How to Wear a Garter Belt
From LoveToKnow Lingerie
In theory, of course, you already know how to wear a garter belt. You put it around your waist, hook it in place and then attach stockings. Panties go on the outside. Done. But to wear it well, there is a bit more to it than that, and it all begins with some careful shopping.
Some Problems With Garter Belts
Every woman used to own a garter belt, as this was the way to hold up her stockings. Garters might be attached to girdles or corsets, but they were an integral aspect of one’s underwear. As such, they weren’t necessarily the prettiest or sexiest design, but they were practical, sturdy and did the job.
Modern garter belts, now viewed as a luxury or fetish item, are not designed for all-day wear. Even just the few hours you might be expected to wear one can be uncomfortable if you have to readjust the belt. No matter how tightly you cinch it, belts can twist and slip. Part of the problem is most modern stockings aren’t tall enough or made of quality materials, so they slip easily. And with the garters being too flimsy, you experience the discomfort of the stockings sliding down the thigh and the garter belt falling to the hips. Not very sexy!
How to Wear a Garter Belt Well
It's all in the shopping. And it has to be particularly careful, honest shopping. You want to find a belt that works with your hips to give you the best shape and look.
Fabrics that work best are stretch lace and stretch satin. The stretch is important so that the belt sits against the waist and stomach comfortably and smoothly. And speaking of the waist – this is the most important aspect in learning how to wear a garter belt to its most advantageous. Traditionally, a garter belt sits on the waist and over the hips. The garters then don’t have too far to stretch to meet the tops of the stockings at the upper thighs. If you are wearing a garter belt with a low-rise skirt, you can get one that sits on the hips, but be aware that it may result in more pull on the stockings.
When you go shopping for garter belts, bring a pair of good stockings with you. This is the only way you’ll be able to judge both the fit and function. You want something that doesn’t dig into your waist or outer thigh, both for comfort and to prevent unsexy bulges.
Try to walk and sit in the dressing room once you’ve fastened the stockings. That’s a good test for how much movement they might have. The reality is that stockings will slip, at least a little bit. This is why garter belts with more garters – three or more on each side – are popular among women who want to wear stockings for more than an hour or so at a time. You can also look for garter belts that come down so low as to cover the thigh – they will be stronger.
Fastening Your Stockings
Garters are quirky inventions. They have little flaps in which you insert the stockings and then push the button down into place. It looks like it shouldn’t work, but when it’s designed properly, it really does. That’s not to say that stockings never break loose. They do. But generally speaking, when you have bought a well-designed, properly fitting belt and good stockings, everything should stay more or less where you want it all day.
One of the most important answers to the question of how to wear a garter belt is “with pride and confidence.” They are sexy. Everyone looks great in a good one. Don’t feel thigh-conscious, because you are guaranteed to wow.
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This page has been accessed 3,698 times. This page was last modified 03:06, 9 December 2008.
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