How to Put on a Garter Belt and Stockings Quickly & Easily

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Plus, learn which kind of garter belt is best for you
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Garter belts were invented in the 1920s as a way to hold stockings up in a time when elastic didn't exist. Nowadays, they're primarily used as a fashion accessory and can add some pizzazz to your undergarments. Putting on the belt and stockings isn't particularly difficult, though they can be a bit finicky at first. Check out our helpful guide on attaching a garter belt to thigh-high stockings , so you can look your best in no time.

How to Use a Garter Belt and Stockings

  1. Put on the garter belt by attaching it at your waist.
  2. Slip on the thigh-high stockings.
  3. Attach the garter belt clips to the stockings.
  4. Adjust the garter belt straps to fit.
  5. Put your underwear on over the garter belt and stockings.
Section 1 of 5:

How to Attach a Garter Belt and Stockings

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  1. Wrap the garter belt around your waist front to back, so the clasp is in the front (and so you can see it). Adjust the closure by sliding the hooks into the clasps as tightly or loosely as you like. You want your garter belt and stockings to stay up, but remain comfortable. Once you’ve hooked the closure, slide the garter belt around so the closure is at the back. [1]
    • A clasp refers to the hook and eye closure at the back of your garter belt; a clip describes the metal clip that fits inside the rubber node, both of which are located at the bottom of the garter belt’s straps (also called suspenders). The clips are what attach the garter belt to your stockings.
    • Garter belts usually sit at or near your waistline, but you can also adjust them to sit just beneath your waist or at the top of your hips. Whichever is the most comfortable for your body type or personal preference is fine.
    • Some garters may just slip on, but most have a hook and clasp system or hook-and-loop fastener (similar to a bra).
  2. Gather your first stocking at the toe and begin to pull it up your leg. Start to adjust the garter belt straps (called suspenders) slightly, so they meet the top of your hose. [2] Adjust the straps so that they’re slightly longer in the back than in the front. The straps in the back are usually the longest, which gives you room to bend down comfortably.
    • If you’re mostly standing or walking, you may prefer your garter belt straps to be a little tighter; if you’re getting up and down or plan to be sitting at times, you may want them to be a little more loose.
    • Be gentle with your stockings, as you can cause hosiery runs or holes in them with your nails if you're not careful.
    • You can wear any style of thigh-high stockings with a garter belt, from fishnets to sheer or opaque style designs.
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  3. At the end of each strap is a closure consisting of a round rubber nub and a metal clip that fits over it. To attach each strap, place the rubber nub underneath the top edge of the stocking. Starting with the wide end of the metal clip, slide the clip over the nub (on the outside of the stocking). Then, pull the clip upward so the narrow end of the clip surrounds the nub, which holds it in place. Repeat with the remaining clips around the belt. [3]
    • Most stockings have a decorative or lace border as a starting point. The rubber nub should fall about 1 inch (2.5 cm) past the top of the stocking.
    • The garter belt clip reaches straight down to meet the stocking, unless the clip is sewn on at an angle. The top of each metal clip has a wide end at the top and a narrow end at the bottom.
    • When you fasten the metal clip, push the rubber nub from behind so that you can see it sticking out through the front. Be gentle so you don't you tear your stockings.
    • Be careful with plastic clips. If you apply too much pressure, the clip can snap in two, and your garter won't be usable.
    • It can help to sit down during this step, but feel free to stand with your foot on a chair to better attach your back garter belt straps.
  4. You'll likely need to readjust once you've gotten your stockings settled to make sure they're at the right height. In addition, you may need to readjust them throughout the day. An easy way to do this is to check on them when you're in the bathroom. [4]
    • Make sure you sit down and stand up with the garter belt on so you can see how it fits (and feels). You don't want there to be too much tension when you sit down because the garter belt might pop off.
    • When you stand up, your thigh-high stockings should be mostly taut, as you don't want them slipping.
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Section 2 of 5:

Do you put your underwear on before or after the garter belt?

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  1. If you put your panties on before the garter belt, you'll have to undo the straps, take off your garter belt, and pull down your underwear to use the restroom. Putting on your underwear over the belt and stockings (under your skirt or dress) prevents that problem. [5]
    • If you're only going to wear the garter belt for seduction purposes (and for a shorter amount of time), putting on your underwear first shouldn’t be an issue.
    • You can also go without underwear if you prefer.
Section 3 of 5:

How to Take Your Stockings Off

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  1. Unclip your garter belt and gently roll your stockings down your legs. To avoid runs or kinks in the material, unclip your suspenders (straps) from the stocking tops. Slowly and carefully, roll your stocking down your leg to your ankle. When you reach the bottom, raise your foot and continue rolling until the stocking comes off. Repeat this step for the other stocking; you should end up with stockings in circular-shaped rolls.
    • When taking off your stockings, prop your leg up on a chair or bed while bending your knee slightly.
    • Hand wash your hosiery and garter belt and air dry to keep them looking like new.
    • You can store your stockings in a drawer by gently unraveling and folding them.
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Section 4 of 5:

How to Choose a Garter Belt

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  1. Find the right size garter belt . You may find that the garter belt you're looking at is a "one-size-fits-all" model. That may fit some people, but it won't fit everyone. It’s preferable to actually select a garter belt that is your size, as many brands make them in standard sizes. It's best if you can try it on first, though some stores may not let you do that. [6]
    • You want a garter belt that stays in place. If it slips, your thigh-high stockings will also slip.
    • You don't want your garter belt to feel so tight that you can't breathe. Make sure it's loose enough to be comfortable.
    • Look for an adjustable garter belt. Most garter belts have several rows of hooks, much like a bra, so that you can make adjustments as needed. You’ll have more control over how your garter belt fits if you buy a garter belt with at least 2 to 3 hooks in the back for better adjustment.
  2. Plastic clips don't grasp as well as metal ones do, and plastic ones tend to break. Therefore, try to pick a garter belt that has metal clips for the best possible grip. [7]
  3. For the best hold, pick a garter belt that has 6 straps. A garter belt with 4 straps may pop off if you plan on wearing it for more than a few hours or on a day-to-day basis. While most straps are adjustable, elastic straps will keep hold of your thigh highs when you move around or bend over; being elastic means that the straps can stretch and won't cause your clips to break free from your stockings. [8]
    • You can even find garter belts with up to 8 or 10 straps, which will hold your stockings in place even better.
    • Thick straps are better because they're less likely to twist and will provide a better hold.
  4. Some garter belts are skinny and just cover a small area across your waist; others are much wider. Base your choice on how comfortable the garter belt is, plus the look you want. Go for a garter belt with a thicker band if you want some additional tummy coverage; it’s also a more comfortable choice if you’re wearing your garter belt and stockings all day. A thinner band may look more attractive if you’re wearing a garter belt for style, not practicality. [9]
  5. While that fur garter belt might look pretty, it's not going to be comfortable or breathe well. Garter belts with flourish or decoration are okay if you're only planning on wearing the belt for a little while. However, if you plan to wear it all day, pick a material like satin or cotton that will breathe better and provide more comfort. [10]
    • It’s not necessary to be practical when you’re choosing lingerie. Be as bold, feminine, and cute as you like!
  6. Cheap garter belts may seem like a great option, but they probably won't hold up if you plan on wearing a garter belt regularly. If you're planning to wear stockings and garter belts often, you also might want to spend a little more money to get a better quality belt. If you’re wearing a garter belt and thigh-high stockings as part of your lingerie, durability isn’t as important.
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Section 5 of 5:

FAQs

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  1. 1
    Why wear stockings when pantyhose are easier? Wearing regular pantyhose means less work, but their synthetic fibers can prevent your skin from breathing. It’s also easier to adjust a garter belt and stockings to fit you best, since pantyhose sizes are limited. Limited sizing can result in hose digging in at your waist, rolling down, or needing constant adjusting.
  2. 2
    Can you wear thigh-high stockings without a garter belt? Yes! Choose hold-up stockings (also called stay-up stockings). They feature a silicone band at the top of each stocking that adheres to the skin around your thigh. Be sure your skin isn’t super-sensitive, as they can sometimes cause redness or irritation.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How many straps is best?
    Community Answer
    Six straps or more will give you a better hold for all day use, but if you're only wearing it in the bedroom or for a little while, four straps are fine.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Yes No
    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 41
  • Question
    Is there an easy way to fasten the suspenders to the stocking?
    Community Answer
    Put your stockings on, then attach your garter belt to the stockings first then pull up the belt and stockings like a pair of pantyhose.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 45
  • Question
    Is a garter belt size the same as my underwear size?
    Josh1997
    Community Answer
    Usually, yes, but I would try it on in the shop just to make sure, as you definitely don't want it to be too tight.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 13
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      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/j2zUWWoXxb4?si=oSKMcQoYl-B66HqP&t=11
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/JWC9V6UWVhc?si=7EdYwLxefGLv2WU6&t=93
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/JWC9V6UWVhc?si=2ejHMmERgyuv4y07&t=94
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/JWC9V6UWVhc?si=VeigUWSf9nO5RoW8&t=113
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/JWC9V6UWVhc?si=8cubfHj0mhv36Pn7&t=125
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/sL7o-47y4lM?si=CMSzuZb_kj5UA9C7&t=8
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/sL7o-47y4lM?si=603SeWfdiwdrMBv6&t=8
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/JWC9V6UWVhc?si=1mrnUZbYzcUA-8QE&t=53
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/sL7o-47y4lM?si=-Y_QRJMpx3bMdv7O&t=35
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/JWC9V6UWVhc?si=1mrnUZbYzcUA-8QE&t=53

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To attach thigh highs to your garter belt, you’ll need to put your garter and pantyhose on, then hook the straps together. Most garters will use a Velcro or clasp system, like a bra. If you’re struggling to fasten it at the back, do it at the front, then rotate it. Once you’ve put your garter on, pull on your thigh highs to a comfortable height. Then, adjust the straps to the right lengths. You’ll need the back ones to be longest, the front a couple of inches shorter, and the sides an inch shorter. To connect the straps, hook the rubber nubs underneath the top edge of your stockings. Slide the metal clasp over the nub and pull it up so the nub slides into place. Finally, put your underwear on over the top of your garter belt. For more tips, including how to choose the right garter belt for you, read on!

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