Suspender belts are a glamorous and traditional undergarment accessory renowned for being iconic pieces of fashion that will boost any woman’s confidence. Whether you wear a suspender belt for the practicality of holding your stockings up underneath your clothing or love their sultry appearance, they are a timeless fashion choice.

From silk to lace pieces, a suspender belt suits every style. A perfect gift for your other half to boost their confidence in the bedroom or a little treat for yourself, suspender belts are a winning choice that offers both beauty and luxury. 

Whilst they may be an elegant underwear piece, it can be daunting for many women to figure out how to wear a suspender belt if they haven’t done so before. 

We have compiled a handy and easy-to-follow guide that makes putting on a suspender belt easy! Read on to discover a brief history of suspender belts and how to wear them.

Contents

1. A history of tights
2. A history of suspender belts
3. How to wear stockings and suspenders
4. Our tips for wearing stockings and suspenders
5. Stockings and suspender belts at Camille

A history of tights

An essential wardrobe staple for countless women around the world, a great pair of tights makes a faithful, reliable companion when it comes to putting an outfit together. Typically worn under a skirt or a dress, they are a versatile accessory that can inject an extra layer of style into any ensemble, all while keeping your legs warm and protected from the elements. Whether it’s a thick pair of black tights worn with sturdy boots during the winter months or a sheer, nude pair worn under a summer dress, this easy-to-wear piece can be brought out all year round, making it the ultimate holy grail accessory. 

Tights are an essential part of any wardrobe, available in various styles to suit different needs and occasions. One of the most popular styles of tights are opaque tights. Made from thick, cloth-like fabric, they are perfect for colder weather, providing warmth and coverage. They come in a range of colours and are ideal for pairing with mini-skirts even in sub-zero temperatures. In contrast, sheer tights offer a lightweight option with a low denier, giving the illusion of bare legs while providing a polished look, making them suitable for warmer weather and nights out. For those looking to make a fashion statement, fashion tights come in a variety of patterns and designs, from polka dots and stripes to bold prints and glitter, adding a touch of flair to any outfit. Whether you need warmth, a barely-there look, or a bold fashion statement, there’s a type of tights to match your style.

A history of suspender belts

Many women incorporate stockings and suspender belts into their daily dressing options, whereas for others, they can be a rare treat to make you feel beautiful and confident. But why do we feel so elegant when we wear them?

We must consider the equally alluring garter belt to answer this question. Both men and women have worn garters since before the 14th century. However, over time they evolved to become distinctly female accessories. Glamorised by popular dances like the cancan, these teasing shows shaped their erotic connotations. 

From garters, suspender belts were born in the 1920s, designed as a liberating undergarment choice. Women were no longer required to wear tight-fitting corsets to hold up their stockings. However, change came again as women’s fashion evolved to reflect sexual liberation and confidence. As hemlines rose, tights were invented to complement these changes, and the suspender belt went out of fashion. 

Fast forward to the 1980s and 90s, when the rise of underground burlesque and rockabilly culture soared in popularity, traditional clothing choices flooded back into the pages of Vogue. With them, suspender belts were back, offering a back-to-basics feminine style. 

Now, suspender belts are a sign of glamour and effort, making the appearance of one seem like a special occasion. With this background, is there any wonder why a woman in a suspender belt is so irresistible? 

How to wear stockings and suspenders

Follow the steps below to learn how to attach stockings to a suspender belt.

Step 1

It may sound simple, but first, choose your favourite underwear set. A pair that matches your suspender belt will achieve a stunning, coordinated look! This will also help with confidence if you sometimes struggle with this. Feeling good will help you stand tall and exude positive energy.

Step 2

Wear your suspender belt so that it sits on your natural waist, which is the lowest part of your torso. It shouldn’t feel awkward to wear, so make sure its positioning feels natural. Secure your belt at the back with the hook and eye closure. Ensure the belt isn’t fastened too tight or loose and feels comfortable on your waist for an exquisite fit.

Step 3

Next, slip on your favourite pair of stockings. We recommend that you avoid ‘stay-ups’; these stockings have a silicone band around the thigh designed to hold them up. Whilst they may seem like the easier option, the thicker upper band can be quite difficult to attach suspenders to. Instead, opt for a silky smooth pair that makes your legs look and feel great. 

Step 4

Before attaching your suspenders, ensure you’re in a seated position. This will help your stockings to stay attached at a comfortable and natural height. Find the suspender clips at the bottom of the belt straps and carefully open them. On an average suspender belt, there should be four straps – two at the front and two at the back. However, some suspender belts have 6 or more straps, making them ideal for prolonged, everyday wear. 

Step 5

Begin with the front straps before starting on the back. Gently place the top of the stocking between the suspender clip, ensuring that the silicone part of the clip sits on the inside of your stocking. 

Step 6

Gently pull down the clip and place the loop part of the clip over the silicone button. Pull the clip upwards, ensuring the silicone button and caught-up fabric are stuck in the narrow end of the clip. After this, take a few steps and ensure your belt fits comfortably.

Step 7

Once you’ve fitted your suspender belt, you can enjoy the flattering and sultry look that it brings! Now that you know how to wear your suspender belt and stockings, you can explore Camille’s wide range of styles. 

Our tips for wearing stockings and suspenders

From narrow belts to wider, high-waisted styles, we recommend choosing a suspender belt you feel most comfortable in. Whether you wear a suspender belt for the practicality of holding up stockings or for the confidence they bring, they make an excellent addition to your underwear drawer.

When it comes to finding the perfect style, deciding which would work best for your body and intended use can be confusing. If you’re looking for a suspender belt for everyday wear, opt for a six-strap design to ensure your stockings don’t slip out of place.

Finally, don’t be afraid to adjust your suspender belt straps throughout the day to suit your activities. For example, make the straps longer if you are sitting down a lot or adjust them shorter if you are standing. 

By following these simple tips, you will repeatedly fall in love with your suspender belt every day you wear it! 

Stockings and suspender belts at Camille

Whether you’re looking to buy a suspender belt for fashion or function, we offer a huge range of simple and glamorous designs you’ll love. Why not explore our full lingerie range to complete your look?

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