The Most Important Suspenders In Pop Culture

By Emily Exton

February 20, 2014 / 9:30 AM

Scandal Harrison Wright

[Photo Credit: Tumblr]

One Direction Louis Tomlinson

[Photo Credit: Getty Images]

Doctor Who Matt Smith

[Photo Credit: BBC]

Magic Mike Joe Manganiello

[Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures]

Jon Hamm Sucker Punch

[Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures]

Ed Westwick Chuck Bass

[Photo Credit: Splash News]

Bill Lumbergh Office Space

[Photo Credit: 20th Century Fox]

Steve Urkel Family Matters

[Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Television]

Larry King

[Photo Credit: Getty Images]

Wall Street Gordon Gekko

[Photo Credit: 20th Century Fox]

Mork & Mindy Robin Williams

[Photo Credit: CBS]

Alex DeLarge A Clockwork Orange

[Photo Credit: Warner Bros.]

There's a reason why Scandal's Harrison Wright (Columbus Short) stays so calm during a crisis: suspenders. The paid problem-solver has many positive traits--that smile, those lips, those arms, we could go on--and his impeccable wardrobe helps him look cool during any sticky situation Olivia Pope and Associates take on. Despite a collection of well-tailored suits, it's difficult not to notice the historic accessory he's been bringing back in a big way. And he's not the only one!

Less popular than the bow tie, suspenders still hold an important place in pop culture. By possessing both style and utility, they become that much more essential to character development. For example, Harrison is a man who makes a living by staying on top and ahead of other people's problems; he can't be bothered to worry about his pants sagging to the ground! Like the Gladiator, Steve Urkel (Jaleel White) was a pesky teen egghead who always rocked a colorful pair of pant straps, Gossip Girl's Chuck Bass (Ed Westwick) would never be able to introduce himself with such a mischievous smile if not for his sharp suiting and Larry King has wouldn't be half the interviewer if not for his trademark accessory. Over the years dapper dudes in entertainment have made strides to bring the style Humphrey Bogart rocked with ease. These are the 12 that have had the biggest impact on pop culture to date.