Do you know why garter is tossed at wedding receptions? It’s said that in the past, the bride and the groom had to show proof of their wedding consummation to family and friends. To prove this, it was common tradition then for the groom to remove the garter from the bride and toss it to single men at reception.
Garters are narrow bands of fabric fastened about the leg, used to keep the stockings or socks from slipping. In the 18th to 20th centuries, the garters were worn just beneath the knee. Although after the advent of the elastic the need for garters has reduced, it is still used as a fashion accessory. They are worn by men and women alike depending on the fashion trends. It consists of an elasticated material strip that is usually 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) in width. It can be wider. Two or three elastic suspender slings are attached on each side where the material is shaped to the contour of the body. Suspenders are typically clipped to stockings with metal clips into which a rubber disc is inserted through stocking material to hold it in place.
The
garters during Elizabethan times, were also worn by men who attached it with their hose. They were colorful and objects of display. In fact, the character of Malvolio also wore “cross braced” garters as mentioned in
Shakespeare’s play “Twelfth Night”. The use of garter for holding up socks has continued to be a part of the male outfit to the present day though many may call the style archaic. By the late 20 century and early 21st century, the panty hose or tights were more widely worn than stockings. During World War II, WAAF’s were issued inexpensive suspenders. Since early 1960s many men’s magazines featured images of women in underwear, with models in suspenders and stockings, often with slips, petticoats, corsets or a bra or panties in erotic pose.
In modern days, the garter is used as a fashion accessory. The rhinestone bands are trending big time now. You can use the rhinestone bands with snap closures under short dresses as leg chokers, boot collars or double wrapped as bracelets. “Leg ribbons” are also ways in which the thigh could be decorated. Floral or stone studded, leather or ribbon, the garter is one piece of garment that keeps reinventing itself to suit the ages. Find your perfect garter at beverlyheels.com!
