These are what I wear. There are none better in my opinion.
http://www.loggersuspenders.com
Ok, both pairs of suspenders have arrived.
Better S-penders from loggersuspenders .com and the Duluth Trading suspenders. Both are metal clip style and both were about the same price ($24ish). I like the DT suspenders but they are basic suspenders made from what looks to be high quality wide elastic bands. The Better S-penders are incredible! I got their red x-back metal clip suspenders. Their elastic looks to be even higher quality than DT. They're not quite as wide but, when they are stretched, they only stretch a certain amount before the fabric comes tight and prevents over-stretching. I think they will last longer before getting the dreaded wrinkly, over-stretched appearance.
What really sets them apart is the leather work. Beautiful, thick black full grain leather straps with adjustable chrome buckles adorn the front. The leather thickness/quality is what you would expect from old school leather craftsmen. They even have two D-rings on the front to keep a logger's whistle or attach other useful items where they will be handy. I suspect they use left-over scraps from a high quality maker of leather boots or riding saddles. Gorgeous! Almost makes me wish I had pants with suspender buttons so I could wear the more classic button suspenders. These suspenders are straight out of one of the greatest American novels of all time, "Sometimes a Great Notion", which makes sense when you learn they are made in Grants Pass, OR.
For some reason the red ones I purchased are marked only $22 while the otherwise identical ones with black or tan elastic are $36.50. Maybe they have a surplus of red elastic strapping? Because these look more like $40 units, not $22! Interestingly, both brands use the exact same metal clips (except the logger suspenders clips are chromed while the DT clips are painted black).
If you want real "logger" suspenders that are so stylish and so well made they will transport you back to the glory days of early PNW logging, with images of misty fog, ferns and giant trees, I highly recommend these suspenders. And while you're at it, order a copy of "Sometimes a Great Notion" by Ken Kesey to complete the illusion of travelling back in time. Your next door neighbor, you know, the country bumpkin that lives on the adjoining property 1/4 mile down the road, will be very impressed!
Thanks for the tips, now I'm in suspender heaven and can avoid that dreaded "slip sliding away" feeling when I work up a sweat in heavy work pants. Who would have known that a simple search for better suspenders would lead back to a company called "Better S-penders" and trip to another era?
