Who said “Correspondences are like small clothes before the invention of suspenders; it is…”?

Verified

Sydney Smith. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceLady Holland's Memoir (1855), Vol. II, letter to Catherine Crowe (31 January 1841), pp. 441–442

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“Correspondences are like small clothes before the invention of suspenders; it is impossible to keep them up.”
— Sydney Smith
VerifiedLady Holland's Memoir (1855), Vol. II, letter to Catherine Crowe (31 January 1841), pp. 441–442 · evidenceLetters

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Lady Holland's Memoir (1855), Vol. II, letter to Catherine Crowe (31 January 1841), pp. 441–442.

APA

Smith, S. (n.d.). Correspondences are like small clothes before the invention of suspenders; it is impossible to keep them up. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/26401-correspondences-are-like-small-clothes-before-the-invention/

MLA

Smith, Sydney. “Correspondences are like small clothes before the invention of suspenders; it is impossible to keep them up.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/26401-correspondences-are-like-small-clothes-before-the-invention/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Smith, Sydney. “Correspondences are like small clothes before the invention of suspenders; it is impossible to keep them up.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/26401-correspondences-are-like-small-clothes-before-the-invention/.

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