How to Wear a Garter Belt

A garter belt (also called a suspender belt in the UK) holds stockings in place with adjustable straps and clips. While they were once everyday necessities, today they're elegant lingerie pieces. Here's how to wear one properly.

Anatomy of a Garter Belt

Understanding the parts helps with fitting:

• Belt: The waistband that sits at your waist or hips
• Straps: Adjustable bands hanging from the belt (4-6 typical)
• Garters/clips: The metal or plastic fasteners at strap ends
• Rubber buttons: Small nubs that grip the stocking
• Closure: Hooks, clasps, or loops at the back

Choosing the Right Garter Belt

Number of Straps

• 4 straps: Most common, sufficient for daily wear
• 6 straps: Better hold, preferred by many
• 8+ straps: Specialty/costume pieces

Six straps provide the most secure hold and keep stocking tops from rolling.

Strap Width

• Narrow straps: More delicate look, less support
• Wide straps: Better support, more visible through clothing

Clip Type

• Metal clips: Traditional, more secure, can damage delicate stockings
• Plastic clips: Gentler on stockings, less durable
• Rubber buttons: Essential for good grip

Sizing Your Garter Belt

Garter belt sizing differs from clothing size:

• Measure: Around your waist where you want it to sit
• Fit: Should be snug but not tight
• Adjustment: Most have hooks or extension options

If between sizes, go smaller—the belt stretches with wear.

Where to Wear It

Position options:

• Natural waist: Traditional, keeps straps longer
• Lower waist: More comfortable for some, shorter straps
• Hips: Modern positioning, works well with low-rise

The right position depends on your body and the belt design.

Step-by-Step: Putting It On

1. Put on underwear first: Garter belt goes OVER panties
   • Why: Makes bathroom visits possible without removing stockings
2. Fasten the belt: Hook it at your waist, closure at back
3. Adjust the straps: Lengthen them fully before attaching stockings
4. Put on stockings: Carefully roll them on
5. Attach front clips: Start with the front straps
6. Attach back clips: Then do the back straps
7. Adjust strap length: Tighten until stockings are taut but comfortable
8. Check in mirror: Ensure straps are straight and even

Attaching the Clips

Proper clip technique:

1. Open the clip by pressing the lever
2. Place the stocking welt over the rubber button
3. Release the lever so the metal clasp grips the welt
4. Tug gently to ensure it's secure

The clip should grip the reinforced welt, not the sheer leg portion.

Where to Position Clips

For 4-strap garter belts:

• Front straps: At the front of your thigh
• Back straps: At the back of your thigh
• Spacing: Roughly 90 degrees apart around the leg

For 6-strap garter belts:

• Front: Two straps at front of each leg
• Side: One strap at outer thigh
• Back: One strap at back center

Adjusting Strap Length

Proper strap tension is crucial:

• Too loose: Stockings will sag and wrinkle
• Too tight: Uncomfortable, pulls at stocking tops
• Just right: Gentle tension, stockings stay smooth

Test by sitting—stockings should stay in place without pulling painfully.

Front vs. Back Strap Positioning

An important detail:

• Traditional: Back straps run over buttocks (under panties)
• Modern/practical: Back straps run under buttocks

Under-buttock positioning is more comfortable for sitting.

Common Problems and Solutions

Stockings Keep Falling

• Tighten straps
• Check clip grip—rubber buttons worn?
• Ensure clips are on the welt, not sheer fabric
• Try stockings with deeper/stronger welts

Clips Keep Popping Off

• Replace worn rubber buttons
• Try different clip style
• Use stockings designed for garters

Straps Twist

• Straighten before sitting
• Consider wider straps
• Ensure proper positioning when putting on

Visible Through Clothing

• Wear longer skirts or looser pants
• Choose thinner straps
• Try hold-ups for slim-fit clothing

Caring for Your Garter Belt

• Hand wash: Gentle detergent, cool water
• Air dry: Never machine dry
• Store flat: Don't crumple or ball up
• Check hardware: Replace worn rubber buttons

Garter Belts vs. Hold-Ups

When to choose each: