Garter belts, suspenders, or suspender belts - call it whatever you like, this vintage fashion accessory is by far one of the sexiest lingerie item ever made (besides thigh high stockings of course!) Let us tell you what garter belts are, it's history, how to wear garter belts and everything else there is to know about this fashionable item. Be sure to check out our fabulous boutique as we bring you some of the best garter belts in the world!

What are garter belts?

Garter belts, also known as suspender belts in the UK, are a type of belt that is worn by a woman to keep her stockings up. While this fabulous accessory can come in a variety of material, style, and color, for the most part, garter belts feature four (or more) straps that are approximately 2-4 inches (5.1 cm - 10.2 cm) long. The straps, in some cases, are adjustable. At the end of each strap, there is a clip for attaching stockings. In the back of the belt, there is a set of fasteners - just like a bra, these fasteners allow a woman to adjust for sizing.

Falling In Love Suspenders by Fraulein Annie

Brief History Of Garter belts

For a very long time, stockings were made by sewing a sheet of fabric together at the seam. Garter belts were necessary as it allowed a woman to keep her stockings up on her leg. In 1939, Du Pont created the first pair of nylon pantyhose - while it may be fair to assume that garter belts were no longer necessary after the invention of pantyhose, that was not the case. Garter belts became highly popularize during the 1940’s as wearing stockings was in fashion - including those that required a garter belt.

How To Wear Garter Belts

Wearing a garter belt can require a bit of practice. Here are five easy steps to guide you through:

• Step 1: Put garter belt around the waist. Make sure the straps fall on your leg; otherwise, you may be wearing the garter belt upside down!
• Step 2: Fasten the hooks. To make life easier, slide the belt over so that the front is the back and the back is the front, essentially the fasteners should be on your belly. Once you’ve adjusted the belt to a comfortable fit, reverse the garter back.
• Step 3: Put stockings on. Traditionally, garter belts are worn with fully fashion stockings or stockings that do not feature a silicone band. This style of hosiery is made with a welt and a shadow welt at the very top. However, garter belts can also be worn with thigh highs (which features a silicone or an elastic band at the top). For more information on how to wear thigh high stockings, Read here.
  
  
  
  
• Step 4: Attach garter belt to stockings. By far, this is the most tricky part of the process! To start, you’ll need to open the clip up by sliding the silicone nub out of the loop. Then, place the welt of your stocking in between the silicone nub and the loop. The intention of the welt is for attaching garter belt clips; thus this part of the stockings is made with a double layer or nylon. Once you are ready, slide the nub so that it fits into the smaller loop. Next, repeat this three times for all of the other clips. Note: This is where the advantage is for wearing thigh high stockings as you do not need to attach any clips to the stockings.
• Step 5: Adjust your straps. Similar to a bra strap, the length of a garter belt strap is adjustable. If you are going to be sitting a lot, you may want to make the length a little longer. For photoshoots, it may be better for the straps to become a little shorter. Our tip here is to adjust the length that is the most comfortable for you.

Garter Belt Fit

Having the right size garter belt is important! You’ll want to look sexy, not uncomfortable. Make sure to get one that sits nicely on your hips and is comfortable when standing and sitting.

With VienneMilano thigh highs, do you really need a garter belt?

The answer is no. The fabulous thing about VienneMilano thigh highs is that they are made with silicone bands to hold your stockings up. The silicone adheres comfortably to your skin, keeping your hosiery secure all day (and all night). If you want to go for a super sexy look, a garter belt is a marvelous addition.

How To Wash Garter Belts

Similar to washing stockings, the best way to wash garter belts is by hand washing or machine wash with cold water inside a lingerie bag. To learn more, check out our how to wash stockings blog post.

Phoebe by Playful Promises

Garter belts are incredibly sexy when worn with a quality pair of thigh highs. This seductive look can be worn under clothes to be revealed later, or it can be the only thing you're wearing! Make sure to check out boutique and shop our favorite garter belts.

How To Style Garter Belts

Garter belts are fantastic with a sexy pair of thigh highs such as the OTTAVIA Lace thigh highs in black. Pairing a garter belt with thigh highs will make you irresistible to your loved one.

Garter belts and thigh highs are perfect for boudoir photo shoots, costume parties (with a cool corset) or a special night of play. You can even wear garter belts and thigh highs under your work clothes and feel a little dangerous and a lot naughty.

There are lots of ways to wear this look, the most important thing is to have fun! VienneMilano has a wonderful selection of luxurious thigh highs that will look fantastic when paired with a garter belt. Shop our collection today and get $10 off with voucher code ILOVEMYLEGS