The Best Shirt Stays for Men
If the first thing you think of when you hear "shirt stay" is that little plastic tab in your collar, you're not alone, but it might be time to learn the difference. Those tabs are actually collar stays; shirt stays are like undergarment suspenders. Traditionally, they attach to the top of your socks and the bottom of your shirttail to ensure it stays tucked and tight at all times. For those of you who are keen on a clean, crisp appearance, we've rounded up a list of some of the best shirt stays on the market. Whether you're trying to be extra classy for a wedding or you just enjoy the added security, tuck into this article and find your new favorite apparel accessory.
Comfy Clothier Stirrup-Style Shirt Stays
Stirrup stays
In terms of security, the stirrup-style shirt stay is one of the best in the game since it doesn’t rely on sock clips to stay put. These stays from Comfy Clothier are no exception. They feature a strong elastic that’s soft to the touch and durable metal clips with nylon teeth to grip onto shirttails. Depending on your height, you can slide the adjustable clip to increase or decrease tension so you won’t ever have that muffin-top look again. And if you position the loops properly, they’ll stay invisible and discreet around your ankles.
Pros:
- Stirrup style doesn’t require clipping onto your socks
- Soft elastic that won’t irritate skin
- Clips with nylon teeth to keep shirts in place
Cons:
- Can be visible with no-break dress pants if not placed carefully
Shirt Stay Plus World’s Best Shirt Stays
Socks that stay up
Though many shirt stays require you to clip onto your socks, very few of them provide their own specialized socks with reinforced holes like these stays from Shirt Stay Plus. The Y-style design features a durable, adjustable elastic strap and tight metal clasps to keep everything in place. You won’t get to pick a size for the socks since they’re one-size-fits-all (officially sizes 6–12), but the reinforced holes ensure you get your money’s worth. Say goodbye to ripped socks or stays that suddenly go slack when you purchase from Shirt Stay Plus.
Pros:
- Y-style minimizes excess elastic straps
- Durable metal clasps and specialized square fasteners
- Purchase includes “grip clip” reinforced socks
Cons:
- May be too long to wear with over-the-calf socks, even when adjusted
NV Holders: S-Holder Premium Shirt Stays
A shorter stay
Most shirt stay styles require long pants to hide their straps, but garter-style stays like these from NV Holders are ideal for those hoping to sport a pair of shorts. The soft, skin-friendly elastic grips your thigh and provides plenty of tension to keep your shirt taught and tucked. Three metal clasps also ensure that nothing comes loose during the day, even if you’re rushing to catch the subway. These stays even come in a range of sizes to accommodate different leg shapes, so follow the sizing guide closely.
Pros:
- Doesn’t require socks to keep your shirt tucked
- Three clasps (as opposed to two) provide increased security
- Different sizes to accommodate varying body types
- Designed in a range of colors
Cons:
- Thigh straps may show an outline with tighter, thinner pants
Shirt Stay Plus Shirt Stays for Military and LEO
"Y" not
When you think about how tidy service members’ uniforms have to be, it’s no wonder many of them utilize shirt stays to keep their attire as crisp as possible. Shirt Stay Plus boasts products that were designed by a veteran law enforcement official (LEO), such these original-style shirt stays. By independently attaching two straps per leg, you can create a more customized fit that better accommodates your everyday movement. Like other models, these also utilize nylon teeth within the clips to ensure a secure fit.
Pros:
- Straps function independently of each other for a better fit
- Each strap is adjustable to accommodate bending or walking
- Designed by a veteran police officer who consistently used shirt stays
Cons:
- Can be more difficult to attach because the straps are separate
KK & Jay Supply Co. Shirttail Garters
Clip, don't rip
If you’re interested in keeping your look clean and tidy but are afraid to damage your clothes, you might consider these shirttail garters from KK & Jay Supply Co. Unlike other shirt stays that utilize clips with sharp teeth, these garters feature a circular clip design that promises a secure closure without any unwanted stretching of expensive fabrics. Crucially, their cotton-blend elastic is soft to the touch and adjustable for folks of varying heights. With over 50 years of suspender and garter experience, KK & Jay Supply Co. even assures that its stays are carefully constructed by hand.
Pros:
- Unique circular clasp holds fabrics in place without risk of tearing them
- Fabric-backed closures are comfortable and don’t dig in
- Y-style design is easy to use
Cons:
- You pay a slight premium for a more unique product
Frequently Asked Questions
Are most shirt stays one-size-fits-all?
Yes and no — while most stays aren’t offered in separate sizes, almost all of them offer some level of adjustability thanks to sliding clips. Therefore, folks of average height should be able to use their stays without trouble. If you’re on either end of the size spectrum, be sure to check out each stay’s limits before committing. The last thing you want is a set of stays that keep snapping out of place.
Is one style better than another?
Though the most popular shirt stays these days are Y-style, one is not inherently better than the other. Folks who frequently wear no-show socks with their modern loafers may prefer the garter style, while those who don’t want their socks stretched may opt for the stirrup style. Take note of your apparel and comfort preferences, and keep in mind that you can always wear different styles for different occasions.
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