Garter

A garter is a narrow band of fabric designed to secure stockings against the leg.

This simple article of clothing serves a vital functional purpose. It prevents long stockings from slipping down during movement. Historically, people tied these bands just below the knee. This location was chosen because the leg is most slender there. While the invention of elastic has changed how stockings stay up, garters remain a significant part of fashion. They are worn by many people for various styles and traditions.

Modern versions often take the form of a garter belt, also known as suspenders in American English.

These belts are usually made of elasticated material. They are designed to sit at the waist or slightly below the waist. This placement prevents the belt from sliding down under the weight of the stockings. Two or three elastic suspender slings attach to each side of the belt. These slings are shaped to follow the contours of the body. At the end of each sling is a metal clip. A small rubber disc is inserted into the clip. This disc passes through the stocking material to lock it firmly in place.

There are several different ways people use these items today. Some people wear simple, narrow bands of material tied tightly around the leg. This was a practical method used by servants and housemaids until the mid-1920s. Others use more complex systems like corselettes or girdles. These garments often have suspender slings already attached to them. In sports, such as ice hockey, players use specialized suspenders.

These hold up thick woolen hockey socks. Without them, the heavy socks might roll down toward the player's ankles. Some people even use suspender belts for medical support. This can help with circulation issues like varicose veins.

History shows that garters have been used for many surprising tasks. In the 18th century, garters were often highly decorative.

They could be embroidered with names, dates, or humorous phrases. Before elastic existed, people used buckles or spiral springs to keep them on. In 1888, Bertha Benz used a garter for a mechanical purpose.

While driving during the first long-distance car journey, she used a garter to insulate a broken wire. This historic trip is now honored by the Bertha Benz Memorial Route in Germany.

Cultural traditions also feature the garter in many meaningful ways. In Western wedding traditions, a bride wears a garter during her ceremony.

At the wedding reception, the groom may remove the garter and toss it to unmarried male guests.

This often happens after the bride tosses her bouquet to the unmarried women. Some believe that catching the garter brings good luck for future marriage. In the United States, high school proms also involve garters.

Young women often wear them to match their dresses. They might give the garter to their date as a souvenir or participate in a "garter and tie" dance.

Beyond personal fashion, the garter holds a place in high honors and history. The Order of the Garter is the oldest and highest British order of chivalry.

It was founded in 1348 by King Edward III. The order includes the reigning monarch and up to 24 Knights Companion. A famous legend says the order began when a Countess dropped her garter at a ball. King Edward reportedly picked it up to save her from embarrassment. While historians believe this story is a fiction, the garter remains a powerful symbol of brotherhood.

Finally, the garter connects to broader shifts in society and media. In the mid-20th century, the rise of pantyhose changed how people used garter belts. This shift happened alongside the female empowerment movement and the sexual revolution. The item also became a common sight in mass-market adult magazines. These publications often used suspenders and stockings to create a sense of excess. Even today, the popularity of certain films can influence the industry. For example, sales of garter belts increased after the 1988 film Bull Durham featured a black lace garter.