Garter (stockings)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
  (Redirected from Garter belt)
Jump to: navigation, search
A wedding garter


Garters in fashion[edit]

Hip flask tucked into a garter during Prohibition




Use in wedding traditions[edit]

Bride putting on a garter



Use at high school proms in the United States[edit]


Order of the Garter[edit]

Main article: Order of the Garter




It is thought more likely that as the garter was a small strap used as a device to attach pieces of armour, it might have been thought appropriate to use the garter as a symbol of binding together in common brotherhood. Whilst the motto probably refers to the leading political topic of the 1340s, Edward's claim to the throne of France. The patron saint of the Order of the Garter is St. George and as he is the patron saint of soldiers and also of England, the spiritual home of the order has therefore always been St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle.[4]

Wearing suspenders or garter belts and stockings[edit]

A woman with her suspenders showing

Suspender belts or garter belts are a usually a woman's undergarment consisting of an elasticated material strip usually at least 2" to 3" wide, but can be deeper, that is worn around the waist, to which 2 or 3 elastic suspender 'slings' are attached on each side, where the material is shaped to the contours of the body. The suspenders are typically clipped to the stockings with metal clips into which a rubber disc is inserted through the stocking material effectively 'locking' the stocking in place. These are normally attached to a length of elastic allowing for adjustment. These clips, also known as suspender slings, are best attached to stockings with a simple welt that do not have lace, or 'hold-ups' with a silicon rubber lining. Suspender belts for men do exist, usually for when a man needs to wear support hosiery for medical reasons.

It is best to wear suspender / garter belts at the waist line or just slightly below. If worn too low on the hips, there is a chance of the belt sliding down, as they are being pulled downward by the stockings. The garment should fit closely on the waist, but not too tight. Some retailers can supply garments associated with more traditional underwear, such as corselettes or girdles, now referred to as shapewear, with suspender slings attached.

Nowadays, pantyhose or tights are more commonly available than stockings; retail suppliers from supermarkets to department stores or lingerie and hosiery specialist shops claim the demand for stockings is 'relatively limited'. Hold-ups are an alternative way for keeping stockings up, with a band of latex rubber moulded in to the stocking top. Nevertheless, suspenders continue to be used by wearers who prefer not to wear tights for health reasons. Women who suffer from Thrush or Cystitis are often advised not to wear tights as nylon worn close to the vaginal area can exacerbate any infection present. Similarly latex rubber in hold ups may irritate some people's skin. A suspender (garter) belt is the only option in these cases. Any person with these infections should consult their doctor.

The other reason for wearing support stockings is for medical reasons associated with varicose veins or poor circulation, this may be related to heart disease. While information on these conditions can be found on line, sufferers should talk to their doctor or GP, who will probably refer the patient to the practice nurse to be measured to ensure the correct grade and size of stocking is worn.



19th century[edit]



20th century[edit]

During World War II, WAAFs were issued inexpensive suspenders.[5]


Since the early 1960s, many men's magazines featured images of women in underwear, with models in suspenders and stocking, often with Slip (clothing)s, petticoats, corsets or a bra and knickers or panties in erotic prose. These images may have an erotic element and are sometimes presented as fetish fashion and also in publications often deemed as pornography.

Present-day stocking and suspender belt wearing[edit]


In ice hockey[edit]

Ice hockey players use Suspenders for holding up hockey socks. As these socks are essentially woollen tubes, they need to be kept from rolling onto the ankles. The socks can be held up by either hockey tape or hockey Suspenders, which function like stocking suspenders.

See also[edit]


  3. ^
  4. ^ Order of the Garter information[dead link]