The Ultimate Q & A Guide to Suspender Belts from Swanky Pins

We have created this Q&A guide to suspender belts (Garter belts) to help answer some of the top questions we are asked – some basic like how to wear one, how to choose the right size, and many others that may not apply to you. Some of these queries have been covered in other posts but there are still many that we feel should be cleared up.

The terminology differs between countries, some call them ‘garter belts’ (‘suspenders’ in the US means what we call ‘braces’ in the UK ) so within this article we will refer to either term.

Our Table of Contents will allow you to jump to any particular question to save a lot of scrolling :)

What is a Suspender Belt / Garter Belt?

A suspender belt (known in the US as a garter belt) is a vintage-inspired lingerie item worn around the waist or hips, with straps that clip onto stockings to keep them in place. Typically made from satin, lace, or mesh, suspender belts add both practical support and a dash of old-school glamour to your lingerie drawer.

Why Wear a Suspender Belt?

From function to fashion, wearers still enjoy wearing suspender belts for several reasons:

Vintage aesthetic: Perfect for fans of 1940s–50s fashion and retro lingerie.
Eroticism: Stockings & a garter belt are often used for sexual pleasure
Support Stockings: Many women (and men) wear a garter belt for compression hosiery.
Practicality: A well-fitted belt and stockings can feel cooler and more comfortable than tights.
Everyday elegance: They offer a stylish upgrade to your daily underwear.
Sensual confidence: There’s something empowering about hidden glamour beneath your clothes.
Special occasions: Ideal for boudoir shoots, bridal lingerie, and romantic evenings.
Age: Over 65’s may well wear them out of habit, having worn them since they were young.
Because you like them!: Some women just prefer a nice suspender belt and stockings to tights

How do Suspender Belts Work?

Suspender belts or garter belts, are undergarments designed primarily to hold stockings securely in place. They achieve this through a combination of a main band and adjustable straps with clips which can be plastic or metal.

The main body of the belt is a band of fabric which is worn around the waist or hips. This band can vary in width; for instance, some designs are wide at the front and over the hips, narrowing towards the back.

Fastening: The belt usually fastens with hook-and-eye closures, often offering multiple rows for adjustment to ensure a comfortable and secure fit but you can get styles which ‘roll-on’ or lace up.

Suspender Straps (Garters) attach to the bottom edge of the belt and hang downwards. Belts may come with various numbers of adjustable straps, the most popular being 6.

Clips: At the end of each suspender strap is a clip, made in either plastic or hypoallergenic metal. These clips are designed to securely fasten onto the top band of stockings. Some designs include ribbons over the clips to prevent rubbing and enhance comfort.

Function: Once the stockings are pulled up, the clips are attached to their top edge. The tension from the adjustable straps holds the stockings taut against the leg, preventing them from slipping down and helping to keep any seams straight.

Shaping: While their primary role is to hold hosiery, some suspender belts, particularly those integrated into girdles or made with wider elastic, can also offer a degree of light shaping or tummy control. However, their main purpose remains the secure attachment of stockings.

Types of Suspender Belts

There are many different types of suspender with styles and functions varying widely depending on their construction and intended use.

How many straps a suspender belt / garter belt has significantly impacts its effectiveness in holding stockings and maintaining seam straightness, as well as its aesthetic. Here is a breakdown by the number of straps and their uses:

4-Strap Suspender Belts: Great for occasional, light wear or the bedroom.

Difference: These typically have straps placed only at the front and back, leaving the sides of the stockings unsupported.
Use: While they can hold stockings, they are generally less effective for avid wearers as stockings may “droop” at the sides. They are a more basic or less functional option for maintaining perfectly straight seams.
Tip: If you do opt for a 4 strap, look for wider straps (many have thin flimsy straps with plastic clips) and a wider mid-section which will help with support.

6-Strap Suspender Belts : Ideal for daily use, provide a balance of hold and comfort

Difference: A more common and effective option as they provide better support for stockings. They are far more likely to offer metal clips and adjusters which are preferable to plastic.
Use: Considered a “far better option for keeping everything as it should be”, the 6 straps are designed to be stylish, comfortable, and keep seams straight all day long. Many retro styles are inspired by the glamorous 1950s look, sitting firmly around the waist and hugging the hips to create a smooth silhouette.

8-Strap Suspender Belts :

Difference: Offer even more support than 6-strap versions, with 8 straps positioned to give a nice smooth look to stocking tops – no dipping or sagging.
Use: Perfect for ensuring “super straight seams” and are particularly recommended for fully fashioned (FF) stockings, as they help prevent movement.

10-Strap Suspender Belts :

Difference: Provide very strong hold, almost like “superglue” for stockings.
Use: Offer maximum security for stockings, ensuring they stay perfectly in place.

12-Strap (or More) Suspender Belts:

Difference: Feature a high number of straps for extreme hold and a more intricate appearance.
Use: These can become “fiddly” and are generally preferred for evening wear or by the fetish community due to their dramatic look and superior hold.

Waist Type:

High-Waisted: Sits either firmly on the waist or just above offering shaping of the waistline, light tummy and hip control, a retro silhouette, and maximum stability.
Hip-Waisted: Lower cut, flirtier, but may roll if not fitted properly. These are normally the ‘narrow band’ 2 or 4 strap styles. Offer very little support for stockings.

“Of the many different types of suspender belt, a good solid 6 strap is the preferred choice. This one sits firmly on the waist, has 6 wide straps with metal clips and has adjustable hook/eye settings at the back.”

How many Suspender Straps / Garter Straps do I need?
If you’re wearing stockings all day, 6 or more straps offer the best support. Fewer than that, and you may find slipping or twisting. 8 or more straps are recommended for maximum stability, especially for seamed stockings or vintage nylons. See above for a breakdown of the numbers of straps and choose how many you need by what you are wearing it for, how long you will be wearing it and your preferred style.

The width of the suspender belt’s main band can influence its shaping capabilities and aesthetic.

Thin/Narrow Suspender Belts (Garter Belts):

Difference: These are simple, short belts with attached straps for stockings. They are usually very thin around the waist and offer very basic, light support.
Use: Primarily used by naturally slim women and teenagers in the 1950s who did not require significant shaping but needed to hold up their stockings. Some styles are designed merely for aesthetic or bedroom appeal rather than functional support.

Wide / Deep Suspender Belts:

Difference: These belts have a wider band and normally sit firmly on the waist (or just above), often extending over the hips and rising at the back. They are generally made with power mesh or a Lycra blend which provides a degree of shaping.

Use: They offer more functional support and can provide some shaping or tummy control. They create a “stronger, bolder look” and are often used for more formal occasions. Swanky Pins offers ‘deep’ styles that are wide at the front and over the hips, designed to be comfortable and sturdy while keeping seams straight.

Fastening Types:

While all suspender belts are primarily used to clip to stockings, the way the belt itself fastens can vary and can make a difference to the way a belt fits.

Hook-and-Eye Fastening: These belts use multiple rows of hook-and-eye closures giving a choice of size settings, often at the back or side, for adjustable and secure fitting.

Zips – The more substantial suspender belts with deep sides or back might feature a metal zip on one side or at the back for easier wear and removal.

Roll-on / Pull on: These are generally lighter weight and not as supportive as those with size adjustments like the hook/eye styles. The waistband has to be slightly looser to enable them to roll over the hips and can move once stockings are attached. Not recommended for male wearers.

Tip: If your weight fluctuates now and again, a hook/eye style is your best choice as you have the option to tighten or loosen the size. This is also the best option for male wearers as they can be adjusted to be tighter at the waist.

How do you Wear a Suspender Belt?

While seemingly simple, a few key steps ensure comfort, a smooth silhouette, and perfectly held hosiery.

Here’s a brief guide:

1. Choose the Right Size and Style: Select a suspender belt that matches your natural waist size. A belt that’s too small will be uncomfortable and unflattering, potentially creating “lumps and bumps,” while one that’s too large will slip, causing your stockings to slide down. Think about the number of straps you need, which may vary according to what you want the garter belt for (see Types of Suspender Belt )

2. Position the Belt: Your suspender belt / garter belt should sit firmly around your natural waist or hips, “hugging” them to create a smooth silhouette under your clothing. Many belts feature hook-and-eye fastenings, often with multiple rows, to allow for a good level of adjustment and a perfect fit. Some belts might also use zips for convenience but you will probably find these are not adjustable making it doubly important to buy the right size.

This gorgeous velvet belt positions just right, firm on the waist with a side opening offering 3 size adjustments. Deep at the sides and front giving a slimming effect. Available in blue, red, turquoise or purple.

3. Decide on Where to Wear your Knickers: You have two main options for wearing your panties (underwear) in relation to the suspender belt which normally boils down to Aesthetics or Convenience:

Over your Suspender Belt: This is often chosen for a “slaying look” or when the outfit is intended to be removed, as it places the suspender belt as the outermost layer of your intimate apparel.
Under your Suspender Belt: This can be a more practical option for everyday wear, as it allows for easier toilet access without needing to unclip your stockings.

Personal Opinon: When I go out for a drink I use the toilet A LOT (beer drinker). If you’re like me, I guess it’s better to go for convenience and wear your knickers OVER your suspender belt. However, I believe it the aesthetic appeal is so much nicer when they are worn underneath.

I had a comment from a guy on one of my Insta posts recently (where the model had the belt on top) that it had been worn ‘the wrong way round’ – there is no right or wrong way, it’s entirely up to the person wearing it.

4. Attach Your Stockings Once the belt is comfortably in place, pull on your stockings. Then one by one, attach the top band (welt) of each stocking to the clips at the end of the suspender straps – front first, then sides, then back.

Adjust the straps: Ensure each strap is adjusted so that it’s taut enough to hold the stocking firmly without tugging at the belt or causing discomfort when you sit down. Straps that are too long will cause stockings to “droop”.
Clip security: High-quality suspender belts often feature sturdy, hypoallergenic metal clips that snap securely into place, ensuring they only release your stockings when you intend them to. Some may even have ribbons over the clips to prevent rubbing.
Seam alignment: If you’re wearing seamed stockings, especially with 6 or more strap belts, take care to keep the seams perfectly straight as you clip them. This helps maintain a polished look throughout the day.

By following these steps, your suspender belt will not only keep your stockings perfectly in place but also contribute to a confident and elegant feel.