Parts & Materials

Webbing can be made from a variety of materials and have varying levels of elasticity. Some webbing materials are non-elastic and have no stretch at all.

Elastic webbings are made from a series of rubber cores that are bound and wrapped in a blend of fiber threads. A variety of fibers can be used to encase the rubber cores, which alters its elasticity and strength.

The pattern determines how the straps cross over the back, the number of connection points to the waistline, and how the suspenders are worn.

Two straps meet in the middle of the back, cross over (and are sewn together at the meeting point), and then meet on the opposite end of the back of the pants, forming an “X” shape. This design offers a more secure fit and helps distribute the load-bearing weight more effectively.

Two straps from the front go over the shoulders, converge in the middle of the back, and are sewn together at the meeting point. A third piece of material is sewn to the two straps, and continues as a single strap down the center of the back to one attachment point on the pants, forming a “Y” shape. This design offers a more traditional or formal look.

The Trucker pattern suspender is worn like a vest and incorporates the X-Back Pattern. The arms go through the shoulder straps and connect to two attachment points on the front of the hips. This design eliminates rub points at the waistline.

The 8-Point Safety pattern utilizes the X-Back Pattern and incorporates eight points of contact (four attachments on the front and four on the back), which helps distribute additional load-bearing weight more evenly across the back for even greater support. It is specifically designed for firemen and the need to accommodate a great deal of weight.

The cross patch is utilized on the back of the suspender to attach the webbing on an X-Back, Y-Back, or Trucker design. It is typically punched from leather to create a more finished look while providing added durability.

The sizing adjuster is looped or sewn into the webbing, which provides an easy method to adjust the length of the webbing for different torso sizes and tightness levels for a custom and snug fit.

The Toothed sizing adjuster is sewn to the suspender webbing and has teeth that help improve grip strength when adjusting the length for different torso sizes and tightness levels. This hardware comes in silver or black metal finishes.

The Sliding sizing adjuster is attached to the suspender webbing by the center bar of the slide and is then threaded through the hardware in a way that allows the suspender webbing to be easily adjusted for different torso sizes and tightness levels. It is available in silver metal or black plastic.

The Roller Buckle sizing adjuster is used solely with the Cinch-Up waist attachment and incorporates a roller to make small incremental size adjustments. The leather of the Cinch-Up ends are secured in place due to the notches in the leather and prongs in the roller buckles.

The Toothed Rachet sizing adjuster is sewn to the suspender webbing and utilizes teeth and a small rachet that clamps down on the webbing to “lock” it in place. It is available in a silver metal finish.

Connects the webbing of the suspender to the pants using a variety of methods for secure and reliable support.

Gator Clips are heavy-duty metal clips with large teeth that keep a firm grip on the material of the waistband. They are available in two strengths — Work strength, which is stronger, and Casual strength, which is easier to open. They come in either silver or black metal finishes.

Flat Leather Ends are made of heavyweight genuine grain cowhide leather and are sewn to the webbing for added durability. They utilize “fingers” that help distribute the load bearing weight and are designed to attach to the waistband of the pants using Leather End Buttons.

The Cinch-Up is an older style suspender design that incorporates small roller buckles for adjustment. The buckles operate similarly to a belt, with holes and a prong to make small length adjustments. It also incorporates D-Rings above the buckles, which can be used to attach small tools.

Leather Tips are made of heavyweight genuine grain cowhide leather, which is split on one end and the webbing is sewn between the two layers for added durability. They are typically used for the back attachments of the X-Back suspender and are designed to attach to the waistband of the pants using Leather End Buttons.

Belt Loops are made from non-elastic polypropylene webbing and have a nylon hook and loop. They have a 2” opening and are designed to be folded around a belt.