if you are reading this, Thanks for sending me to this site and catch up with you next week mate.
Wow what a great site. I was out with Nicolas after work last night and he told me about this site and I just had to drop a note. Hey Nick, I did not know you had been telling stories about me at our meetings on this site, but what the hell glad you did.
I have worn braces a lot and often to work but some clients we work for frown upon guys taking jackets off and showing their braces but I was so pleased when we went to Nick’s company and he was there with his braces on show. I knew right away I was going to enjoy working with them and was determined to wear my braces to the next meeting to support him. It was great when both he and I got another person from out teams to wear braces as well, it was a bit funny all of a sudden 4 guys sitting in the meting wearing braces, must have looked like a set-up, which it was I suppose, even the chairman made an opening comment about it.
I just think it is great that young guys can show a bit of flare and style and be comfortable to wear braces out there in the work place,or anywhere to be exact. They were always seeen as an old guys thing (sorry Sherlock) but I think the younger guys are taking over with the braces now and giving them a modern twist and style. Funny even when we were out last night Nick and I saw a couple of other guys with braces on,one guy was the older stereotype business man type but the other guy was a mid 20′s smart suited guy and he knew he had style and was willing to show it. He just looked so smart. I caught his eye when he was at the bar and he smiled over at us, shame he did not come over for a chat but it was nice to see other guys walking about feeling comfortable in themselves with braces on full show. Nice to find a site that brings guys who like wearing braces together and encourages other guys to start wearing braces maybe for the first time.
Sorry name should be “Fred”
No problem Fred. I guess you are OK about us older guys (who wished we had been bolder in the past) discussing our braces stories now?!
Sherlock just love your comment about older guys “who wished we had been bolder in the past”. Hell man yes tell us about your braces stories as it helps us to understand maybe why guys still feel a bit uncomfortable about showing their braces even these days. Maybe if guys relaise it was something from the past that we have now moved on from, like a lot of things in life they will forget this old “don’t show your braces” thing and step up to the modern image and let their braces be seen. Hell a guy in a smart suit with brcaes looks 100% more trendy and stands out so much more than a guy with a belt on. Like that guy we saw in the bar the other night, he just looked so great with hiw braces on show and stood out miles from the rest of the guys around him.
Sherlock I take it you are the traditionl button end braces type of guy, which I think looks classic on a good suit. I have a few button pair of braces that I wear with jeans as I just like the vintage look they have, bit of a pain having to sew on the buttons but worth the effort as they do look good, I have noticed a few jeans manufactured have jeans on sale withy attached braces as well so the trend must be out there.
So what is the general opinion…Do braces look smarted and stylish than a belt and what about clip-ons vs button ends?
Fred, nice to see you writing on this thread – shame you got your name wrong and uploaded the same comment twice – sorry mate lol.
To answer your final question – Yes braces do look so much smarter than a belt, shows a bit of class in a guy who can wears braces. If you are in a room of guys and someone has braces on that is the guy you will remember most, like you did I bet you can’t remember the rest of my team who were at that first meeting but you remembered me in my braces – works everytime.
I have a few button end pairs as well – the old working class stripe ones which look great with jeans and a grandad shirt good chilling out on a Sunday style. I have braces butons on one of my suits but tend to just wear formal black button braces with this, don’t think working stripes would go with that suit. I like the clip-on at the moment as they are the ones that most guys are wearing and the ones on sale in most of the shops just now.
See you later in the week for our meeting – Braces on show of course lol. Think my other braces work mate may not be there at the meeting this week but I will have my braces on for sure.
Saw a new range of braces in H&M at the weekend in loads of different colours, Blue, white, red, black and brown/tan checked ones etc. and they had loads on the racks about 10 pairs of each colour so they must be expecting a rush on braces, do you think this thread has started a country wide rush ???
And to answer Fred’s question above yes braces are smarter and shows a real guy who has style and confidence in what he wears. Clip-ons are easier and what are in the shops now but think the button ones are classical and and maybe look better on an older guy or with a formal dinner suit. Also like the sound of Nicolas stripe braces and Grandad shirt style for a weekend dress down thing, Where can you buy these old fashion style braces and the buttons to go with them and do they have to be the wide style to make the vintage look better? I would like to give them a go and see what they look like.
To keep the discussion going gentlemenn I thought I would tell you that today I am wearing grey mustard and white stiped braces which have grey leather ends, they are over a white shirt. My jeans are baggy with quite large metal brace buttons and ‘backstrap’. Sadly the cooler weather has necessitated my wearing a cardigan over the braces but perhaps I will change and put a tshirt under the shirt to sport my braces properly.
Do keep these good items coming!
Well Nick and me had our meeting again today and were both there in our braces. For a change I wore my suit with the braces buttons and with a pair of button end Red braces, a bit wider than I normally wear. I could see the rest of the guys looking at me as I took my jacket off and the Red braces just seemed to jump out at you. they laughed when Nick walked in and said I looked like a financial banker which got a laugh from the rest of the guys there. At least Nick had his braces on as well which did not make me feel so bad. Think I will stick to the narrow style clip-on braces next time, maybe stay away from the Red ones too.
Hi Fred – Just saw your comment and yes the wide Red braces were a bit of an eye-full lol. I did read on here some where about a guy once wearing wild Pink braces so at least you were not that bad.
One of my work mate has said he is thinking about wearing braces on Friday and wanted to make sure I was going to have mine on this Friday as well so he did not feel the odd one out. It will be nice to see a new guy wearing braces.
Zac mate you still out there? Just wondered if you have any other guys in your work wearing braces after you wore yours last week and got such a good response.
Anyone know the best place to buy vintage style button end braces as I want to give them a go on a pair of jeans I have?
FRIDAY AGAIN – ANYONE WEARING BRACES TO WORK TODAY ???
Yes it’s Friday and I have my braces on, but them I always have my braces on lol. The guy who said he was going to wear braces today has turned up with a pair of Black skinny ones tucked in his pocket but he did not want to wear them until he saw I had mine on so he has just taken off his belt and put the braces on. He has on black jeans and a red polo top which looks great with the black braces. Just waiting to see what the rest of the team say when they arrive and see him with braces on. I am sure he will get great comments and maybe convince him to wear them more often.
Hey Nick, You slagged me off about getting my name wrong and adding a comment twice…well just look how you have spelled your name Ha Ha…
Glad you got another recruit in your place to start wearing braces, will I see him at out meeting next week? I am trying to convert a couple of guys in my place to try wearing braces but am having a bit of a struggle, just think they are a bit shy to give them a go maybe need to try a few more new tactic’s like you did with the guys in your place. Yes I agree the Red braces were a bit too much and I will tone it down next week.
Just bought some Vintage working mens button end style stripe braces and have spent last night sewing buttons onto my jeans so I can wear them, man that took me a long time. They look great I am very impressed with my work. They do give a real vintage look and I tried them with a Grandad shirt which looks awsome, just like John-Boy from the Walton’s lol. I think I will give these a go at work on Friday and see how they go down, sure to get a few comments.
I found The Vintage Shirt Company web site and they have loads of this style of braces. Not sure if I will move away from clip-ons but these are good for a change of style.
Hi Ricky
Am still here, just in case you thought I had been carted off by the Fashion Police! My computer went on the blink and have only just managed to get it fixed. Yes, I am wearing my braces to work most days, and now feel more confident to let them be seen, particularly as a couple of my mates in the office have also given them a go and seem keen to continue. One of them chose the safe route of mid grey, but the other went for red, which are really too loud for me.
Not sure I could sport the vintage button-on style, but admire your bravery!
Ricky, Vintage Shirt Company based in Lewes is a good outlet for vintage braces, trousers etc. I guess you look great in your braces and grandad shirt with jeans. Do let us all know what reaction (which I am sure will be positive) you get at work. Incidentally you can buy hammer in metal buttons for jeans. I always keep a spare set, they save heaps of sewing time.
Cheers all braces wearers!
The vintage stripe button braces went down a storm at work on Friday, so glad I wore them. I did get a few initial comments about looking like grandad and the likes and someone from the coal mines etc. but it was all in good fun. Most people said they liked the vintage look and it made a great style.
It was so funny as one of the young bosses came in the office, he must be about 30ish and he always wears a suit to work, Friday or no Friday and he never normally speaks to me but he commented on my braces and said he had just realised what the buttons are on his suit trousers since seeing me wearing button braces. I thought he must have been a bit dumb not to know that but he was genuine and said the trousers he had on then had all these extra buttons and he just thought they were spare buttons.
One of the girls said to him why does he not try my braces and see how they look, I felt a bit embarrassed when he asked if he could as he always wondered what the buttons were for. I felt a bit daft taking my braces off and handing them to try. The girls helpped him attach them at the back and I must admit what a difference it made to him, he just looked so classical and stylish with them on. With my grandad shirt they looked old fashioned but with his shirt and tie they looked very good. I think everyone was surprised at the change in his look. He asked if he could keep them on what a while to see how he liked them and I had a few comments about watching my trousers dont fall down without them. He came back around in the afternoon to return my braces and said he was very impressed with them and asked where I bought them, so you never know he may turn up with a pair of his own next time.
Hi guys
I got given a couple of pairs of braces last week for my Birthday. I had never considered wearing braces, as I thought they were for older men, like my Gramp. (I am 20). However, I experimented in my room, using a pair of pants which were really too loose to wear even with a belt, and could not believe how great they felt with the braces. However, I was desperately shy of being seen in such old-fashioned wear, so came on the Web and found this site. Am plucking up courage to give them a go to work later this week, but it is great to learn that most of you have felt the same way at first. Still fear what reaction I might get, but may let you know if it ain’t too bad.
Hi Ted just think why did people buy you braces for your birthday in the first place and I would say it is because they are very popular and on sale in most of the guys clothes shops at present so whoever bought them must have seen them as the right thing to wear these days. Maybe the person who bought them has a pair as well, or has seen other guys wearing them and just assumed others would start wearing them as well.
I would suggest give them a try this weekend out with your mates and see how you get on and I am sure you will get good comments back from them. Once you feel comfortable with wearing braces around your mates then give them a go at work and I am sure you will get good comments as well from your work mates. I bet more of your mates or work mates wear braces as well and you will be surprised how many do once you start to wear yours.
Go for it mate.
Hello Chaps
Good to see this discussion is ongoing. I was reading some of the earlier entries and wondered whether anyone has an update. Was interested in Ben and his ‘footie’ friends and wondered whether braces have become the norm amongst that group.
Keep these posts coming guys. I am now retired and wish I had been bolder in the past but am seldom without one of my many pairs of braces these days!
Can’t believe it but my younger Brother arrived home to show off his clothes purchases and he had a pair of braces in his bag. He was going to a nite out and wanted us to say what we thought about his new outfit. The braces just set it off great and he was planning to wear them hanging down. I asked if he was just copying me with the braces but he said a lot of his mates have braces and he just wanted to be one of the crowd.
Yeah braces are on the clothes agenda for sure now just see how many guys you see wearing them on TV these days and out and about town they are everywhere. I think they are the next big fashion accessory to have and that should make everyone feel easy about wearing them and being seen with braces on, it will soon be strange to not have a pair a pair of braces.
Hi guys
Have persevered with my braces over the past few weeks, but have still to feel comfortable revealing them. I like the style, and how efficient they are at keeping my pants at the right level, but just draed being caught in them, even by strangers. Guess it’s just my natural English reserve, but will continue to wear them for comfort.
Hi Ricky
Tried my braces with my work suit last week, but kept them covered. Realised how good they were at keeping my trousers up – I didn’t have to keep hitching my pants up, or tuck my shirt back in, so resolved to wear them out at the weekend with my mates. Friday night arrived, and so did my mates before I had finished getting ready – rushed to the door stuffing my shirt into my jeans, but obviously looked a mess as I was met with -
“are you going out like that?”
When I looked bemused, my mates pointed out that in my rush i had not only failed to tuck half my shirt in, but what I had tucked in had finished up inside my underwear, so everyone knew I was wearing CKs! James asked why I didn’t try a pair of braces (I have always struggled with belts) and I said I had got a pair but was too embarrassed to wear them. He opened his leather jacket, to reveal a skinny pair of black braces set against his grey shirt, just grinned, and told me not to be so stupid as I needed them and they were now all the rage.
Relieved, I dashed upstairs and put on one of my Birthday pairs. We went on pub crawl, and i was amazed at seeing several other guys in braces, on both sides of the bar, totally unconcerned at what others thought. Saturday morning, I steeled myself and went to the corner shop for some odds and ends in my braces. Nobody commented although I still felt uneasy. Sunday I popped round to see my grandparents as usual. My Nan admired my braces, and said gramp had always worn them until I started to go for a drink with him as he did not want to embarrass me! That really broke the ice, and we had a good laugh.
Monday morning dawned, and I wrestled whether I should wear my braces to the office, as I knew I would remove my jacket at some point during the day. I did, but confidence failed me and I kept my jacket on, but will have another go tomorrow.
Thanks for all your advice and encouragement.
Hi guys, good to see so many other people giving braces a try and finding the courage to wear them more often. Keep it up!
I’ve worn my skinny black braces on nights out quite a few times now around nearly all of my friends, and the only remarks I’ve had have been compliments on how good they look, or friendly banter but nothing bad. Usually I’ll wear them with a light grey shirt, black jeans, trainers and a cap (I’m a fan of hats too!). From comments a couple of friends have made in conversation it seems I’m even getting a reputation as a wearer of braces amongst the group as none of my other friends wear them regularly, it will be interesting to see if anyone does eventually follow and wear a pair on a night out.
I’m also still wearing them under cover sometimes, under my denim shirt and over a t-shirt underneath. This works well as the shirt is thick and I use it like a jacket most of the time. I’m not completely converted from belts and still think that sometimes a belt goes with what I’m wearing better than braces, although braces are definitely more comfortable. I usually only show my braces when I’m off on a night out but that might gradually change when I become more used to wearing them a lot and more people get used to them. Must admit there are occasions when I still feel shy about it.
Seen a couple of lads around my age wearing braces recently. One guy was wearing grey braces with dark grey stripes and a checked shirt, tucked in but not fastened and with a printed t-shirt underneath and jeans. Must admit I quite liked this look, it was kind of dressing the braces down a bit and making the look more casual which I liked. The other guy was wearing tan braces over a light brown shirt and looked like he had maybe been to work, quite an unusual look but it seemed to work and looked very stylish and vintage.
As for One Direction, Olly Murs, X-Factor contestants etc, I’m really not a fan of any of these, but I suppose it’s good that they are wearing braces in the public eye. Braces do look really stylish and it would be great if more guys had the confidence to wear them more often. Judging by the stockpile of them I’ve seen in H&M, Topman and other stores they must be selling well. I think there’s more guys than we realise who don’t show them and wear them under jackets, cardigans, hoodies, thick shirts etc.
My advice to you all, go for it… just do it gradually if you’re nervous, one step at a time and you’ll have more confidence before you know it.
Mick you are such a star see once you start to wear braces you find that no one says anything bad about them or you, it is all just a myth we imagine. It is funny how soon your mates just accept you as wearing braces and then expect just to see you with them on most of the time. Do any of your mates ever wear braces? If not why not talk on or two of them into trying them one nite and see how they get on, it would be great to see more of your mates out on a nite out with braces on.
Have you worn them to work yet? That is always a challange for most guys but again no one every finds any bad comments when they do and find they all get good comments back.
I agree that more guys must be wearing braces as they are in all the clothes shops and I have seen guys looking at them and buying them so they must be out there, maybe like a few of us they are just building up the courage to start wearing them on full show, just wish they would hurry up as that would encourge more guys to start wearing braces.
I agree with you other guys should just go for it but hey lets take the lead and talk our mates into wearing braces too so at least we kick start the fashion a bit more.
Ted well done mate good to hear you got out there and showed off your braces to the world, so funny your mate arriving with braces on too, I bet that made you feel loads better. See everyone loves the look and style of braces so whats stopping you wearing them to work, you will get the same positive response there as well and maybe find a few of your workmates have braces too that they will start to wear if you have your on. Go on take your jacket off next time …what is the worst that can happen, nothing I bet but I am sure you will get loads of positve comments.
I want to hear next time that you have worn your braces to work and taken you jacket off and I want to hear what response you got, I am sure it will all be good.
p.s. Ted buy yourself some Aussiebum underwear, much better than CK’s lol.
Just to let you guys know that Fred and I have kept up the tradition of wearing our braces to our sub-contractor meetings and this week we had another recruit from Fred’s team wear braces for the first time. One of the other guys said he thinks the rest of the guys at the meeting are starting to feel they are being left behind if they don’t wear braces. I asked him when he was going to wear a pair and he did say he was thinking about it so not to be felt out…how is that so great if we convert more guys over.
Ted I agree with Ricky I think your should take that jacket off and show off your braces to your workmates, you will love the great comments you are sure to get. Ha Ha I have to agree as well that Aussiebums are much better that CK’s on the underwear front, I would never wear anything else lol. Check out the website and see mate, order on-line and delivery is free.
Hi Ricky and Nicholas
Have continued to enjoy the comfort of my braces under my suit jacket at work this week until yesterday. Our boss came in and announced that the firm had arranged for us all to have a flu jab, so would we go down to the dining room and queue up straightaway. I wanted a jab, but debated whether to go to the cloakroom to remove my braces before attending, but everyone filed down, and I don’t think I could have kept my trousers up without my braces anyway, as they were quite loose. Steeling myself, I waited in line, leaving my jacket on until the last minute. I needn’t have worried. Three of the guys in front of me sheepishly revealed their braces, and looked relieved as they saw others similarly embarrassed. When i returned to my desk, a couple had kept their jackets off, so i took the plunge and left mine off as well. I counted six (out of about 15) working in their braces for the rest of the day, and think that now the ice has been broken they will probably continue to work in more relaxed fashion. I certainly plan to.
How good to find this site. I have for years liked wearing braces but been shy of letting them be seen publicly. I am more prone to remove my jacket and let them be seen if out having a drink when I become more relaxed.
Great to hear stories of other ‘shy guys’. I will be watching this thread, do keep the posts coming.
Come on, guys, the world has moved on since it was frowned upon to show underwear, which included braces.
The ubiquitous crew neck tee shirt was originally merely a short sleeved vest, worn under a shirt, the majority of teenage guys show inches of their underpants above their jeans, deliberately or by accident, but don’t care, and anyway, braces are now regarded as “the current accessory of choice for cool boys, who wear them without a belt for authenticity” according to last Sunday Times “Style” supplement.
I think it is only the British who are embarrassed to be caught in their braces; my american cousins think nothing of a night out in their suspenders!
Hi Ted…See nothing to worry about taking your jacket off and how cool to find all those other guys who were closet braces wear’s. See just takes one guy to take the plunge to start others following or in your case just being put in the situation where you are forced to reveal your braces is sometimes all it takes to to get over that imaginary hurdle. How many guys have come to work this week still with braces on show?
Not available in Australia!! Please change this soon
Great result on the braces front. One of my work mates who does not even go to our sub-contractor meeting has turned up today wearing a pair of braces. He was maybe one of the last guys I would have thought would wear a pair of braces but he walked in this morning took his jacket off and revealed a nice pair of navy braces. I shouted on him right away that I was glad he joined the club, much to everyone else’s laughs. He said he had the braces for ages and had seen the other guys at the meeting with them on so decided to wear them today just to blend in – how great is that.
This guy in in his mid 30′s and always wore boring shirt& ties and an ill-fitting belt. He looks so different with a pair of braces on. His trousers hand better and he just looks much more stylish.
Good one Nicolas. Keep the campaign going!
Well chaps today is Friday. How many of you will be sporting your braces whether as a dress down statement or otherwise?
As for me, I am doing some home decoratinng and wearing loose fitting ‘combat’ trousers with workmans leather end striped braces over a polo shirt. They look the part and are sure comfortable!
Nicolas and I have just come out of our sub-contractor meeting and more guys there had braces on than belts. It was so funny and each guy arrived it was like a guessing game to see if he was going to be wearing braces or not. We later discovered that they had got together last week and all planned to wear braces today for a laugh. Only two guys did not wear braces out of the whole meeting and both of these are a bit of a wimp anyway so no loss there then lol. The funny thing was a few of the guys said they liked the braces and could see themselves wearing them more often in the future, they even said there partners and family comments that they like them as well so maybe a few more recruits
Hi Nicholas
Am still getting used to showing my braces at work, but i have spotted at least two of the other guys in their braces at times, so feeling more comfortable on all fronts. A couple of the female office juniors have also come up to me and twanged my braces, but admitted they look quite cool!
Ted you are a Star mate…well done.
See once you start wearing braces out and about you just feel so natural with them on and soon don’t care about what anyone may think. And as you have found out most people think they are a great style. I have just noticed that a couple of the guys who wore braces for a laugh at our meeting yesterday have turned up today with them still on so I must go and talk to them and see what they are saying about it. Would be so nice if they now swap over to wearing braces more often. I think I am 95% braces now and not very often do I wear a belt anymore
Yes I agree with you Nick that Ted is a star lol.
I was in Primark the other day (sorry guys !!!) and noticed they had loads of skinny braces for sale, Black, Red, Blue etc. and they were only £2.00 how cheap is that!!!
I bought a pair of Red ones and wore them out on Sat nite just hanging down with a pair of light Grey vintage jeans and Red shirt. The amount of people that commented on the look was so funny, they all thought it was great and some asked if the braces came with the jeans or not, they could not believe I only paid £2.00 for them. I expect a rush on Primark this week lol. Who could not buy a pair of braces at that price.
p.s. Ted did you evey buy those Aussiebums mate ???
Hi Nicholas & Ricky
Great to be called a star, but I am only an ordinary guy who happens to prefer braces to a belt, and has finally had the guts to publicly admit it! Now i realise there is no shame, and hope a few more younger guys give them a try, instead of waiting until they are too old to enjoy the style. Once you take that brave step, or get caught in your braces, which is inevitable, the freedom is amazing.
Thanks, guys, for all your encouragement.
Just hit this site. My gf wears stockings and suspenders, which I love, and has suggested I try a pair of braces as she finds them attractive, but I just can’t. I would be so embarrassed I would just die. How do I overcome this stupid phobia?
Just do it mate, have a couple of beers first to get over the initial feeling of embarrassment and you will be fine! Keep us posted. If you g/f likes them you are 75% there.
Hi Guys its my birthday today and I got two pairs of braces off people as presents, how wild is that. They are both button end ones as I have worn this style before with a pair of jeans I had sewn buttons onto. The people that bought me them thought they looked better than the clip-on ones and both decided to buy me a pair of different coloured ones. They are well vintage and look great.
Oh while I am on the young boss guy at my work who had never worn braces until he tried my button end ones the other week has got himself a pair of button end braces and started to wear them most days to work. He has played it safe and bought a Black pair and they are a bit wider than I would buy but they look good on him and they suit his business suit style. He has said he loves wearing then now and was so glad he gave mine a try the other week or he would never have found out how good braces were to wear. He said a few of his mates have said they like his new look and style so sounds like a good move for him.
Kyle mate, whats the issue with braces ??? As long as you don’t wear your g/f suspenders, at least not in public lol.
Just read the comments from the rest of the guys here and you will see there is no phobia to be had in wearing braces. Just watch the TV ot look at magazines and you will see loads of guys with braces on. I know it feels a bit different when you first wear them and maybe you will feel a bit embarrassed but that is all un-founded and you will soon see that you gets loads of positive comments about your new style.
Hi Chaps,
Been to Primark and seen not only the skinny clippies (which they only had in red & white) but also some trendy jeans complete with button ended braces. They looked good. When I was in there the queue for payment was so long & I had not time to wait, but I will be in there in the next few days to purchase the jeans with braces AND a pair of red clippies.
The clippies by the way have a leather bit to pull the 2 straps together rather than the plastic ‘butterfly’ which is usual for these.
Lets get to Primark chaps. There are so many shops selling braces that there MUST be a lot of guys with unworn ones in a drawer. Get them out and sport them fellas!
I was at primark as well this weekend and bought a pair of Red clip-ons…£2.00 what a bargin. I wore them out Saturday night and they went down a treat. Red braces would not have been my first choice but I wore them with jeans and a Red polo. The look was good and got loads of great comments. Also saw loads more guys with braces on either up or hanging down. Hey if One Direction guy can wear them all the time then why should anyone else worry about wearing them.
I agree guys should just start wearing braces more often.
Two of my mates were celebrating a double birthday at the weekend and I had no idea what to get them both so I took up the idea a few of you guys said about birthday presents and braces… I bought then both a pair of skinny Black braces, wrapped them up and took them along to the pub we were meeting up in. When they opend them they both just laughed and made comments about trust me to buy something like braces for them. They were going to just put them in the pile of other presents when some of the people said why did they not both wear them, they were a bit reluctant but got talked into it, so they swapped belts for braces in the pub.
We went out to loads of pubs after that and ended up in a club and the both of them still kept the braces on. I had mine on as well and saw a lot of other guys wearing braces when we were out and about. They both said they felt a bit wierd at first putting on braces but after wearing them and seeing loads of other guys with braces on as well they felt very comfortable and forgot they even had them on.
What cute shirts!! I love how they turned out!
What a random comment jilbab…
Just an update that the young Boss guy at our work has bought himself another pair of button end braces, a regimental stripe pair with Navy and Red vertical strips. He is wearing them with a light Blue shirt and Navy tie and I don’t think he has had his jacket on since he came it, he took his jacket off first thing this morning and has been walking around with new braces on show all day.
I have to admit he looks great and the colour mix goes well together. For someone who had never worn braces until the other week he looks so confident and walks around like he has worn braces for years, I get the feeling his is showing off a bit, but hey why not he look great in them.
So I am confused now… Do I stick to clip-ons or give the button end braces a try?
Clip-ons are easy and available in loads of shops but is it worth getting some button end ones and getting buttons sewn onto jeans to wear them instead. I like the sound and style of Ricky’s Boss in his striped braces, sounds cool.
Hi George
Went to London yesterday for a business meeting, and saw loads of guys wearing skinny clip-on braces, including in my meeting, but no button-on ones, so I think you would be very brave to give them a go, unless you are middle-aged plus!
Cheers Ted I will take your advice. I am mid-20′s so will stick to the clip-on braces. I have got a few pairs now and mix and match to my shirt & ties, it is becoming a real problem in the morning deciding what pair to wear with what outfit lol. and I suppose the clip-ons are so easy to swap over from trouser to trouser.
So did you have your braces on when you went to London?
What colours of braces do you go for with your suit?
I agree that a lot more young guys are wearing the skinny clip-on braces these days and it is starting to just be the norm now to see guys wearing braces, how bizarre is that.
Hi George
I am not the braces Guru, but am glad you are taking my advice about button braces. They are generally wider, and whilst larger guys can get away with them I certainly can’t and most young guys wouldn’t either.
Yes, I did wear braces on my trip to London – ever tried carrying a briefcase, and an open umbrella with comfortable but loose pants? I have, and it is a nightmare! You have to keep stopping to hitch them up! Belts are not the solution.
I am a simple guy, and keep my braces plain and reflecting my suit colour, rather than matching my shirts or ties. So, black with black, blue with blue, grey with grey, and maroon or beige with brown – why does nobody make brown braces?
Since switching to braces I have found a new freedom in comfort, and have hardly been on the end of any criticism.
Perhaps I am just old before my time!
Hi guys
Have been road-testing my braces in private, much to my gf’s pleasure, and I admit that they feel great, but until I get caught in them do not feel I could wear them in public. I know I am being stupid, but although I love my braces, I just feel they are still so old-fashioned as to be unacceptable. None of my mates wear them, or have ever discussed them. But I will presevere, and keep you posted.
Kyle sounds like you do want to as you say “get caught in them” so you can then be outed. You say none of your mates wear or discuss braces, but you never know. If I were you I would bring up the topic and say your g/f has bought you a pair of braces and you don’t know if you should wear them or not, but at the same time don’t want to offend her by not wearing them.
Just see what reaction you get and I bet most of your mates will tell you to wear them and don’t be daft. I bet a few of them will also own up to having a pair of braces as well. If you blame it on your g/f that gives you a great excuse to wear your braces out next time and you can say it was only to keep your g/f happy. I bet after your initial outing with your braces on your mates will love the look and style and I bet some of them will join you.
Give it a go mate and tell me how it goes.
Ted I will go with your Guru thoughts lol… I am going to stick with the clip-ons and increase my selection of colours to give a bit more mix and match with my outfits, you sound like you have your style well in control.
Nice to know you showed those London guys how braces are done
Hi Fellas
Been to Primark Brighton today and horror they have sold out of their skinny Clip end braces!
They still have some jeans with button braces included but only a few pairs left. I wonder how many girls have bought these for their b/f’s?
The button end braces that come with jeans have a high back which is adjustable as well as adjusters at the front. That is a real good feature. Have any of you chaps seen these?
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So what has that got to do with wearing braces ???
I use some of the factory patches and some that I have modified… There’s a simple pad called “Beegee” Pad that I like and a spacey pad called Antarctica… I just have always like Korg Pads in general….
What a shame the ‘braces’ stories are not coming. Are you braces wearers still reading this?
Are we to have more input or has this good thread runb its couse?
Come on chaps!
Who has infiltrated this great site with rubbish?
Anyway, guys, I was relaxing at my gf’s last night, in my shirtsleeves and braces, which she still find great, when the doorbell went. She was on the phone, and signalled me to answer the door, which I did without thinking of my appearance. Her brother, who is one of my good mates stood there, and smiled without any comment about my lack of style.
After he had gone, I muttered something about my embarrassment at being caught in my braces, but she said his opinion didn’t matter. It’s down to the guy, not what he wears. When i next see him without her being present, we shall have to see.
Going back to the original question, I am in my 60′s, and would say that it is certainly not odd to wear braces. I have worn them nearly every day of my life, although apart from when I was at school, have kept them covered in public. My son, in his 40′s, admits to liking braces, but rarely wears them because of the social stigma attached to being seen with them on in public. However, my grandson, who is 19, has recently been coming round to see me in shirt, jeans and these modern skinny braces without any qualms, and very smart he looks. At least, you hardly ever see his underpants!
Kyle…I think maybe it was you who had the style and not your g/f’s Bro. Maybe now that you have “been caught” an “broken the ice” maybe you should just wear your braces out and about now. Do you think secretly you were happy to “get caugh” and just needed the chance to start wearing and be seen in your braces more often. Braces are everywhere these days and as Ron also said above his young grandson who’s 19 is sporting braces and showing the older guys how it is done. Don’t know why guys say 25+ worry about wearing braces as this stigma thing is maybe all in the mind from the old days.
I am still here too watching the comments…
My update is that since the young Boss guy in our work has started to wear his braces about 3 other guys have turned up over the last week or so with braces on. I had a dig at them for trying to follow the Boss but they all just said it was not the case and they were ony following fashion. Some how I don’t think so.
And today the guy who sits opposite me and has always slagged off my braces has just shown me he has a pair of braces on under his cardigan. I did think it was strange that he had a cardigan on as he never wears one. I have just dragged the cardigan off him and made him sit with his braces on show. I think he feels a bit embarrassed but a few people have already made comment about him being another one to follow the Boss. I wonder what the Boss thinks when he see’s all those other guys copy him? At least I was there first and it was me who got him interested in wearing braces when he tried mine on that day.
Hi Guys, wow I feel a bit loud today lol…
I ordered a pair of wild Purple braces to wear with my Tux to a black tie function to match in with my Purple bow tie and cumberbund but it did not arrive on time and only arrived in the post yesterday. I have taken the brave step to wear them to work today as we have our sub-contractor meeting today. They are button end braces so I have had to wear my suit with the brace buttons today along with a White shirt, Purple braces and Black/Purple stripe tie. Looks good but a bit wild for the office. As soon as I took my jacket off this morning I got a couple of cheers from the other guys, first reaction I have had in a long time as they are so used to seeing me in “normal braces”
I thought if my mate Fred can wear his Red braces to the meeting then why should I not wear my new Purple ones. I do feel a bit exposed with them on as they are wild and bright, but what the hell, I think the office needs a splash of colour lol. I will let you know how the reaction goes at the meeting.
Hi Nick, Just seen you post…you are a brave man and I cannot wait to see you later at the meeting, looking forward to it. Sorry mate no Red braces from me today just plain old Navy Blue. I can see James from my team has his braces on today so at least we won’t be the only ones wearing braces but I somehow think all the attention is going to be on you. Cheers mate see you soon.
Wow that was a mad meeting lol…
I went into the meeting with my Purple braces on show and got a big cheer from the guys there, some saying that my braces even out done Fred’s Red braces the other week, I took it all in good fun, someone asked if we were both trying to out do each other with the shock factor.
The funniest thing was one of the young guys from Fred’s company noticed they were button braces and made a comment about he should try on my braces after the meeting as his suit was fitted with button for braces as well and he had never tried braces before. I forgot all about his comment after the meeting and headed back to my desk when I heard Fred shouting on me, he had the guy with him and said he still wanted to try the braces on. I was thinking about Ricky’s comments with his boss trying on his braces so was happy to let him have a try. I felt a bit silly taking my braces off and letting someone else try them on, but thought it would be funny to see what he thought of them.
Fred helped him fix them on to his suit and adjusted them for length as he is a bit shorter than me. I have to admit seeing my Purple braces on someone else did prove how wild, bright and loud they were so no wonder I got a few cheers. He looked great with them on and the 3 of us went to the coffee lounge for a quick drink before they left. He said he felt a bit weird walking around with braces on but did say that right away he felt the difference and how much more comfortable they felt than a belt.
After coffee he took them off and I put them back on again. He said he always thought braces were a bit weird but after trying them he was amased how good they felt and looked and said he was going to invest in a pair of his own to wear with his suit in future, but he did say maybe not wild Purple lol.
Nick, we just got back and Mark must have talked non-stop all the way back in the car about braces. He was asking about the clip-on vs button and wide vs narrow ones, what colour was best…he just went on and on about them. He was so happy to have tried your braces on and he said he was so surprised how good they felt, and you remember he went off to the loo, well he said he just had to have a look in the mirror to see himself in a pair of braces.
I think we will see him with a pair of his own very soon, it was like a kid who had found a new toy..so funny. He was wondering what the reaction would be if he just started wearing braces all of a sudden and did not know what to say to his partner about his change of style. At that point I think he slipped up a bit as when he mentioned his partner he said “HE” might think it funny !!! Do you think that was a slip of the tongue? I knew he was single but assumed he was straight, maybe not!!! Did you get any vibes off him?
I assured him people are very accepting and most people like the look of braces on a guy anyway so no big deal. He felt easier knowing that me and a few others wear braces around the office so he should just blend in but he was still a bit wary of what his mates might say. I tried to tell him not to worry about that and just wear them out without any fuss and I am sure they will all like his new style and that some of them may even follow example.
I kept thinking about his possible or not slip of the tongue about his partner and still don’t know if I should bring up the topic or not with him again or just see if he makes any reference to it again.
Went Xmas shopping last nite to get a Secret Santa gift for our works present exchange thing. I had to buy for this other guy in the office and I got him a pair of braces. Maybe he will be talked into putting them on when he opens them this afternoon. No one is suppose to know who buy for who but I think it may be obvious who bought him the braces as I am the only one wearing braces today Ha Ha.
Can’t wait to see his reaction when he opens his present and it will be so good if he puts them on there and then. How sneaky is that to try and find a way to get other guys to wear braces.
Brilliant Secret Santa Gift…
Just did the gift swap thing at out office xmas lunch and the guy who I bought the braces for loved them, I could see he was delighted when he opened them, looked over at me and laughed saying he wondered who bought him these lol.
He needed no encouragement to try them on as he got them out right away and put them on saying he has always wanted to have a pair of braces. I did have to tell him to take his belt off as it was not right to wear a belt and braces…that got a good laugh. He said he is going to keep them on for the rest of the day and maybe stick with them next week. Good result I think.
When I went to Primark in Brighton last week they had sold out of their £2 clippies. They must have been popular I guess as pressies, but I wonder how many of them will be worn?
Not wanting to miss out on the bargain I rang to ask whether they are getting more and they have had another delivery. Red Grey and black. But the other thing is that some Charity & Vintage shops in Brighton are awash with second hand braces in excellent condition which suggests a lot of these do not get worn or at least not much.
So come on you office workers; keep sporting your braces and we retired gents will sport ours wherever we go!
I think Kelley is a lunatic…she should be horse whipped..If I had been Betheany, Kelley would be missing some teeth and would have to wear sunglasses for a few weeks…She is a stupid BI-ATCH…
I have heard that chocolate is good for you, but I never understood it, or really believed it, so I just ignored it. Now I understand that only raw, organic, dark chocolate is good for you…and that in moderation. I will strive to eat only this kind of chocolate from now on…we’ll see. I presume that all the candy bars out there have added fat and sugar in them? Where can you get raw, organic, dark chocolate?
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The guy in our office who I gave the braces to as a secret Santa gift has worn them today to work. I saw him first thing and had a chat to him. He said he loved the gift, knew right away they were from me and said he has worn the braces most of the weekend and said he got loads of good comments from his mates and family at the weekend and so thought what the hell wear them to work as well.
He said he cannot believe how comfortable they feel and says they have improved his style image great licks.
Hi Nicolas, just had to let you know that Mark arrived at work today with his own pair of braces on, I knew he would get a pair. Nice Black button end ones with his suit, he was strutting around like the cat who got the cream lol. I had a chat to him and he said he got them from M&S at the weekend. They are a bit wide for my liking but they do look good on him, he did say that was the only ones he could find with button’s on them and I have suggested he goes on-line to have a look there.
Oh and yes I did a bit more fishing and got all the gossip. I asked how his partner liked the new braces look and I must have paused a bit on the word partner and he just smiled and laughed a bit and said he knew I had picked up on his comment the other day in the car. Well yes he does live with a guy and said they have been together for a few years now. He asked me not to broadcast this to everyone but said if people ask he does not deny that he is gay but just does not go about shouting it from the roof tops. I would never have known unless he made that little slip of the tongue the other day. He said his partner likes the new look lol.
Anyway gay or not he is welcome onboard with the braces look and I thinkhe will be an avid wearer of braces from now on.
I feel just like one of the crowd now lol.
Since our young boss has started to wear braces so have loads of others and I just feel like one of the crowd now.
He has invested in a couple of other pairs and has stuck to the button end regimental stripe, which look great on him. Most of the other guys are wearing plain colour clip-ons and I think the Black’s have it on the popularity front.
I spoke to the boss the other day and mentioned he had started a fashion epidemic in the office and he just laughed saying it was funny how many others had started to wear braces recently, not sure if he does realise that they are all copying him. He did however remind me that it was me who got him hooked on braces in the first place so it was me who was realy to blame for the fashion epidemic.
Well done Ricky getting such a braces following in your work. Sound like a lot of guys have managed to get others to try wearing braces at work, funny how it catched on.
Kyle how are you getting on with your braces since you got caught in them by your g/f Bro ? I bet he never said anything bad about them but maybe it gave you a bit of encouragement to keep wearing them. Once you get seen wearing braces a few time people just accept your new style and most do like the style.
Hi George
Didn’t see my gf’s bro until last weekend – we sometimes play in the same local Sunday football team, and yes, i was still wearing my braces in the changing room. Some of the other lads had already said they liked the look, so he did show some interest by asking if they were comfortable. I confirmed that they were, and he made no criticism, so I may put a pair in his Christmas stocking!
Hi George
New to this site after I got a pair of braces in a secret Santa exchange at my office. I was not quite sure about how fashionable they were, but having read the posts, i tried them on. I felt great, and was not alone in showing them off at a party over the weekend. Two other guys were wearing braces, and we were all popular with the girls, so shall wear them to the office and see what reaction I can generate. Will let you know.
Hi Kyle, Good for you sticking with the braces as see what I mean if you wear your braces out and about most people will comment that they like the look, I have never had any bad press about wearing braces. Sounds like your g/f’s Bro could be the next guy to wear braces…Good idea to buy him a pair as once he has them he will have no excuse not to try them on and start wearing them. I bet your g/f will talk him inot wearing them. You never know you may get a few more of your football mates to start wearing braces as well.
Hi Shane, Sounds like the secret santa idea with brcaes has teken off. Glad someone bought you a pair of braces, do you know who it was that bought your secret santa gift? maybe they are a secret braces wearer lol.
I think people should buy braces for loads of there mates at Xmas (cheap enough at only Primark £2.00 each) If you buy your mates braces then they have no excuse not to give them a try and maybe a few of them will start wearing them out and about, nice easy way to introduce more guys to wearing braces.
Good to hear you were also not the only guy wearing braces, I find that most places you go these days that you will see a few guys with braces on, months ago you never saw many guys with braces at all but they are much more popular now.
Once a guy tries a pair of braces they always seem to get hooked on them…Do you guys find this as well?
Braces were well on show today at our meeting.
10 guys around the table for todays meeting and 7 of them had braces on, some said they only started to wear them just for the meeting as a bit of a laugh to wind up Fred and me but most said they are getting hooked on them now. The other 3 guys just need to be converted now lol.
The Gay guy Fred spoke about last week was there and had his new Black button end braces on with his suit. He looked very please to be able to sit there in his braces.
Funny Fred still said some the companies they go into would still frawn at guys wearing braces on show in the office and he is so happy our place is so cool with it. I just can’t undertsand why a company would frawn at guys wearing braces.
Interesting to find this discussion. I have always liked braces and think whether on show or not, they enhance a mans appearance and do somethinbg for the image.
Trousers and jeans with waist round the buttocks and underpants (or worse) showing might appeal to some. But when trousers are worn with braces adjusted (not outrageously tight but) tight enough for the seam of the trousers or jeans to fit snugly rather than hang from the buttocks they both look and feel good.
Hi Anonymous nice to hear from you and welcome. What age are you mate as I have a thought that more and more younger guys are wearing braces these days and overtaking the older guys. I think it is the older guys who have this stigma about being seen wearing braces and the younger guys these days don’t give a hoot, they just go for it.
I agree trousers look so much better when worn with braces. You can get the fit just right and it stays that way all day instead of hanging down off your ass and looking baggy, I think if you have a nice ass why not show it to its full potential lol..what more of an excuse do you need to wear a pair of braces Ha Ha.
Mind you there is a place and time for showing off your underwear waistband but maybe only during the summer when you don’t have top on. If you have good underwear choice and style you need to show that off as well, nice Aussiebums, James Tudor or CK’s look great peeking over the top of your jeans or shorts in the summer…
Anyway back to braces lol. So what is the average age of guys who are wearing braces these days, I am mid to late 20′s
Well I am 27 and Fred and the rest of the guys who attend our meetings wearing braces must be all in the age region of 25 to 35. Looks like the younger guys are winning the poll at the moment.
I have to say most of the guys I see with braces on are these days below 30ish and anyone much older wearing them only does so as they have maybe always worn them, bit like my Grandad lol. I think the youngers guys these days wear them for the style and looks and to set a bit of a fashion trend more than having to wear them as a necessity. Comfort does also come with the style.
Hi Ricky
I am a little over 60 and live in the UK South of London. Where abouts are you? The rest of you guys too, how many are UK based and in the South. We should get together!
Incidentally I am always picking up braces at Charity Shops and the like, but have recently found the Primark bargain some chaps on here were discussing
Hi Chaps,
Some more interesting contributions. Yes what about a meeting up and forming an interest group?
One of my mates came around on Saturday evening asking if he could borrow a pair of my braces…how wild is that. He said he was going out with a couple of other guys and they both said they were wearing braces that nite and he felt he was going to be the odd one out so came running to me Ha Ha.
I would never have put this mate down as the braces wearing type as he has never even asked or mentioned them when I have had mine on, but he must have noticed as he knew to come and see me to borrow a pair. He took the Black skinny ones and I made him try them on before he left my house just so I could see him with braces on, he looked great.
I must text him today to see how he got on with the braces, maybe an idea for a surprise Xmas present for him, what do you think guys? So nice when you mates start wearing braces too.
Hi people,,, I just Google’d Secret Santa Idea and on the 2nd or 3rd pager found a link to this site…What a find it is great. I was looking for cheap ideas to get for a secret santa thing we are doing in work but never in a thousand years did I ever think of a pair of braces, what a great idea, thanks for helping me pick a gift idea.
The funny thing is I have bought a pair for the gift and had a look at them before I wrapped them up, I was so intrigued after reading a few of the comments on here that I took them out the box and tried them on, that is once I worked out how they were supposed to be worn, sorry but I have never worn a pair of braces in my life before or even looked at others to see how they should be worn. Once I got them clipped on correct and adjusted the length they did look amazing when I looked at myself in the mirror. I did think I looked a bit different but right away felt they kind of suited me and they did feel comfortable.
I went back on this site afterwards and read more of the comments and it was great to hear what other people had gone through starting out to wear braces, I can fully understand all the issues that people have as I would feel a bit the same myself. I am torn now whether to wrap up these braces or keep them myself, feel like at least I maybe need to get another pair anyway and keep them for myself.
You guys are all Pro’s at wearing braces at work, with your mates and family and I feel I am just at the start of a very long journey. None of my mates of work mates wear braces, but maybe the secret santa idea will break the ice at work. Any suggestion most welcome.
Ha Ha so funny Guy you just having to try the braces on first lol…see you must have been curious or you would not have bought them in the first place Ha Ha. Yes go for the secret santa and see what reaction the guy gives when he opens your present. Maybe you could get a pair and wear them under a jumper for that day and if he puts them on you can take your jumper off and join him.
My work place mates just all followed each other once one or two wore braces to one of our client meetings other started to wear them as well and it just grew, so you never know maybe you can start braces wearing within your company. The younger guys are more game to wear them than the older guys is what we found.
Hi Guy
I recently got a pair of braces as a Secret Santa present, and whilst I would have been too shy/embarrassed to buy and wear a pair before, I did try them and found them both comfy and stylish. So yes, go for it and try them as a Secret Santa present – whoever gets them may wear them without prompting, or then you could parade in yours, and I am sure you would be copied
I have now worn mine to the office, and although nervous of the reaction I would get, it was positive, and another guy has braved them as well. And my shirt stays tucked in properly!!
Took up your suggestion Nicolas and got myself a pair of braces as well and wearing them under a cardigan today …
Cheers Shane for you feedback also, nice to hear from someone who has got a pair of braces in a secret santa gift. Our secret santa thing in today and I have gift wrapped the braces up for the person I was to buy for. As I hsaid to Nicolas I have also bought myself a pair of braces and have them on under a cardigan today, don’t think anyone has seen them or knows yet, not sure if the braces outline will show through on my back as the cardigan is a bit thin. I will wait and see what his reaction is when he opens his present and see if he puts them on. If he does I will open my cardigan and show my braces as well.
I don’t think I will expose mine unless he puts his on first, not sure if I have the nerve to do that yet but sounds like you and most other people here have all had a good reaction when you have worn braces so maybe I will see how it goes and how brave I feel. Have to admit the braces feel great on and very comfortable, nice to have your trousers just sit perfect on your waist. I have to say I am a bit hot in this office with this cardigan on but too nervous yet to take it off, even if I open it someone may see the braces if my cardigan falls open. I never even brought my belt with me so am stuck with the braces for the day whatever happens, don’t want to take the braces off and have to walk about all day with my hands in my pockets to hold my trousers up lol. Never mind secret santa time at lunchtime so not long to go now.
Well that was a fun Xmas lunch.
Before we went for lunch one of my workmates who sits beside me noticed my braces under my cardigan. He must have seen the cross over bit sticking out a bit and asked what I was wearing under my cardigan and he lifted the bottom to see the clips at the back. He just laughed and said he did not know I wore braces, he said he wondered why I was wearing a cardigan all day. I just said I wanted to give them a try to see what they were like.
We all went off to lunch and got our secret Santa gifts before we sat down for the meal. The person who I bought for was one of the first to get his gift. He laughed a bit when he opened it but said he always fancied trying a pair of braces and had seen loads of people wearing them nowadays. My workmate who knew I was wearing braces said I bet it was Guy who bought them as he has a pair of braces on today as well and pulled my cardigan open. I felt a bit embarrassed being shown up but the rest of the folks said the two of us should wear our braces so he was talked into putting them on and I had to take my cardigan off and reveal mine. I suppose it was good to get pushed into it like that.
I did admit to him it was me who bought them and he said it was a great idea and he liked them. He said he did not expect to be wearing braces today at work but was glad I had some on as well as he would never have worn them on his own. We have both kept them on and although it feels a bit funny walking around with braces on they do feel good and a few people have said they think they look good on us and we both suit them. I may give them a go over the holidays and think about wearing them to work again but will see what the reactions are first from other people.
Well this discussion continues and I am glad it does. Today is Friday. Are braces dressing down or up. Perhaps you working guys no longer need “dress down Friday” as an excuse to show your braces. Why not have some “New years Resolutions” to wear our braces with prde?
Do keep these post coming.
Hi guys
Cannot believe I got 3 pairs of braces for Christmas from friends who to my knowledge have never worn them just like me. Decided to surf, and came across this site which has given me no end of good tips on how and when to wear braces. I intend to wear a pair today to the pub, but may upset the givers if they are all there, as there were 3 different colours, and I CAN ONLY WEAR ONE PAIR AT A TIME!
Will let you know how I get on.
No mail since Boxing Day. has this run its course?
I found the festive season just great for getting used to trying my new braces, and have worn them most days. Sure some mates have teased me a bit, but in good spirit, and I just like the variety they give to my outfits, and how comfortable they are. It is so easy to forget you are wearing them, yet my shirt stays neat and tidy around my waist as my jeans are kept up.
Plan to wear a pair to the office this week with my suit, as I really don’t find belts as efficient.
Wow what a great find this site is. I got a couple of pairs of braces as Xmas gifts and was not sure if I should wear them or not so searched braces for Xmas and got to this site. Just thought I would share that I have now given the braces a try and think they are great. Wore them out a couple of times and my mates thought they were real stylish. Going to give them a go at work next week to see how they go down. Just cannot imagine how much fun they are to wear. Funny I don’t feel that embarrassed thing that a lot of the guys on here talk about I just think they are great and the best Xmas gift I got this year.
Hi Jimmy
Wonder how you got on wearing braces to work. I am one of the many on this site who do feel embarrassed at showing my braces in public, although I don’t know why. I have worn my braces to work with a suit, which in all honesty should seem perfectly normal, but I have chickened out at removing my jacket so far. Can’t explain it – my older brothers, Dad and Gramp have no problem, but perhaps it is a generational thing. I am only 24.
Hi Joey I wore my braces yesterday and again today. Don’t be worried about taking your own jacket off I took mine off right away on Mon morning and just got down go work. Lots of people commented and said they liked the new look. I just said they were a Xmas present and I was told I had to wear them, most just laughed. Not a negative comment at all a few of the other guys said they got braces for Xmas as well but I have not got anyone else to wear theirs yet, but I am working on them. Just get your jacket off mate, hey I am only 23 so if I can do it why can’t you lol.
Hi People well I have stuck with the braces over the festive period and got very used to wearing them and no one even mentions them when I wear them out with my mates etc.
I started back to work this week but did not wear my braces as I was not sure about the work enviornment but a couple of people did ask where the braces were. The guy I got braces for as his secret santa asked me yesterday about them and said he had been wearing his a lot and loved them. I did ask where they were and he said he was not sure if he should wear them to work of not. We both agreed to wear them today and we have. Both of us with shirts and braces showing on full display. A few people have said they are glad we both stuck with the braces. We are both in our mid 20′s.
Looks like we have broken the ice with wearing braces to work but it was funny we both felt the same about wearing them at work but once we have both now worn them I can see us wearing braces more often to work.
glad you are being bold chaps.
Hi Sherlock, what’s to be bold about I think braces are well out there as the things to wear these days, since I started wearing mine I just feel great. The mate who borrowed a pair of mine for a nite out has now got a couple of pairs of his own and another guy my works has started to wear braces now and again. I just think all guys should shake off this issue they have and just start wearing braces, no probe guys everyone loves then. Go for it mates.
Ha Ha Great result…One of the guys in my work who said he got a pair of braces at Xmas has them on today. He has them on with his suit and he has taken his jacket off but has a waistcoat on. He told me he had them on today but was not sure about taking his waistcoat off yet, The funny thing is he does not realise but you can see the clips at the back as his waistcoat sits a bit higher and it is obvious to all that he has braces on, I will just wait for someone to notice comment. Bet he has his waistcoat off before long and braces on full show, will let you know.
Just such a great result that someone else has decided to start wearing braces in our office. Again he is only about 30 years old so the younger guys look to be taking the lead.
Update…Things got the better of me today so after lunch when we got back to the office I said out load to my mate why does he still have his waistcoat on? He just went a bit Red and I said come on lets see those braces under there. A couple of the other people egg’ed him on to flash his braces and one of the guys said he has seen all morning he had braces on as they were showing at the back. He took his waistcoat off to a small cheer from the rest of the office but he was fine.
Within minutes another guy said that if we were wearing braces then he would have to put his on and he pulled a pair of braces out his desk drawer and waved them in the air. This got a bigger cheer. He went off to the toilet and returned with braces on to yet another bit if a cheer. He said he did not want to wear them until others did the same but felt safe enough now to put them on, again another Xmas gift for him he said. This guy is about early 20′s and always dressed very smart anyway but he just looked so much better with braces on, just like it sharpened his whole image, what a change a pair of braces can make.
Not a bad days activity on the braces front, just had to let you guys know.
Well Joey have you been brave enough to take your jacket off at work yet and show off your braces? I bet even if you have not yet that people will know you are wearing braces, it is just so difficult to hide them all the time. Like the guy in my place who thought he was hiding his under his waistcoat but everyone could see the clips at the back …so funny. Let us know if you are with braces or not at work now, you never know like me you may get someone else to join you if they know you have braces on as well.
True Jimmy it should not be a sign of boldness to show ones braces off but there are clearly still inhibitions as I read these comments.
But you are right, we should all not only wear our braces, but let them be seen and with pride. We clearly like them so lets keep things going guys!.
I agree braces are great. They are even better with trousers designed for them with the buttons on the outide, a slightly higher waist and a knotched back with a button each side of the knotch, the back being higher than the front. Then your shirt really does stay put! Has to be the wider button on type with leather ends. Have a look at the Old Time Clothing web-site to get ideas.
Levi do some nice retro style jeans now with brace buttons, some even without belt loops. They are great to wear. Always get a size just a bit on the big side makes them even more comfortable. I cannot understand why they ever went out of fashion, if in fact the ever did. Not for me anyway, I have worn them increasingly since early teens. Mope ko
Spoke to a young lad in McDonalds who was wearing braces.
I was in the queue at McDonalds and the young lad next to we was waering braces. Grey skinny braces, Wine trousers and a White T-shirt. I just said to him I like the braces mate and at the same time pulled my jacket open to show off my braces, he just laughed and said something like yeah they are cool , nice to see other guys wearing them as well. I asked if his mates wore them as well and he said some of them do now and again but he wears them the most.
Got our McDonalds and parted, wow what a chance meeting and talk that was, would have been nice if a few of his mates were there as well with their braces on.
I so agree with Allan about trousers being slightly on the big side and the notched (or fishtail better still) area at the back. Comfort indeed. Look on ‘Tails and the Unexpected’ website for cords, moleskin and twill trousers in this style. Cant beat them but to be worn with braces of course!
Nice one sherlock. However, come on boys, if you are going to wear fish-tail back high waist trousers, and they are a must, you have to have the buttons on the outside – the Tails and the Unexpected have them on the indside!
Have at looks as the Vauxhalls and High Rise trousers at
http://old-town.co.uk/ld
Very reasonable price too. However, the Tails and the Unexpected have a nice range of braces – I might get a pair. The wider the better of course, for a trouser made for brace support.
Keep it up lads!
Allan.
Thanks Allan for drawing this to my/our attention.
At least 3 pairs of my jeans have braces buttons (metal) on the outside and they look and feel great.
Yes chaps lets go the whole way. Clip on braces are a fair start but button ended braces and buttons on the OUTSIDE has to be the aim!
Incidentally Allan where abouts are you?
Hey guys I have only just started to were clip on braces and thought I was doing well wearing them to work and out and about but I think the old fashioned high back trousers would be just a step too far for me, come on I am only in my 20′s. Think I will stick to skinny clip on ones and leave the Victorian look to you guys.
I have got on great with my braces and wear them most of the time now, I find no one even mentions them anymore.
Hi Guy m8 and sorry if some of us are pushing this. It is all a matter of choice. I wear clippies with some of my jeans/trousers but do have a preference for button. I guess the clippies are the more popular in giving braces the ‘comeback’ they deserve. Stick with your clippies if you prefer them and if clippies do help put braces back on the scene proper, then we must wear our clippies chaps!
Sherlock. On the outside of course – get my trousers from Old Town also from the USA where several outfits do some excellent high waist pants as they call them. I will post a web site to look at. They do some quality braces too, suspenders to them of course. Also you can get metal buttons that you can fix on jeans yourself – you only need a hammer and the come in packets of 8 so you have a couple of spares. However, as I said Levi do some excellent repro ones and some don’t even have belt loops. I wear braces whenever I can although my wife is not over enthusiatic for them to show except on jeans.
wwmmailer@wwmerc.com
Allan.
Have a look at the range wear suspenders on the following web site.
Allan
olshep@email.sheplers.com
Only problem is you might have to pay a bit of import duty. But these USA outfits often have sales with half price postage even to this country.
Thanks Allan. I am in Brighton UK and can get the metal buttons you describe in at least one fabric type shop here.
We also have a fairly local outlet selling vintage trousers and a wide range of braces but I will look at these websites you indicate and thanks.
My ex wife did not like my wearing braces although I gather a lot of the girls these days do like their men in them!
No problem my wearing braces re my partner now who can take them or leave them as it were!
Hello Sherlock,
Best of luck fitting those buttons to your jeans – its quite easy but you have to be careful to get them in the right place! Does the shop in Brighton have a web-site? We live near Ashford and go to Brighton occasionally. As I said, my wife is quite happy for me to wear braces on jenas, either clip on or button although I prefer the latter. But she hates the high-rise trousers while I love them! So I only tend to wear them when I am not with her and I take every oppertunity to show them off as I never wear a jumber or waistcoat. The range wear suspenders at Sheplers are really comfortable, quite light and ideal for jeans.
Happy hunting,
Allan.
Allan/Sherlock…Don’t think I would get aways with the Cowboy style of braces in my work lol.
Myself and the other guy in work have continued to wear our braces most days to work, just feels normal now and feels funny if I don’t have braces on. We did see another guy who wore braces the other day with his suit and he was pleased to be able to show off to us, but alas he has not worn them again.
A couple of my mates have worn braces out at the weekend since I started to wear mine and funny not a person said anything about them, they just saw it as part of the current fashion, feels so cool to wear them these days.
I think us 20′s year olds can get away with clip-ons but I don’t think I should push the button style yet.
Hi Guys I thought this tread had dried up.
I agree with Guy the old fashioned button look needs to be the right place and time for that, don’t think an office full of younger people is the best place for them. I have found since I started to wear braces, along with the other guy in my work that we have had a few others wear them the odd day. Maybe they were just testing out the reaction but we have now had about 3 other guys turn up with braces on the odd day over the last few weeka all claiming they were Xmas gifts that they had got and just wanted to give them a go. I would like to think it may be the start of a trend but they have only ever worn them the odd day.
Funny in the office even when these other guys turned up on random days wearing braces no one said a thing or made and comments other than a few positive remarks about the nice style or good new look. I think that is why they were happy to give them a go as they knew they were in a safe enviornment and would not get any adverse reaction, just wish more guys felt like that.
So funny I was just saying yesterday on this thread that the guy who wore braces with his suit has never worn them again, but he has his suit on again and with braces on well today and hey Sherock and Allan they are botton end ones. Look a bit wide for my style but does look smart. I need to try and get a chat with him later this morning. He has on a pair of plain Burgundy braces with a light Grey shirt and a striped grey & burgundy tie. He just stands out as so smart when you see him across the office.
I have to admit the button style does look good and suits the wider style braces very well. I would never of thought about wearing them to work but he has pulled them off very well. I assume his suit has the button already on it, shame I don’t have nay trousers like as I do fancy giving a pair of button braces a try to see how they look.
Spoke to the guy in the suit and braces at lunchtime, I had my braces on at the time and just said to him that I liked the style. He said it was me and Eddie wearing our braces that got him into thinking about braces himself. I said I liked the button end style and he said the suit came with button attached so he thought he would get a pair of braces to fit them and give them a try. He got them from M&S, he said he was not sure about the colour but said if he was going to wear braces he thought he would get ribbed enough for wearing them without worrying about what colour they were. I did say they looked great with his shirt & tie combination. He also said he had not had any ribbing yet and in fact a few of the guys who sit with him thought they looked great and he wore them to his morning meeting and a few people there commented about how they liked his new style.
Ha ha great result in work today, more braces on show.
I can’t believe it today as another 2 guys have got braces on that have never worn them before, at least not to work.
Eddie and I both arrive in with braces on as usual and I was telling him about Paul, the suit & braces guy I was talking to yesterday and what he was saying about giving his button end braces a try. We both watched him come in this morning over the other side of the office and both watched as he took his jacket off and yes he has his braces on again today, but wait for it Ha ha.
Two of the guys who sit beside him walked back from the coffee machine both wearing braces and we could see them all having a good laugh and a joke together. We can only assume Paul has maybe talked them into wearing braces or maybe they both just felt they would join his style for today. Either way we both agree we need to make a point of going over there and finding out what is going on, but did not want to run over as soon as we saw them as we thought that would be a bit too obvious. Will let you know.
Come on Guy you have me on tender-hooks here, have you not spoken to the new guys with braces on yet, can’t wait to see what they say about them wearing braces today at work.
Jimmy I should be getting on with work instead of watching this website lol. Well from your comment we saw the 2 guys heading off for coffee so Eddie and I followed to get a coffee as well. When we arrive they both looked and asked us how we were and said something about braces must have been on a sale somewhere. We both laughed and asked them what made them wear braces today, was it some sort of department dress code.
They just laughed and said when they saw Pual the other day with is braces on they both started talking about braces and found out they both had braces themselves at home so decided to team up and wear them today as a bit of a laugh for Paul. They both said they had worn them out for nites out with their mates and the like and they had gone down well.
They did say they had seen us with ours on before so knew they would not be alone, but commented it was funny to see so many guys with braces on in the same office, albiet a very big office.
I asked if they had worn their braces much before and they both said a few times but felt a bit strange about wearing them in the past but after braving them to work they felt a bit better about it. Before heading back to our desks I said maybe we will see them again with their braces on and they both say yes that will be a definte now that they have broken the ice.
Good to see this discussion continuing chaps and interesting that Guy is reporting on a colleague who did not show in braces for a while and now has gone for button ends. Burgandy over a grey shirt sounds good.
However button or clippies lets keep it goin fellas.
Look forward to some more good reads!
Now gents, you have to be serious about this – you are arn’t you? Its quite easy to stitch buttons on your trousers – on the outside of course, as I said you are serious about this are you not! For jeans as sherlock mentions, you can get metal ones that you can fix on and you only need a hammer and they look as if they have always been there – on the outside again of course.
From American sources you can get some rather classie leather braces,only about an inch wide, with adjustmet by buckles like a belt. The bottom on the Y at the back is the only elestic part. In black they look great with denims. Try those web-sits I gave earlier.
Hi Jimmy
Don’t know what has happened to this site, but after my last post (about 10 Jan) I have been unable to find it until tonite, when I accessed it thro one called “Guy Style Guide”. Also suspect a few of the regular contributors have had the same problem as they have disappeared as well!
Anyway, yes I have worn my braces to work, and after a few days, plucked up courage to remove my jacket. I was wearing a black suit, with mid grey shirt, and skinny grey braces, and several colleagues remarked on them, but said I should have chosen a more contrasting colour for better effect.The next week I chose a white shirt with dark red braces, and altho they were wider, I have received nothing but positive comments. The odd guy has followed suit, and worn clip-on braces to the office, but have generally kept them covered, altho as you say, you cannot keep them hidden even with your jacket or waistcoat on.
I now wear them out regularly, and have lost most of my inhibitions, because they are just so comfortable, and imho stylish.
Being ultra thin does have its problems, and belts have never kept my pants up successfully, so I found this site most interesting. Although I am in my 20′s, I have no concerns at being seen wearing braces, and am so glad I have taken the plunge. They are so much more efficient at keeping my middle tidy and comfy, and in the freezing weather of the last few days have done a great job at keeping my long johns in position as well! My Gramp gave me this last tip.
Hi guys
I am over in England visiting my cousins, and i cannot believe how reserved you all are about your suspenders (sorry, braces!). I am 23, and have worn braces (see, I am learning the lingo) on my pants since my early teens, as have my brothers and other members of the family, without any compunction. If they show, they show. They serve a valuable function, and are certainly far more popular in the States. In fact Nick, the cousin i am staying with, even asked me to cover my suspenders before we went to one of your wonderful Pub, but I just laughed his request off, and went along in check shirt, and jeans held up by button-on braces. Judging by the great nite we had, I don’t think the old-fashioned view that braces should not be seen holds true any more. The gals just loved twanging mine, and even Nick has now gotten himself a pair of snap-ons, but won’t reveal them in public, although he admits they are so much better than a belt!
Speak to you all soon.
Welcome back Joey, good to hear you have got that jacket of your off and shown your braces to the world. See once you have worn braces a few times without a jacket you just don’t bother anymore. Nice to hear other guys wear braces now and again but hey mate you need to get them to take their jackets off, they may just need a bit of a push. They maybe don’t realise that everyone will know they have braces on anyway as you just can’t go about all day and hide them, thay always get seen sometime. Why not have a word with them next time and talk them into taking their jacket off. Bet once they do they will not bother hiding them anymore.
The Red braces sound awesome, well done mate that is a big risk but sounds like you pulled it off.
Thanks cousin Brad for revealing my braces to all! I do enjoy wearing them, and would probably have been seen in them at some time, so what the heck. Thanks mate.
Brad, You tell um mate. They won’t listen to me that it has to be the button on variety! I even gave them web sites for some super ones available in the Sates and they don’t cost a lot even allowing for the postage.
Just an update people…The 2 other people in our office have both had their braces on for the last couple of days and it just looks so normal now to see other people walking about with braces on. I felt the odd one out to start with but no one bats and eyelid now when they see someone wearing braces in our office.
I am sure another one has braces on under a jumper but he has not taken it off all day, must be roasting for him. I can see the outline under his jumper, so tempted to say something but I don’t know him that well and not sure if I should make a comment or not.
Not been on this site for ages but just had to log on and give an update, nice to see it is still going strong.
I came into work this morning and the guy who sits opposite arrived, took his jacket off and was wearing a pair of Navy Blue braces, white shirt and Blue tie. I just starred at him for a few seconds and said “WOW”. He has never worn braces before and has never even commented on my braces or shown any interest them. I just said “Where did that come from with the braces as I did not expect that today”
He said he got them as a present off his g/f at Xmas but had never worn them yet. He said he must have told her about the secret santa things that people bought each other and she had bought him a pair of braces as a bit of a laugh for his xmas. He said he was wanting to wear them to work ever since but never had the guts to do it. I aked why not as he sits opposite me every day and I have mine on most days. He just said he felt a bit embarrassed. I asked why the sudden change of mide then. He said his mate arrived at his place last weekend with a pair of braces on for a nite out and his g/f joked about why he was not wearing his that she bought him for Xmas. His mate then insisted he got them and tried them on and would not let him go out until he agreed to keep them on.
He said they both went out with braces on and got a great reaction all nite and said he was so glad he had worn them and wondered why he had never worn them before. He said he must have had a brave moment this morning and put the braces on. He said he was so nervous on the way to work wondering how the braces would go down but he said he was so glad I had mine on today as well.
I told him they looked great and bet he gets loads of positive comments during the day. Just as I write this someone has walked past our desks and said they liked his new style and asked if me and him were starting a new craze in the office. He just laughted but think this gave him a boost.
We have only been in work about 3 hours and I can’t believe the amount of attention Steve the guy opposite me is getting about wearing braces today. Loads of people have stopped for a chat and asked him about his braces. I have said I never got that same attention when I started wearing my braces but they all just say “well we know what you are like George” Not sure I know what they mean ?
The girls just pass comments about his new style but funny it is the guys who stop and talk about them asking him why he is wearing them today and what are they like to wear. Asking if he is going to keep wearing them and a lot of guys have said they have a pair of braces themselves but never worn them yet. Sounded like a few were kean to give them a go at work if they knew others would do the same so I have been trying to push the dress down Friday idea and suggesting the guys should wear them tomorrow and make it a braces Friday. Steve sounds like he likes the idea and keeps asking me if I think some other guys will wear braces tomorrow and should he keep his on tomorrow as well. I am right behind the idea and even Steve has said to another guy that he should wear a pair of braces tomorrow to join in the new dress code.
Thanks for your comments on my red braces. I did not feel they were a great risk as they were more maroon than red (I am not a banker or a skinhead) and another lad in the office had already sported a burgundy pair, with a thin grey edging, and pulled it off. The main reason however was that they were a gift from my gf, and she was feeling miffed that I had not worn them! Never upset the lady in your life!
I have a skinny pair of Red braces but they make me look like a skinhead (which I am not) but would never dare wear them to work. Sounds like the gf’s are pushing the guys to wear braces these days. A great excuse if someone asks why you are wearing braces.
Hi Jimmy
Actually, if you wear your red braces to work, with a collar and tie, and a suit, you could probably pull them off, whereas if you wore them with casual wear, you would run the risk of looking more like a skinhead. Seems a shame to waste them. You must have liked them when you bought them. Give them a go.
Hi guys
New to this site, but feel that most of you are wearing braces for fashion, whereas I wear them for comfort as well (a looser waistband is great), but what I don’t understand is the fear of being seen in them. Many site the old adage that braces are underwear and should not be visible, but looking at old films, photos, and newspapers, most men are seen with their braces on full show, so what has changed? I enjoy the comfort, my partner thinks I look great in them, and whilst I do get comments, they are mostly favourable, or said tongue in cheek.
What do others think?
Hi Joey, you will not believe this but after reading your comment about Red braces it got me thinking and I dug mine out from the back of my drawer and tried them on with my Black pin stripe suit last nite. I have to attend an off-site project meeting today and it is a suit and tie dress code (a bit too formal for me on a Friday) so I have taken the very brave step of wearing my suit with my Red braces today with a white shirt and red/black stripe tie.
It does look a great combiniation but I have not taken my jacket off in work yet as I do feel it is a bit risky and maybe a bit wild for work. I am now thinking if it was a wise decision to wear the Red braces or not today, but I am now committed. I could always keep my jacket on today and just hope no one notices my Red braces. We are heading off to the meeting soon and I am staring to panic a bit, not about the braces just the fact I think they are Red and what if I am forced to take my jacket off to reveal my braces.
Hi Jimmy
Sounds a great combination since your braces will match your tie colour palette. If it gets too warm to keep your jacket on, you could always nip to the cloakroom and remove them, providing your pants will stay up without support. Personally i should just play it by ear and if you do reveal them, you might get some surprising reactions. You can’t get hung for wearing braces!
Good luck.
Hi Joey, Just back from our project meeting and well that was a laugh. We all arrived for the meeting and took our seats round the table and a young guy who I had not seen at these meetings before came in just in shirt sleeves and wearing a pair of bright blue braces, my eyes almost popped out my head as I never expected to see anyone else with braces on. I kept my jacket on, but a few had taken their’s off before they sat down and I was starting to feel a bit nervous and wondering if I should show my braces or not and like you said I did actualy think about going to the toilets and taking them off before the meeting got started.
One of my work mates made a comment across the table to me saying he was surprised I had not worn my braces today as I usally wear them around the office and something about the two of us could have been style guru’s. My heart was in my mouth when he said that and I knew I was going to have to come clean so said, well actually I do have them on and then took off my jacket and hung it on the back of my chair. My workmate just laughed and said he knew I would not let the side down.
I did apologise and said I was sorry about the wild Red colour of my braces and it seemed like a good idea first thing this morning but maybe not now in the cold light of day. That got a bit of a laugh and I think worked well as a bit of an ice breaker before the meeting got started. The other guy wearing braces said he thought the Red was great and said something about whats the point of wearing braces if you are going to hide them away. Funny the conversation must have kept going a couple of minutes about braces before the meeting got started with some others saying things like they had never tried braces before and others saying things like their Dad used to wear them and they have seen a lot more people wearing them nowadays so they must be on the way back into fashion.
At the end of the meeting I had a quick chat with the other braces guy and he said he was so glad I had braces on as well as he did feel a bit out on a limb when he walked in the room with his braces on. I said I was so nervous about the wild Red colour maybe making me look like a skinhead or something but he said the braces went great with the tie and he might consider getting a pair of Red braces himself.
So glad it worked out ok as I was dreading that meeting ever since I left for work with those Red braces on, but it went great and I am so glad I took the plunge. Like you say you can’t get hung for wearing braces.
Hi Jimmy
Glad your meeting went well. I generally find that in any given group of men, there will be one or two wearing braces, although they may not be keen to let you see them. Certainly braces are becoming much more common with younger guys now. The barman at my local was wearing a pair of black narrow clip-ons last night, and he would only be about 19.
Strangely, since I have started to wear mine my Dad has dug out a pair, and admits they are so comfy that he might join me, and my Grandad, who has nearly always worn braces, although the wider old-fashioned ones.
Cannot imagine why braces nearly died out before becoming so popular again.
Hi Guys
Like many of you I have reservations about being seen in public in my braces, but having just seen Sir Paul McCartney appearing at the latest Awards Show, sporting a natty pair of black clip-ons on stage, surely this old chestnut has been truly rubbished.
What about all those guys on Strictly Come Dancing too – Its my wife that watches it – honest – I just happen in the room on ocasions! -
Allan
Saw One Direction on “This Morning” and Louis was wearing wide maroon braces for all the world to see, so what has been the problem all these years I ask. And yet, I still feel nervous at being seen in my braces on occasions. Just cannot understand why!
Dancing on Ice too. Same comment apply about my wife watching and not me!
Following a recent illness, during which I lost about 3 inches off my waist, I tried braces as a solution since belts just did not work, and I was loathe to replace all my wardrobe as a hard-up student. Whilst I have found them comfortable, and efficient, unlike most of you, i have received very mixed comments. Some mates have been very understanding and encouraging, whilst others have seemed very uncomfortable in my company when my braces are on show. Guess I shall ditch them when I am fit again, and have put my weight back on, although I shall be reluctant to do so.
Just back from a cruise and a little disappointed at the lack of braces wearing on board. One younger chap wore them dangling. On the ‘formal’ suit nights some were evident when guys were caught with their jackets open but there did seem a need for most to keep their braces hidden. Such a pity!
I wore different pairs around the ship, getting occasional ‘looks’ but generally no problem.
Harvey, I am so sorry you have been ill & trust all is well now but am saddened that your mates have not been more supportive when your braces are on show. The fact that you are only going to ditch them ‘reluctantly’ when you are able to go back to a belt does indicate your liking for them.
I would have thought student circles more supportive.
Why not keep wearing them and let us know in a few weeks how your mates seem?
Hi Sherlock
This website seems to have disappeared – couldn’t get back to it for days. I am feeling better now, but have yet to put on any weight. Have persevered with my braces, and am pleased to report that a few of my mates have stopped taking the “Mickey”. My brother has now tried braces, and he thinks they are great, so I am not alone.
Hi Harvey,
Glad you have found the site again and glad you are feeling better about being seen in braces.
If those of us who like them were to wear them on show more often, I imagine braces would take on again as clearly those who try them invariably like them!
Are you in the UK Harvey?
Not been on the site for a few weeks but thought I would just update you guys.
I have worn the Red braces a few times now both at work and out at nights and funny they just feel so normal to wear I do wonder why I was so bothered about wearing wild Red colour before. I have bought a few more pairs of different coloured braces over the last few weeks and I find it is fun mixing and matching the different colour braces with defferent shirt and tie combos.
I am getting a bit of a name for myself at work for the guy who dresses to match his braces with his outfits. I think they all wait to see when I will turn up with a new colour of braces, I am getting more and more comfortable being seen in braces.
I agree that if more guys wore braces and showed them off I think it would encourage more guys to give them a go.
Hi Folks,
I wondered how Harvey is getting along and whether his brother has continued to be a braces wearer. Once tried, most of us like to stick with them!
Do keep in touch Harvey and others
Are we all done on this thread then?
Long Live Braces.
Long may they live indeed!
Yes long live braces.
They are still going down a storm in my work, over the last few weeks the number of guys wearing braces has gone up and up, the more guys who wear them the more other guys give them a go as well, like a snow ball effect. I think it is at the point where the last few guys who have not worn a pair yet are becoming the odd ones out and I can see them getting pier pressure to give braces a go.
Just so funny that once someone starts wearing braces other feel they too want to follow the trend.
Hi Sherlock and all
Not sure whether this site has run its course, or if it is the difficulty I now find in getting to it. Have to go in through history, which in turn came from another thread, so others may have the same prob. Damn Google Chrome!
Yes my brother continues to sport his braces, in support of me I think, and I am now much more comfortable in being seen in my braces, as the novelty has worn off and my mates no longer comment.
Really glad you are feeing more comfortable wearing braces Harvey and that your brother continues to wear them too. You say you think it is in support of you, which is good but even better if he also has taken to them for himself.
Sorry you are having difficulty accessing this. I am not brilliant with PC’s but can’t you just ‘save’ it under favourites?
If you want to keep posted but have difficulty accessing the site by all means email me. In fact anyone wanting to form an ‘interest’ group email me at sherlockwilkinson@rocketmail.com. I guess there may be folks here who might like to chat some more even if the thread has otherwise run its course.
Cheers All
Dear Sherlock
Yes, I can save under “favourites”, but what I was getting at was the accessibility for new interests, because it just does not come up on a search any more, which is probably why it has died.
Hi Harvey, Got where you are coming from!
Hope you are regaining your weight but also hope you stick with wearing braces!
Best
Sherlock
Magnificent website. Lots of useful information here. I am sending it to a few buddies ans also sharing in delicious. And of course, thank you to your sweat!
We’re a bunch of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with useful information to paintings on. You’ve done an impressive process and our entire community will probably be grateful to you.
Looks like I have found this site too late to join in but thought I would leave a note just in case someone is still reading the comments.
I got a couple of pairs of braces off some workmates for my birthday and was not sure about wearing them as I felt a bit shy. They have been asking me all week if I have worn them yet and I have said I am thinking about it. They both say they wear them at weekends and said loads of guys wear braces these days and they thought I would maybe like to give them a try out, so they bought me them as a birthday treat.
I looked up guys wearing braces on the internet and came across this site. Sounds like loads of guys also feel shy about wearing braces but after reading a lot of the comments I have taken the plunge and worn my braces to work today. It is the last day before the Easter hols so I thought “what the hell” The two guys who bought them for me are so impressed I have worn them to work and they both said they had thought about wearing theirs to work but did not have the guts to do that. I think they are well impressed.
Like the comments here say I have had loads of good remarks about my braces and people like the new look, I think my workmates wish they had worn theirs as well today. Anyway just a comment to leave on this site but I think I have missed all the site action.
Don’t think I would have worn them to work unless I had read all the other guys experience’s that they wrote about on this site.
Hi Steve
Great to have another guy join this site at last. It went well for about 14 months, and then I couldn’t trace it for a while, and it has stuttered on since. Btw, under what title did you find it, because I can only access it now as one of my favourites, or via my history.
Like I said, I “discovered” braces after losing weight. They were much more comfortable and convenient than belts, and as a student i didn’t want to use up my loan buying a new set of clothes! Strangely, a number of my mates now grudgingly agree that they like the style of braces, and one or two have experimented in private, but still fear being seen wearing them in public.
Not sure where this shyness of today’s young men has come from. My grandfather has worn braces throughout my lifetime, 21 years, and is unconcerned at wearing them when in his shirtsleeves, and my Dad has started wearing them as he has got older (now 48), although I don’t recall my uncle ever giving them a go. Despite now recovering and putting on weight, I plan to continue sporting my braces – they are not just comfortable, but I think also quite stylish, a view shared by my gf.
Let us know whether you continue in your braces, and any interesting reactions.
Levi’s have introduced some vintage Chinos with brac buttons, Levi metal ones of course, on the outside and to go with them some very classie braces – or suspenders as they call them, both in brown and ecru. Rather expensive but they look great so I have ordered a set. Wioll lket you know how I get on with them! have a look at this web site/
info@philipbrownemenswear.co.ukp
Good browsing – go to Levi Vintage Clothing when you open it up.
Allan.
Hi guys
Was surfing for braces styles when I came upon this thread, but not sure how! My girlfriend suggested that I try some braces as she thought they would suit me (and help keep my pants up better I suspect) so I was trying to find out more, and this site has been most informative since none of my mates or family wear them.
I am surprised that so many guys are shy at wearing braces – they make a great alternative to belts, which I find useless except for decoration, and when I have sorted out my style, I shall have no fear at showing them off. I think that the button-on style are more traditional, but may try the clip-on ones first to see how I get on. Will keep you posted if I can get back to this great site!
After a year of applying, I have a job interview this week, and my brother is lending me one of his suits as I don’t have one. He is bigger than me, and as the trousers don’t have belt loops, I shall have to get my first pair of braces. Any suggestions where to buy a suitable pair?
What an interesting site. I am very skinny, and have always struggled to keep my waist tidy. Belts just don’t work, but as i work in a bank, I need to look smart, with shirt neatly tucked into my trousers, and one of my colleagues suggested I might try a pair of braces. It is an unwritten law that jackets are not removed at work, so I needn’t worry what others think, so plan to buy a pair this week. They will have to be clip variety, because my suits don’t have buttons for braces, but will be hidden so hopefully ok.
I am really looking forward to not having to hitch and adjust my pants every five minutes, so hope they are as efficient and comfortable as many contributors to this thread say.
Come on guys. Why on earth are you nervous of showing that you wear braces? I am sitting here typing this in Tee Shirt and jeans with skinny clip-on braces, and feel totally relaxed. Braces are so flexible, compared to tight uncomfortable belts, and a number of my Uni friends agree. Our elders are not always wrong!
Hi Guys, I have kept up the braces wearing most days in work and the guys who bought me them have also worn them a few times as well. I just think they are great.
Also got good reactions from my mates when I wore them out last weekend. My brother thought they were cool and wanted to even try them on.
Hey Ian, did you get a pair for your interview suit?
Ian a comment for you.
I went for a job interview just before easter and wore my braces as normal, which I do most days at work anyway. I was in the interview, jacket still on and doing great. They asked me if I wanted any water as it was warm and said to make myself comfortable and take my jacket off if I wanted to.
I just took my jacket off and never thought much about it but did think at one point if wearing my braces was the right thing or not.
The rest of the interview went great and on the way out one of the guys said to me that he like the braces and it showed a high level of self confidence being able to wear them and carry them off well. I am still waiting to hear from them but fingers crossed the braces may have done the trick.
Hi Steve
I actually struggled to find a pair of braces – the local shops either didn’t sell them, or had sold out! Ended up in the local market, and managed to find a pair of narrow clip-on ones. They were bright red, and as the suit was dark blue I really wanted blue or grey, but fortunately I did buy them, as I had not realised that my brother is about 3 inches more round the waist until I put his pants on! There is no way they would have held up without the braces.
The interview was only for an office admin job, but anything is a start, and the interview yesterday did seem to go OK, so fingers crossed. I did keep my jacket on although it was a warm environment, but mainly because my braces were too loud, and not because I would have been embarrassed by them otherwise.
Will let you know how I got on.
Hi Guy
Good luck mate. I don’t see why you should be concerned as to whether it was right to be wearing braces – I would have shown mine at interview if they had not been so garish. Whether you showed confidence or just forgot you were wearing them doesn’t matter. You got a favourite comment which should count. Do let us know if you get the job.
Well Ian hope the interview gets you the job.
Red braces sound awsome, so the question is are you going to wear them again with you own jeans or trousers. I think the Red would look great on a White T-shirt, what a style icon you could be lol.
Interview Update,
Just had a phone call from the company I had the interview with before Easter, they have asked me to see if I am still interested and that I have been short listed down to Two people and they want to see us again. The guy on the phone was the one who made the coment about me being confident wearing my braces.
He did make a joke saying I was the only interview person who wore braces and he was not sure if the company was ready to change the dress code or not yet. I just laughed and said that I do wear them now and again and forgot about wearing them that day and only realised when I took my jacket off. He said he did like the style and look and I should keep on wearing them, he even said he was thinking about getting a pair himself after seeing me wearing mine and say that I may even see him with his on at the 2nd interview…wow whould that not be so great.
Hi Guy
Congrats in getting to the last two for the job, and wish you all the best for the final selection. Just shows that wearing braces and showing them is no longer regarded as a fashion faux pas.
Steve
Thanks for your good wishes for the job. Will let you know. Your latest comments gave me food for thought, and I went out tonight in a white Grandad style shirt, black jeans and the infamous red braces. I was amazed at the reactions I got from both males and females, and will have no qualms at being seen in these very loud braces in the future.
Never thought I would be a Style icon as you said!
So glad to see this thread has not died. Needless to say I have been wearing my (button end) braces all day. Keep the posts coming chaps!
Still going over here I see! I’ve been a bit slack with the braces wearing recently but came across my black ones and decided to wear them this morning for work. They weren’t on display, but it reminded me of how much more comfortable they are to wear than a belt. Have since bought a skinny blue pair from H&M, I think these will go well with my Fred Perry polo shirt which is black with blue stripes around the collar and sleeves. Time to wear them out in the open again I think, now the summer is on the way!
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Had my 2nd interview yesterday and wore my braces again. I was hoping the chap who commented on my braces would have taken the plunge and bought himself a pair to wear.
I was sitting there waiting tp go in and one of the chaps walked past and said that he hoped I had my braces on today as the other interview had been got a pair and been wearing them to work this week and blamed me for getting him started into wearing braces. I just laughed and said tell him not to worry I have my braces on again today. He walked away laughing and said something about us being crazy.
When I went into the interview room both chaps were there and the one who commented on my braces was sitting there with jacket off and braces on full show. They were wider than I waer but look nice, navy Blue with a wine stripe down the middle, which matched his tie. We all shock hands and I said that I see he went for the braces then. He said yes after seeing me in mine last week he thought he would treat himself to a pair. The other chap said he has been going on about braces all week since he got them and keeps trying to get others to get a pair. I just laughed and said you never know if I am successful at the interview we both may start a campaign to get more people to swap to braces, to which he said okay we will see and said he may be tempted you just never know.
The interview went well and I hope to hear at the end of the week how I got on. Would be so nice to go to a new job and know someone already there in into braces and wants to convert more people over to wearing them. Will let you know.
Just to keep you update I have kept the braces going at work and a few time outside as well. I just think they are great for wearing and am so glad those guys in work bought me them the other week, best birthday present ever.
It is so funny the number of guys who ask me about them them when I have them on, like why I wear them and are they any good. Most seem very interested and sound like they would be willing to give them a try out, maybe I should start getting others to follow, you never know.
Hi Steve and all
It has been a long wait for the result of my interview, but I am delighted to say I got the job, which while not ideal is at least a start. Not too sure how formal the dress code is (it is only a call-centre after all)but will need to upgrade my wardrobe, and certainly plan to include braces as they are so comfortable.
Will keep you posted.
I can understand why this is such a popular site, having attended my mates wedding last weekend as his best man. There was no formal dress code for the guys, but smart lounge suits were the order of the day, and he and I decided on a dress rehearsal, to ensure we didn’t clash in the photos. We had both chosen dark blue three piece suits, although his was darker, but still fine. However, he pointed out when we stood together that my trousers didn’t quite meet my waistcoat, which would spoil the wedding album. I hitched them up, but the tyrannical belt was not only uncomfortably tight, but was not doing its job. I asked him how he managed to look so much tidier, and he simply said he was wearing braces.
I protested that I was not going to wear such an old-fashioned item, but he then referred me to this site, which made very interesting reading. I went to H&M and bought a pair of skinny maroon clip-on ones, with leather trim, and having worn them throughout the wedding, must confess that I was hooked, literally!
I suppose I was always mildly interested as to why most of my older relatives had worn braces, but felt to intimidated as a youngster to wear them for fear of being caught. This site gave me the guts to experiment, and I AM A CONVERT. Incidentally, I did notice a number of guys at the wedding in their braces as the reception wore on, and I did eventually remove both my jacket and my waistcoat, as did the groom. A great time was had by all, but I do hope the pics won’t spoil the wedding album in years to come!
Great update Shaun, wedding are great places to see guys with braces on. I found a great video clip on youtube when I was searching for wedding clips with guys wearing Tux and braces.
Try searching Youtube for Tux in Pool or Wedding Tux in Pool. I think the persons name who uploaded it was Cestrius
It shows a wedding party all jumping in the pool at the reception with their clothes on and about 6 of the guys are wearing braces. Just looks such an awesome thing to do all jumping in the pool with your wedding Tuxedo etc. but so funny how about 6 of the guys had braces on and you could see them getting soaked and the braces struggling to hold up their wet trousers when they got out the pool, some of them just kept jumping in and out the water, look great fun.
Let me know guys what you think of the video clip if you can find it. Must admit it was a bit of a turn-on for me watching it.
I am not saying if you wear braces you should jump in a pool with them on but I sure wish I was at that wedding as I would have joined in for sure with my braces on. Makes me almost want to try the wet clothes and braces stuff to see how much fun it is, think I may have a go in the shower tonite with jeans, t-shirt and braces just to feel what it is like.
Wow how hot was that all those braces clad guys in and out of the pool!
Keep these posts coming lads!
Hi guys
Having decided to take the plunge and get a pair if braces for work I really struggled to find a narrow pair in a colour that would not be too embarrassing if I had to remove my jacket for any reason. Eventually bought a pair in Tie Rack in a sort of slate grey colour which, whilst not ideal, seemed better than funeral black or bright Skinhead red.
First morning trial, I came down to breakfast without my suit jacket to test the water. My brother was less than complimentary, but my sister, Mum and Dad were well impressed, and I went off to work feeling confident that my trousers would stay up on my skinny frame, and that my shirt would stay tucked in. Anyway, nobody was going to see them.
All was well for a few days. I felt comfortable showing my braces in the confines of my home, but then a mate spilt a drink over me in the dining room at work, and insisted he take it to the cloakroom to sponge and repair the damage. I was mortified at everyone seeing my braces, but nobody even said a word, let alone criticised them, and one guy even said that he now knew why my shirt tail was no longer hanging below my jacket any more, and what a great idea braces were.
I have continued to wear them, as they make life so much easier when you are trying to stay tidy at work, but I do still have nagging doubts about being seen wearing them in public. Perhaps it is the “old man scenario”,but I shall not give them up for the comfort they give me.
You could certainly see your expertise within the work you write. The sector hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe. Always follow your heart.
Good one Stanley. Keep us all posted mate and congratulations. I so wish I had followed my instinct when I was a younger man. Now retired it is easier but I still feel the slight embarrassment you describe in some circles!
Wow what a turn-on…I went for the shower in braces thing lol.
I just could not resist trying that. I watched the youtube video a few times and found a load other videos with people jumping in pools and shower with clothes on so just have to try it. Was so funny…wore my jeans a white shirt and braces and ran the shower, I was a bit nervous at first and was not sure I was going to go thru with it but once I got under and started to get a little wet it just felt so good.
I just went for it and got soaked all the way thru and the braces were struggling to hold up the wet jeans, just like in the youtube videos. Must admit I was not expecting to get so excited by it but nature took its course and I had a bit of a hard situation to deal with lol. I know now why those poeple go jumping in pools with their clothes on lol.
I am still keeping up the braces wearing at work and a couple of the other guys are also still wearing them, but I don’t think I will confess about the fully clothed shower just yet.
Just got a letter offering me the job I went for the other week, I am so please I got the offer and am going to accept. I am sure it was my skills and experience that got me the job rather than the fact I wore braces to the interview, but either way just so please.
Hey Stanley you sound like you have just gone for it big time and well done mate. Just shows no one cares about people wearing braces anymore. Funny it takes a little incident like that to get you to expose your braces and then you are fine with being seen with them on after that.
Hey Steve you sound like you enjoyed your shower mate and had a bit more fun as well while you were there Ha Ha. I know braces give me a buzz when I wear them but never quite the reaction you had, must be the wet clothes I think that does it to you but not sure I am ready to test the fully clothed shower theory yet myself.
Hi Guy
Well done on the job offer. Am sure it was not your braces that got you the job, but they do show confidence in yourself which might have helped.
I start my job next month, and understand that the dress code is collared shirt (ie not a T shirt), and smart casual pants, so no probs with still wearing and enjoying my braces.
Hi Guy
Came down to breakfast yesterday, to find my brother, who had been less than complimentary about my braces, wearing an identical pair. Smiled to myself, but said nothing. However, when I went up to put my suit on, I found my braces missing, and joker brother had gone off to work. Reverted to using a belt, and it just didn’t feel right all day. I tackled him over our evening meal, and he admitted he just wanted to see if braces were as good as I said they were, and that they were. He had bought himself a pair on the way home, and treated me to another pair, so we remain the best of buddies , and I am back in my comfort zone.
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Hi Stanley, nice to hear your Brother has joind the Braces wear’s. All it take is for someone to try them out and they often find they like them and stick to them.
Talking of trying things out…And I blame Steve for this…
Went back to a mates house on Sat nite after we had been out for a few too many drinks, I had planned to stay over anyway but when we got back he was showing off his new wet room that he had just tiled and it was pretty impresive, he turned it on and the roof just gushed with water like a fountain. He said that would cure my hangover in the morning when I get up. I joked and said I need it cured now and he said yeah go get changed and try it out if I wanted. I joked again and said why should I bother getting changed I can just jump under now.
He started laughing and said I was mad and that my clothes would get soaked. I could not stop thinking about Steve’s comment and it was not helped that I was wearing my jeans and braces. I don’t think he expeced me to but he dared me to do it, lucky he mentioned about my mobile phone getting wet. Next thing I remember was kicking off my shoes and running under the water, wow what a feeling, even though I was drunk the sensation was wicked, you just know you are doing something wrong. He stood there and laughed but would not join me. He switch off the water and I was soaked through. The wet clothes felt so funny, jeans feel slimmy when wet and the braces did struggle to hold up my wet jeans.
I stripped off, dried myself and went off to bed, the reminder flash back came in the morning when I went in the toilet and saw my pile of wet clothes laying there. That morning he could not stop talking about it and said he wished he had taken photos as it looked so funny.
So Steve I blame you big time for that, and maybe the drink helped a little too,
Hi Guy, Sorry mate did not intend to make you jump in the shower with your clothes and braces on but well done anyway, hope you enjoyed the experience and shame your mate did not join you that would have been fun. I think the drink may have just pushed you to do it a bit.
I have watched loads of videos on youtube of guys jumping in pools with braces on and it still gives me a buzz, have to confess I have done it again at home but not a drunk this time. My mate has told loads of people about my antics and even posted a few comments on Facebook so I keep getting asked about why I jumped in the shower with my clothes on, so much for keeping a drunken act secret.
The guys in my work are still keeping up with the braces which is great.
Been out shopping and got a few new things for starting my new job later this month. Just had to get a few more pairs of braces to mix and match with my shirts and ties. Looks like the dress code will be shirt and ties but not suits and jackets so it is a bit more casual. Just means if I wear my braces I will need to have them on show all the time.
I bought 3 pairs this week, Navy Blue, Maroon and a Grey pair and last night I spent ages trying them on with all my different shirts and ties. It is great the way the right combination of colour shades looks so good. I have gone for subtle shades of Blue or Grey shirts and skinny style ties that don’t detract from the braces.
I dont think I could ever see myself not wearing braces again as it looks so boring with just a shirt and tie on its own. Just hope my new Boss is still wearing his braces and maybe we can get a few others to follow the style.
Hi Guy
I am starting my new job a week on Monday and had planned to go shopping for a selection of coloured braces this weekend. Hope you haven’t cornered the market! LoL. Seriously, I think you have chosen a great set of colours which should cover most of any wardrobe. I was thinking of a beige/brown pair as well but now think maroon would look just as good with brown or beige shirts and pants.
I shall opt for clip-on at present, but if my braces go down well, may get some buttons sewn into a couple of pairs of pants just to ring the changes. Not sure whether I shall have to wear a tie at the call centre, but if not, my braces will at least provide some interest.
Hope all goes well.
Hi Ian, Thanks for the feedback, yes I think the different colours will give me a great choice. I have worn most of my new ones to work already and the people there keep asking if I bought them for starting my new job, which I did. Funny how people notice when you start wearing different colour brace and mixing & matching your outfit.
I like the sound of the sewn on button look, that would be well smart and add a touch of class you your style. Let us know how the button braces go if you do as I think I want to give that a go as well.
Hi Guy
Struggled to find many different coloured braces on Saturday, but bumped into one of my old school friends at a Club who was wearing a pair of lemon coloured ones with a dark blue shirt and beige jeans, which looked better than it sounds. I plucked up courage to ask him where he got his braces from, and he told me that the Internet had loads of great colours from pink to turquoise. Logged on today, and he is right. I shall order a number, as they are less than £4 a pair, but will take a little time to arrive.
Have also found a small local alterations shop, where they will insert buttons for braces for £6. The gal behind the counter was well fit, and said she had had quite a number of requests to do this of late. Will keep you posted.
New job starts next Monday.
Still working out which braces and shirt combo to start off with and if I should jump straight in on day 1 wearing my braces or if I should test the water first so to speak. Gut feel is to jump in but on my 1st day I will be nervous enough without making a splash with my braces.
Ian, I like the sound of the button braces even more now and think I will check that out. Yes I have checked the internet and loads of sites sell braces both clip and button ends.
Hi Guy
My job starts a week on Monday, so you have beaten me to it, but I was planning to wear my braces on Day 1, because I felt that if I went without them, it would be more difficult to suddenly wear them as time went on. My advice would be to wear them but to pick a muted colour that tones well with your outfit, so they do not make too much of a statement. Then you will be able to judge the reaction from your new colleagues and proceed accordingly. They can’t hang you for wearing braces in this day and age!
Best of luck and let us know how you get on.
Hi Ian,
Yes I think you are right I should just wear braces on the 1st day so it shows that is the way I dress and am happy to be seen wearing braces. A muted colour sounds the best, I did think about Navy blue skinny braces with a dark blue pin stripe shirt and plain navy shinny tie. Thought the blues would give a matcho image and I can save the greys and wine colour braces etc. after I have gauged the reaction to wearing braces.
I do hope the guy that interviewed me has his braces on and I had hoped maybe he has been wearing them himself a few times before so that the new colleagues will have already seen him with braces on and I won’t be the first guy there to start wearing them. I kind of hope a few others will follow and start to wear braces, but maybe that is too much to ask.
Hi Guy
Good luck for Monday with the new job. I like your idea of wearing mostly blue, and matching your braces accordingly. They will not stand out too much if your fellow workers are not into braces, but will show your own style anyway.
Do let me know how you get on.
Hi Ian,
Well first day in the new job and what do I look at when I get my PC fired up is this web site lol. It is lunch time so allowed.
I decided to wear Black skinny braces with a Black shirt just to make it a subtle as possible, Grey toursers and Grey skinny tie. I had an induction talk first thing and then went to meet my department colleagues. My new boss took me thru and introduced me to the team. The guy at the interview was there and yes he had his braces on, what a relief that was to see him. He had Black braces on too but with a White shirt and Back tie, looked awsome.
When we got introduced again he said he thought I did not have my braces on with the Black on Black colours and he was sure I would have been wearing them. A couple of the others said he has been going on about braces for the last few weeks and said he kept saying he could not wait for me to start to show the rest of them that other guys do wear braces as well, not only him.
I am glad I wore them as he would have been gutted if I had not worn braces on my first day. I think I wil go a bit bolder tomorrow with a light shirt and dark braces so they starnd out a fit more.
One of the guys said something about the rest if them had better join the new trend if they want to keep up with the new fashion and a few laughed and said maybe they should get braces as well. wow how great would that be.
First day at my new draws to a close and I think the braces have gone down well. Looks like no one wears jackets at work so if I keep up wearing the braces they will be on show everyday. The other guy spoke to me earlier and said he was so pleased I had worn mine today as he had a bit of a ribbing when he first started to wear them and told eveyone that me the new start was a braces wearer as well and said we were going to convert the rest of the guys over to braces.
Tomorrow will be light Blue shirt and navy Blue braces, should stand out a lot more, looking forward to it.
Hi Guy
Glad your first day went well, and it sounds as if your braces went down well also. Will let you know how I get on next Monday at my new job.
2nd day in new job.
Pale Blue shirt with navy Blue braces and a skinny navy tie.
Already had a couple of the guys mention the braces, think they are a great ice breaker when meeting new people. One of the guys said he has a pair of braces at home but had never dared to wear them to work before but was thinking about it now after seeing me and the other guy with ours on yesterday. He said the office needed a bit of a style makeover, ha ha nice you know I may have been part of that.
So Funny the other guy in our work had on Blue braces as well today with a light Blue shirt as well, we look like twins and a few people have comments if we are coordinating our outfits. Was a bit embarrassing. He spoke to be earlier and say we need to keep apart today or the others will think we planned this, he laughed and said we need to get a colour rota going to make sure we don’t clash again. I did tell him I had bought a few different colours so I could mix and match.
One of the guys I will be working along side was asking about my braces and why I likes wearing them. He said the other guy got a bit of stick when he started to wear braces but it cooled off after a few days so that was maybe why I had not got any reaction, sounds like the other guy took most of the flack.
The guy was very interested in braces and did say he may have to give them a try to see what all the fuss is about. He said he has noticed a lot more people wearing braces these days but it was not something he had thought for himself but after see me and the other guy in work he is now having a think about it, sounds like a candidate for braces I think.
Day 3 and braces still worn load and proud, Grey skinny clip on’s with a White shirt and a Black skinny tie. I am starting to run out of colours of braces, just need to start mix & matching.
The other guy in work has his Black braces on with a Grey shirt, so we don’t clash today. Been informed I need to attend a client meeting today to get introduced to the members of the clients teams, will feel a bit funny having to walk in wearing braces so open but I don’t have a jacket or a belt to change back to so just going to have to go for it so to speak. I will just have to act natural and look as if I always wear braces.
I guy I am sitting along side who was asking about my braces has said he is going to look for a pair this weekend and see what they are like, I offered to loan him a pair but he is happy to go out a buy a pair of braces himself. He said he liked the style of mine and says he is sure he will like them and get some use out of them, although he did say he may feel a bit strange just starting to wear braces all of a sudden and was not sure what his mates would say. I told him just to give them a go and don’t feel embarrassed about wearing them as most people do like the style and he is sure to get positive comments from his mates.
Am I the only guy left on this thread ???
Great day yesterday and attended the meeting bold as brass and just walked in wearing my braces. Go introduced and then had to tell them all little about myself. I gave the usual stuff about where I worked before and what my role was going to be now and then made a joke about my braces saying I had to apologise for the braces and something about it being a new recruitment policy and I was brought in to inject a bit of change to the dress code of the company. It got a laugh and broke the ice a bit. I even got a few comments across the table like “good for you” and “I like the new style”.
The guy I am sitting beside told me today his wife bought him pair of Black braces yesterday and he tried them out at home last night. He said they felt good to wear and his wife thought he look great with them on. He chickened out wearing them to work today but did say he may give them a go tomorrow.
Hi Guy
Well, you have really gone bold and brave with your braces on full show at your new job. Have enjoyed reading all the details, and will reciprocate next week when I start work at the call centre.
In the meantime, I have had braces buttons put on a few pairs of trousers, but have only found one pair of leather end braces so far. However, they do look good (IMO), and are very comfortable, although my Dad thinks I am turning into an old fogey! Luckily, my Mum came to my defence and said how nice it was not to see my underpants!
Ian,
Go into the Web and type in braces or suspenders and you will find lots of the button on type to choose from!
I said some time ago I would report on the Levi vintage chinos and braces – they call them suspenders of course – and they are great, expensive but worth it. Chinos reasonably loose fit so very comfortable with the braces – buttons on the outside of course!
Allan.
The end of a great week in my new job.
The guy who’s wife bought him a pair of braces the other day had worn them to work today, how cool is that !!!
He came in this morning with his Black braces with a light grey shirt & black tie, looked great. He said his wife nagged him to wear them after she went to the bother of buying them for him so he thought what the hell just wear them. That made 3 of us with braces on today, great end to the week.
A few of the other guys slagged him off about keeping up with me and the other guy. We did say that had better join in of get left behind and a few of the guys did sound liek they may invest in a pair of braces, if even to just join in and show they are not going to be left behind. Cant wait till next week.
Ian sounds like you button braces are going down well, I need to give them a go. I agree with Allan you can find loads on the web sites, I like britishbraces site, nice working men’s style olf fashion braces, maybe thats where Ian Dad gets the old fogey comment lol.