Suspenders can be a lifesaver—or a pain in the back—depending on how you set them up. After 25 years as a carpenter, including 16 running my own construction company, I’ve put in plenty of time figuring out how to make suspenders and tool belts work together.
If you’re on the fence about suspenders or struggling to dial in your setup, here’s what I’ve learned.
The Early Years: No Suspenders, No Problem (Until There Was a Problem)
I didn't bother with suspenders for the first 6–8 years of my career. I relied on a snug belt to carry everything, and it seemed fine—until my lower back started reminding me it wasn’t. Eventually, I gave suspenders a shot.
At first, they were a huge relief. I loosened my belt, shifted the load to my shoulders, and took the strain off my back. It felt great—for a while. But a few months in, I started dealing with upper back pain right between my shoulder blades. Trading one problem for another wasn’t exactly the solution I was after.
Trial, Error, and the Sweet Spot
That kicked off years of experimentation. I rotated between wearing suspenders and going without them, usually for three months, trying to find the right balance. I adjusted belt tension, played with strap lengths, and paid close attention to how different setups affected my body.
Eventually, I landed on a system that works for me and many of the folks I’ve worked with over the years.
4 Tips for Getting Suspenders to Work for You
1. Get the Tension Right (Snug, Not Strangling)
Your belt should be snug enough to carry some of the weight but not so tight that it digs into your hips or strains your lower back. Too loose, and your shoulders take all the load. Too tight, and you’ll feel it in your lower back by day’s end. Balance is everything.
2. Dial in the Strap Length (Goldilocks Style)
Adjust your suspenders so they’re doing their fair share of the work—but not overdoing it. If the straps are too short, they’ll pull the belt up and put unnecessary pressure on your shoulders. Too long, and they won’t help at all. You want them just right.
3. Mix It Up (Break the Routine)
If you’re in the habit of wearing suspenders all the time, consider giving your shoulders a break now and then. I found it helpful to switch things up, alternating between using suspenders and going without for a few months at a time. It lets your body recover and avoids overworking any one area.
4, Listen to Your Body (It’s Smarter Than You Think)
Your body has a way of letting you know when something’s not working. If you’re feeling strain, pain, or fatigue in one spot, don’t ignore it. Small adjustments—whether to your belt tension or strap length—can make a big difference.
Carry the Load, Not the Pain
A fully loaded tool belt is no joke. It’s heavy, and that weight has to go somewhere. Suspenders are great for redistributing the load, but they’re not a magic fix. The key is finding the right balance so no part of your body carries too much weight.
Whether you’re new to suspenders or just trying to fine-tune your setup, the tips above are a solid place to start. They’re what worked for me and my crew over the years, and they’ve made long days on the job a whole lot more manageable.
The goal is simple: stay healthy and ready for tomorrow’s work. Whether you stick with just a belt, add suspenders, or switch between the two, make sure your setup is working for you—not against you.
P.S. The right accessory can make your suspenders even better.
Some of my favourites: