What Is a Garter? A Piece of Wedding Garter Tradition

What Is a Garter? A Timeless Piece of Lingerie With Modern Allure. In the world of intimate apparel, few accessories carry as much vintage charm and sensual appeal as the garter. Once a practical necessity, now a deliberate styling choice, the garter has evolved from hidden function to bold fashion statement. But what exactly is a garter, and why does it still hold such a powerful place in lingerie design?

In this blog post, we’ll explore the tradition, history, and significance of garters, especially as they relate to wedding customs.

Let’s explore the origins, function, and modern reinvention of this elegant classic.

Defining the Garter

A garter is a piece of lingerie designed to hold up stockings. Traditionally, it wraps around the upper thigh and includes garter straps (also called suspenders) with small clips that attach to the tops of thigh high stockings, keeping them in place throughout wear. Garters are often made from luxurious fabric such as lace, silk, or tulle, which adds to their appeal in bridal fashion and lingerie.

Before the invention of elastic, garters were originally used to keep stockings and socks (or a single sock) from slipping down, serving both a practical and fashionable purpose.

There are two main types:

1. Garter Belt (or Suspender Belt)

A band worn around the waist or hips with multiple adjustable straps that extend downward to clip onto stockings. Garter belts are often made from luxurious fabrics such as lace, silk, or tulle, adding elegance and sophistication to bridal and lingerie looks. Some garter belts are crafted by designer brands, offering unique styles and high-quality materials. This is the most common and widely worn version today, often paired with matching lingerie sets.

2. Single Garter

A smaller band worn on one thigh, often decorative, especially in bridal wear is commonly referred to as a bridal garter when used in weddings. This version doesn’t support stockings and is usually symbolic or ornamental. The bride's garter is a traditional accessory, sometimes kept as a keepsake or heirloom after the wedding. Many brands offer a collection of bridal garters in various styles, allowing brides to choose a design that matches their personal taste and wedding theme.

A Brief History of Garters

Garters have a centuries long lineage. Before the invention of elastic, stockings had to be held up manually, often using ribbon garters tied just above or below the knee. Historically, brides wore garters on each leg specifically for keeping stockings up, as this was the primary functional purpose before elastic materials became common. In the 20th century, garter belts became standard for women before the rise of pantyhose in the 1960s.

In modern times, garters have shifted from being purely functional to deeply fashion-driven, used for style, seduction, and personal expression. Today, garters are more about traditions and personal meaning than function. While some still use them to hold up stockings, many wear garters simply because they feel beautiful in them.

How Do Garters Work?

A modern garter belt typically includes:

• 4 to 6 Adjustable Straps – More straps mean better hold and even tension across the stockings.

• Metal or Silicone-Coated Clips – These fasten securely to the welt of thigh-high stockings.

• A Comfortable Waist or Hip Band – Often fastened at the back with hooks, the band should fit snugly without digging.

Pro Tip: Garters work best with stockings, not tights. Look for stockings with a defined welt (the thicker band at the top), which provides a secure base for clips to grip.

Why Wear a Garter Today?

While no longer a daily necessity, wedding garters remain a celebrated part of lingerie collections and for good reason. Wedding garters are a popular choice for brides seeking a meaningful keepsake from their big day.

One idea for modern brides is to personalize their garter or the tradition itself to better reflect their style and values.

✅ Styling Versatility

Garters add instant sophistication to lingerie sets, boudoir outfits, or bridal looks. Whether sleek and minimal or laced and lavish, they elevate any ensemble. Colorful garters can also be chosen to make a bold fashion statement or to match a specific wedding theme.

✅ Confidence Boost

For many, slipping into a garter belt feels inherently empowering. It's about celebrating sensuality on your own terms.

✅ Retro Meets Modern

With the resurgence of vintage inspired lingerie, garters are more relevant than ever. Today's styles combine old world glamour with modern comfort and fit innovation.

How to Wear a Garter Belt

1. Put on the Garter Belt First: Fasten it at the waist or hips.

2. Slide on Your Stockings: Ensure the welt reaches the mid-thigh.

3. Attach the Straps to the Stockings: Front first, then sides and back.

4. Adjust for Comfort: Straps should feel snug but not tight.

Pair with a matching bra and panty set or layer over high waisted briefs or bodysuits for an editorial look.

Garter Toss Ceremony

The garter toss ceremony is a lively and much anticipated part of many wedding receptions, adding a playful twist to the wedding garter tradition. Typically taking place after the bouquet toss, this ritual sees the groom remove the bride’s garter, usually a delicate lace or satin band with an elastic band to keep it snug on her upper thigh and toss it into a crowd of single male guests. The excitement builds as everyone wonders who will be the lucky one to catch the coveted garter, with the belief that whoever does will be the next to get married.

The roots of the garter toss stretch back to the Dark Ages, when it was considered good luck for guests to take home a piece of the bride’s clothing. Over time, this evolved into the more refined tradition we know today, with the garter symbolizing the bride’s transition from single life to married woman. Now, many brides wear a wedding garter as a special part of their wedding attire, often choosing a style that complements their wedding dress or reflects their personality.

During the garter toss, the groom typically kneels before the bride and gently removes the garter from her leg, sometimes with his hands, sometimes with a bit of theatrical flair. The garter is then tossed to the waiting crowd, and the single man who catches it is celebrated as the next in line for marriage. In some weddings, the man who catches the garter is invited to place it on the leg of the woman who caught the bouquet, adding a fun and flirtatious moment to the festivities.

While the garter toss is a cherished wedding tradition for many, it’s not a must do for every couple. Some modern brides and grooms decide to skip the ritual altogether, while others put their own creative spin on it, opting for a private moment, a humorous twist, or even a colorful or themed garter to match their wedding style. For those who do include the garter toss, it’s a fantastic opportunity to involve guests, create memorable photos, and add a dash of fun to the dance floor.

Whether you choose a classic lace garter, a bold and colorful garter, or a custom design that matches your wedding dress, the garter toss ceremony is all about celebrating love, laughter, and the joy of sharing your big day with friends and family. It’s a tradition that can be as traditional or as modern as you like, making it a perfect way to add a personal touch to your wedding celebration.

Garters in Bridal wear & Beyond

In weddings, garters serve a symbolic purpose, often worn for tradition and the popular “garter toss.” Bridal garters tend to be lacy, delicate, and worn on one thigh for show rather than function.

The bridal garter is traditionally worn on the wedding day and is often featured during the wedding reception. The garter toss tradition typically takes place during the wedding reception, with the act of tossing the garter to single guests as a playful ritual. Many couples today choose whether or not to participate in the garter toss tradition, sometimes modifying or skipping it to suit their preferences. Dancing at the wedding reception is a key moment for showcasing the garter, especially during the garter toss. In the UK, the garter toss is less common and may be reserved for hen dos. The cost of a bridal garter can fall within a wide range, often less than other wedding attire such as a suit. The garter toss is often captured in memorable wedding photos.

But beyond bridal moments, garters have made their way into editorial fashion, boudoir shoots, burlesque inspired styles, and personal luxury loungewear, proving they’re far from outdated.

Final Thoughts

So, what is a garter? It's a fusion of function and fantasy. A timeless accessory that holds its place not just in fashion history, but in modern lingerie design. Whether you wear one to support stockings, accentuate your curves, or simply indulge in a moment of luxury, the garter remains a powerful symbol of self expression and sensuality.

At Olivia Paisley Intimates, we believe that every piece you wear, seen or unseen, should feel like an extension of your confidence. The garter may be a throwback, but its relevance is timeless.