Here’s a fantastic question from a reader looking for a solution to keep pants from falling down!
Tug,
I have the same problem as a lot of middle-age guys:
– Growing Middle
– Shrinking Butt
– Pants keep falling down, don’t fit right, and won’t stay up where I want them to
ADVERTISEMENT – Shirt won’t stay tucked in
I’ve been looking at two approaches to these problems:
1) Compression undergarments, to shape the body a little bit and
2) Shirt locks, Strapless Suspenders, Hidden Tailor, etc. to keep the shirt tucked in and pants up.
I haven’t seen anything about these two being used in combination, though.
Any suggestions or recommendations?
Dan
How To Easily Keep Pants from Falling Down
Heya Daniel,
Good to hear from you buddy and thanks for your question!
You most certainly can wear a slimming/shapewear undershirt with something that helps keep your pants up.
Assuming you’re wearing a tucked-in shirt, whatever product you use to keep your pants up will go on the outside of your shirt, and will not come in contact with your undergarments.
Even if you don’t tuck in your outer shirt, if something like Hidden Tailor came into contact with your compression under-clothing, I can’t see that causing any issue.
Keep in mind that Hidden Tailor is a product that should help keep your shirt tucked.
It’s also worth noting that compression clothing & shirt tucking solutions are really serving two different problems, neither of them are specifically designed to keep your pants up.
To see more about shirt tucking solutions, check out my Best Ways to Keep Your Shirt Tucked article.
How to Prevent Your Pants From Falling Down With or Without a Belt
- Wear suspenders (more on this below)
- Try suspender alternatives like PantsProp, Hikers, NoSaggs (more solutions below)
- Clip the side of your Pants (see BeltBro & SkinnyClip below)
- Tailor your pants to optimally fit your waist & body
- Buy pants with side tabs / side adjusters
- Buy pants with an elastic waistband
- Make sure you have purchased the right pants waist size
Products That Help Keep Pants Up
It goes without saying, if you’re really having a problem keeping your pants up, traditional suspenders would be something to consider.
But, I suspect you don’t want to wear suspenders, otherwise you probably would have mentioned it.
Still, if your pants keep sliding down, and you’re looking for some suspender alternatives, here are some that I think are worth mentioning.
PantsProp™
PantsProp is a super cool silicone grip designed to prop up your pants and keep them from falling down past your hips.
You attach it to the bottom of your shirt just below your belt line, one on each side, and it creates a slight ridge for the waistline of your pants to sit on. Use in conjunction with your favorite belt. Free shipping to USA residents.
Where to buy: pantsprop.com
Hikers Hidden Suspenders
Designed to be worn under your untucked shirt, Hikers suspenders alternative has a completely unique design. One simple attachment point at the front button hole of your pants, and one at the back.
As an added bonus, Hikers will never pop off your pants like most suspenders, thanks to their innovative fastening method. Made in USA. Free shipping to USA residents.
Where to buy: hikersco.com
BeltBro
This is more of a belt alternative, however, may actually work better than using a belt. Most belts have holes, and as such, they can either fit too loose or too tight.
You attach BeltBro to the belt loops of your pants, on each side, then tighten to your exact preference. It’s lightweight, stretchy, and best of all is buckle-free!
Where to buy: beltbro.com
NoSaggs
NoSaggs is a belt with an integrated ridge in the back, worn on the outside of your tucked shirt or undershirt.
Once the ridge sits right underneath your belt, it will help your pants stay up. The belt will also help keep your shirt tucked.
Where to buy: Amazon
Skinny Clip
Skinny Clip® is a simple device for tightening the waistband of pants or skirts. Simply slide Skinny Clip® onto your waistband, twist and clip.
Works with all fabric, pants, shorts, jeans, slacks and skirts.
Where to buy: Amazon
PantsUp
PantsUp is a solution that is comprised of silicone-like cubes that attach toward the bottom of your undershirt or shirt, on either side, in proximity to your hipbone. Once attached, it creates a ridge that sits right below your belt line.
Where to buy: Etsy
Belt Boss Invisible Belt Suspender/Shirt Stay
Belt Boss is a clip that attaches to your undershirt.
The backside of the clip goes on the inside of your undershirt. The front side of the clip fastens from the outside, with the undershirt in between.
The front of the Belt Boss has U-shaped hooks that are designed to be placed under the front of your belt.
Designed to keep the front of your shirt tucked, assists with keeping the sides of your shirt tucked, and looks like it would also help keep your pants from falling down.
Where to buy: Amazon
Under-Ups Hidden Undergarment Suspenders
Made by the folks at HoldUp Suspender Company, these hidden suspenders are made from a super comfortable material similar to what thick ace bandages are made from.
Since these are worn under your clothing, you aren’t able to wear them if you’re planning to tuck in your shirt.
Available in tan, beige and black. Airport-friendly versions available too.
Where to buy: Amazon
Freddy’s InvisibleBelt
Adhesive gripping tabs you stick to the inside of your pants waistline.
Helps keep pants up and shirts tucked in by way of friction.
Where to buy: Amazon
Magnetuck
Similar to NoSaggs, once you attach Magnetuck to your shirt, it creates a bit of a ridge that your pants can sit on top of.
You can see more information about Magnetuck in my article about how to keep shirts tucked, or jump directly to Amazon to learn even more.
Where to buy: Amazon
Men’s Padded Underwear
If you’re still wondering on how to keep pants up, and looking for alternative ways, here’s a fun idea. Find some men’s underwear (briefs or boxer briefs) with pads in the backside to make your butt look more pronounced.
Here are some padded underwear options:
The extra padding in the butt area could also help keep your pants up (:
You may want to keep that idea in mind as an alternative to buying a specific product to keep your pants up, like I mentioned earlier.
Bonus Hack: Hidden Stretch Belt
No sewing skills are required for this creative hack to keep your pants up.
Here’s a video that shows step-by-step instructions on how to add a hidden stretch belt to your existing pants!
Top Questions I’m Asked
Keeping Shirts Tucked
If you’re looking for ways to keep your shirts tucked, I’d recommend reading my Top 13+ Ways to Keep Your Shirt Tucked article.
Belt Alternatives
Please see my Belt Alternatives article for more products that can be used in place of or in conjunction with a belt.
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