What Are Garters? A Guide to Their History

What Are Garters? A Guide to Their History, Purpose, and Modern Appeal. Garters have long been associated with both function and fashion, evolving from a practical accessory to a stylish and often symbolic piece of lingerie. As a type of clothing designed to hold up hosiery, garters have played an important role in the development of intimate apparel.

Whether used to hold up stockings, as part of bridal traditions, or as a statement of sensuality, garters remain a timeless element in the world of intimate apparel. Their influence on women's fashion across different eras highlights their enduring appeal and significance.

This blog post is part of a series of informational posts about lingerie and accessories, helping readers learn more about these unique items.

A Brief History of Garters

The use of garters dates back centuries, originally serving a purely functional purpose. The tradition began in the Dark Ages, when garters were used to secure leg wear. Before the invention of elastic hosiery, garters were essential for keeping stockings in place.

In the Middle Ages, both men and women used garters, typically made from ribbons or leather straps tied around the leg. Men wore garters to keep up their socks or stockings, ensuring both function and style in their attire. Over time, they became more decorative, often embroidered or adorned with lace.

By the 19th and early 20th centuries, garters became an essential part of women’s fashion, often integrated into corsets or suspender belts. With the invention of elastic materials and pantyhose in the mid 20th century, the functional necessity of garters declined, but they remained a symbol of elegance and femininity.

Types of Garters and Their Uses

Functional Garters

Traditionally used to hold up thigh high stockings, these garters are often attached to suspender belts or built into lingerie pieces.

Bridal Garters

Wedding garters typically feature elegant designs, classic colors, and symbolic details that make them a cherished part of bridal attire. Popular materials include satin style, lace band, and tulle, with each fabric contributing to the luxurious and refined appearance of the garter. Many wedding garters also feature delicate bows as a decorative element, enhancing their charm. The choice of fabric is important, as it affects both comfort and the overall look of the garter.

For the bride, wearing a bridal garter is a meaningful tradition that adds a special touch to her big day. The tradition of tossing the garter, known as the garter toss, involves the groom removing and tossing the garter to the guests, with the tossing symbolizing good luck and celebration. An idea for modern weddings is to customize or modify the garter toss to better fit the couple's preferences or to skip it altogether.

Fashion and Lingerie Garters

Modern lingerie designs incorporate garters for aesthetic appeal, offering a sultry, vintage inspired look. These garters are considered sexy and are often paired with matching lingerie sets for a polished and alluring style. Many people wear garter belts for both function and style, adjusting straps and attaching stockings to complete the look.

How to Wear Garters

With Stockings: Attach the garter belt clips or hooks to the top of thigh high stockings, ensuring a snug but not too tight fit around your waist or hips. Adjust the length of the straps so the stockings are held up securely and you feel comfortable when you wear a garter. The garter belt uses hooks or clips to keep stockings or thigh highs in place, combining both function and style.

Under Dresses or Skirts: Some garters are designed to be discreetly worn on the legs under formal attire, adding a subtle touch of elegance. For a classic look, pair your garter with thigh highs to enhance both comfort and style.

As a Standalone Statement: Fashion forward garter belts, also known as suspenders, or thigh garters can be worn as an accessory over leggings or lingerie for a bold and confident look. Suspenders offer versatile styling options, making them a unique addition to your wardrobe.

Wedding Garter Tradition

The wedding garter tradition is a cherished custom that adds a touch of romance and playful excitement to the wedding day. Typically, a bridal garter is crafted from luxurious materials like lace or satin and is worn just above the knee, secured comfortably with an elastic band. Unlike pantyhose, which are chosen for practicality, wedding garters are all about sentiment and style, often hidden beneath the wedding dress until their big reveal at the wedding reception.

This tradition traces its roots back to the Middle Ages, when wearing a garter was believed to bring good luck and symbolize fertility. Over time, the custom evolved, and today, the wedding garter tradition is a highlight of many wedding celebrations. During the reception, the groom removes the garter from the bride’s leg, sometimes with a bit of theatrical flair and tosses it to the unmarried male guests. The lucky man who catches the garter is said to be the next to marry, mirroring the bouquet toss for the women.

Modern bridal garters come in a dazzling array of styles, from classic white lace bands to colorful garters adorned with delicate bows, beading, or even personalized embroidery. Some brides opt for a single garter, while others choose a set, one to keep as a memento and one for the toss. Whether you prefer a traditional look or a more contemporary design, bridal garters and garter belts can be a beautiful way to express your personality and add a meaningful accessory to your wedding attire.

For many brides, wearing a garter is more than just a nod to tradition, it’s a fun way to involve guests in the festivities and create lasting memories. The wedding garter tradition, paired with the bouquet toss, brings a sense of anticipation and joy to the celebration, making it a beloved part of weddings for generations. Whether you’re drawn to the history, the symbolism, or simply the fun of the toss, a wedding garter is a timeless accessory that continues to capture the imagination of brides and guests alike.

Garters in Modern Lingerie

Today, garters continue to be a staple in lingerie collections, blending sophistication with sensuality. To preserve the delicate materials of garters and garter belts, hand washing is recommended as the best care method. Whether as part of a seductive set or a playful bridal piece, they enhance confidence and style for the modern woman who values both tradition and personal expression.

At Olivia Paisley Intimates, we celebrate timeless elegance by offering exquisitely designed garters that blend tradition with contemporary fashion. Discover our latest collection and elevate your lingerie wardrobe with the perfect garter.