Vintage Garter Belts

Why Vintage

There are many reasons people love vintage clothing, and each reason is unique to the individual. Maybe you love the way garments were carefully detailed in decades past. Perhaps you like the way clothes were made to fit the body. You might even love playing the part of pin-up girl.

It can be difficult to find that same attention to detail in many of our ready-to-wear fashions today, so owning and wearing vintage styles is not only a way to connect to the past, but it's a way to enjoy sporting well-made, beautiful clothing.

While you can easily find lovely lingerie pieces today, vintage enthusiasts will also be able to buy authentic items from online and storefront retailers.

Where to Find Vintage Garter Belts

If you live in an area with a variety of vintage shops, you can always make those your first stop. You won’t always be able to find the exact size you need when shopping for vintage clothing; what they have is what you get. However, if you can develop a good relationship with shop owners, they may alert you when they get new items in.

Online, there are several sites you can peruse to find incredible vintage garter belts in an assortment of styles and sizes.

• Heavenly Vintage Lingerie carries a large variety of vintage lingerie, including:
  • Peignoir sets
  • Bras
  • Bustiers
  • Slips
  • Bed jackets
  • Nightgowns
  • Robes

This site also carries garter belts made by such designers as Christian Dior. In addition, you’ll find many girdles with attached garters, which were very popular during the 1940s to the 1960s. You’ll find helpful information here, including measurements of the lingerie, the condition it’s in and the materials. Excellent photographs also ensure that you know what you’re getting.

• Silver Screen carries a small selection of garter belts in several styles. Their vintage Twilfit garter belt in white cotton is simple and demure, while a garter belt by Camille is a bit racier in black with red floral details.
• The Vintage Trends site has a large collection of retro and military wear, as well as a selection of garter belts in an assortment of designs. A Glydons garter belt from the 1960s in black nylon is pretty and delicate. Some styles are from the 1970s and 1980s, which may or may not be considered vintage to you.
• There is a great selection of vintage lingerie at Vintage Glamour Puss, including garter belts. Satin and lace are popular fabrics in these retro items.
• You’ll find authentic vintage wear at Another Time Vintage Apparel. You can buy a black nylon and lace garter belt from the late 1940s or 1950s. Detailed photos and a description allow you to see what you can expect in this vintage piece.
• Stocking Showcase stocks a variety of vintage as well as new stockings in a wide range of sizes, so plus size women can also find lingerie to fit them here. The garter belts you’ll find on the website aren’t actually vintage, but are made in a vintage style. However, you can call the company to see what vintage garter belts are in stock; they often have garter belts that they don’t advertise on the website.

New with an Old Twist

If wearing actual vintage items doesn’t appeal to you as much as simply wearing the style, you can buy new lingerie that’s made with a retro look. Check out these retailers for brand new items with an old twist:

• GirdleBound
• StockinGirl

Keep in Mind

Remember that when shopping vintage, size doesn’t mean much. Most retro retailers list measurements instead of sizes like small, medium and large. Make sure you take accurate measurements of yourself to get lingerie that fits you.

While many vintage items are brand new and will arrive with the tags on them, others have been worn. In either case, the lingerie can be decades old and should be treated with care to make sure it lasts. Gentle washing in cold or cool water and a mild detergent is the best way to care for your vintage items. Air drying is strongly recommended as well.

With a little care, your vintage lingerie may last another few decades, so you’ll be able to play pin-up girl for a long, long time.