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.