Suspenders

 Suspenders (garter belts to our American readers) are an enduring item that continues in popularity and seems to be particularly popular in the crossdressing community. As I understand it, suspenders, as we now know them, began coming into popular use in the 1940's and continued right into the 1960's. Their everyday used declined in the 60's as a result of tights (pantyhose) becoming more popular and generally easily available from the likes of Woolworths, Marks & Spencer and British Home Stores. But despite that and the general decline in the wearing of hosiery they still have a big following. I will be honest and say I generally go for tights, just because they are simpler to put on and wear. However for special occasions I will use stockings and suspenders as they just make me feel fabulous! I would say that if you are going to wear stockings buy genuine vintage stockings, they fit better and have a feel that modern stockings do not.

However not everyone is in favour of stockings for everyday use, I asked a female friend of mine for her opinion, this is what she said "I think they are incredibly uncomfortable especially if sitting down and the fear of them pinging off is always there. Saying that they are very sexy and make me feel good". As regards 'pinging off', a quality suspender belt properly fitted should give very little problem, but I do agree sometimes when sitting the clips can be a tad uncomfortable.

There are lots of different styles of suspenders on the market and it really is a matter of preference, personally I would not choose the style with the straps attached to knickers, as although they look quite good, just do not perform as well as an independent suspender belt.  How many straps? I think four is fine and six at the most, I don't see any reason to go for any more than that, but if you prefer more straps  then that is of course your choice.........

Once you have decided to go for it and wear stockings and suspenders, you have to answer the age old question of whether you wear the straps under or over your knickers. Many say one should wear the knickers over the straps, for one thing it makes it easier when using the toilet, Wikipedia even claims that is the correct way. However I have never subscribed to that view, I always wear my knickers under the straps, it is definitely a better and more comfortable way to wear them. This method allows the straps to move and not be impeded by the knickers therefore allowing a better wearing experience and looks a lot better as well. 




Comments

  1. Lynn Jones21 May 2022 at 14:07

    Woolworths and BHS - there's some names from the past. 🙂 Casualties of changes in customer wants.... or darker factors for other stores that are no longer with us.

    I'm with you about the ease and practicality around tights (especially if you're wearing hip pads).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Life by Andrea Raven22 May 2022 at 16:11

      Thank you for your comment Lynn. Unfortunately only M&S is still with us and they seem to be holding on by a thread, long gone are the days when the high street would contain all three, with BHS often right next door to M&S.

      Us girls do have particular needs in some circumstances, including wearing hip pads, tights is a much better option , well the only option really......

      Delete
  2. Emma B.22 May 2022 at 13:12

    Thank you for this great article, Andrea. On the oft-mentioned and somewhat contentious subject of 'knickers under or over the straps' I totally agree with you. For comfort's sake, if you wear stockings all day then under your straps makes complete sense. Toileting is never a problem anyway, so I can never see why that issue is so often used to justify the opposite view. Besides anything else, having your suspender straps over your knickers is prettier. Thanks again for publishing this - more power to your fabulous blog! Emms x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Life by Andrea Raven22 May 2022 at 16:14

      Thank you so much for your comment Emm's, I am pleased you liked the article, I just don't understand why some people insist on wearing their suspender straps under their knickers they are so much more comfortable over and as you say look better!

      Delete
  3. Charlotte Sparkle26 May 2022 at 20:18

    Interesting post Andrea, thanks for sharing it with us.

    ReplyDelete

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