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With the enormous variety of suspender belts and suspender garments available it is sometimes difficult to know which one is suitable for your needs. In fact, many people will not even realise the problems they can encounter due to believing all suspender belts perform the same function. Just on a minor point, please bear in mind some countries refer to Garter-belts instead of Suspender-belts.
'What should I look for?' This is answered by asking yourself the circumstances in which the belt will be worn. If it is for everyday wear then it must be comfortable. A light weight item will not pull in the tummy too much, which can cause discomfort after a few hours.
Make sure the belt has a deep top section therefore it doesn't squeeze your stomach when you sit. If this happens the belt will move on the body too much and cause you to pull it up when standing. The best for day wear would be a light but deep belt to give both moderate stomach support and keep in shape with your body when moving. For evening wear or special occasions your choice is greater as most belts will stay comfortable for a few hours. Even then there are lots of problems.
The main one being stockings pulling the belt down. This can happen for two reasons, firstly your stockings are too short or have insufficient stretch to counteract stretch at the knee when bending or sitting. The second is the suspender belt straps are too short, again limiting the available lengthening when stretched.
Ensure your belt allows different length adjustment of straps. On a four strap belt the fronts should be between adjustable 1 and 2 inches (2.5 - 5cms) shorter than the side pair. On a six strap the side pair should be adjustable 1 inch (2.5cms) longer than the front and back pair 2 inches (5cms) longer than the front. The reason being, your bottom is obviously larger than your thigh and stretching when sitting means the straps are pulled to their maximum. |
Adjust the belt according to hosiery. If wearing stockings with Lycra then keep the straps tight. With 100% Nylon make sure the back or side pair of straps are able to keep creases and wrinkles at bay without pulling the belt when sitting. It means a compromise as `Tight is not always right'.
If wearing a Basque think about whether it is with or without shoulder straps. With shoulder straps your shoulders are supporting the weight and stretch of the hosiery. Without shoulder straps your hosiery is very much in control unless the Basque has very heavy bones. As this is rarely the case let the side straps have a little more freedom to take up the strain when sitting.
I hear you say 'My belt is comfortable, my stockings are wrinkle free, so why do my seams move round as though they have a mind of their own?' Simple! Strap positioning. This is one the most important points regarding a suspender belt purchase. On a four strap belt the straps are generally placed to the side. If you have very slim legs they may hold your hosiery well, but any larger and side straps will move round to the front when you bend.
Get a belt with long straps positioned nearer to the back. In this position it is difficult for the straps to win a battle with your bottom. Test a belt to see which way it moves your straps and seams when sitting. Do this a few times and then keep adjusting where you place the clips on the stocking top (Welt). Eventually you will find a compromise.
With six straps the rear pair should be well to the back. These should be clipped to your hosiery just above the finishing loop on the welt. "Voila! my seams are straight at the top but moving at the ankle." Unfortunately that is a problem with your footwear and that's another story. |
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