How to Attach a Garter Belt to Stockings

Attaching a garter belt with suspenders or straps to thigh highs or stockings can be challenging. This can be especially challenging if you have more than 4 suspender buckles on your belt. A quality garter belt is great for holding your thigh highs or stockings up. They are actually better for your legs pairing them with non-elastic stockings than ones with elastic tops because the elasticity is bad for your legs. But attaching the suspenders can be difficult and I know this.

So if you are a lingerie fashionista and you are looking for a good tutorial on how to get all dolled up with a good ol’ fashioned pair of stockings and a garter belt, this article is where it is at. There is a slight learning curve and not all garter belts are made the same so make sure you are aware of that. I actually have a list of some of the best fully fashioned garter belts if you are in need of a good one for your outfit or style you are aiming for.

Garter Belt Breakdown

To really understand what I am referring to when I am explaining the delicate parts of a garter belt, I need to identify exactly what every part of the garter belt is so you will know what I am talking about when I use the term. See the picture below for reference.

Pro Tip: Get a Garter Belt that has metal buckles instead of plastic

Wearing the Garter Belt

Some garter belts have a clasp like a bra and some don’t. Make sure you know which one you have before attempting to put it on. If you have one that has clasps, open it and make sure the clasps are facing your front and wrap it around your waist. Connect the clasps and turn the clasps so they are facing the rear then make sure it sits right below your belly button comfortably.

If you don’t have clasps on your garter belt, just step into it and pull it up around your waist. Make sure it sits right below your belly button.

Putting on Stockings

It is highly recommended that you wear a good quality pair of non-elastic topped stockings to go with your garter belt. They are made for attaching themselves to garter straps so don’t get the wrong or a cheap pair. I recommend the sofsy Thigh High Black Stockings. A quality pair will make all the difference in whether your stockings hold up or not.

I also recommend a pedicure and a shave before doing this. Soft delicate feet and nice smooth legs are ideal when putting stockings on because this will highly limit snagging on the nylons. This will not only help you put them on but also reduce the chances of your stockings to run or tear and no one wants to ruin good stockings.

It is probably a good idea to sit down while doing this. It is easier to keep your stockings up while sitting to keep them from falling. Starting from the top of the stocking, roll down the top outward, gently, until you roll all the way down to the foot of the stocking. Slowly put your foot in all the way and roll up to your thighs. Try not to scratch the stockings with your nails while rolling them up or down. Once the first leg is up, repeat this process for the other.

Connecting the Garter Straps

The above clip is for the sofsy Garter Belt and Thigh Highs. Most have a similar strap buckle with adjustment. The procedure is quite simple with this type of garter buckle and is able to be attached in mere seconds.

Please Note: Front straps should be slightly shorter than the back straps to help when sitting

Grab your first strap. There should a tab or connector that is secured on top of the buckle. Use your thumb or finger to move that tab back off the buckle. Once that tab or connector is off the buckle, put the buckle over the outside of your stocking where you are going to attach it. Then the tab should be on the inside of where you are going to attach it to the stocking. Use your finger to find the tab and push the tab back into position in the buckle so that the stocking fabric is between tab and the buckle. Push the button in to secure the stocking into place. Repeat this process for all the other straps you have on your garter belt.

Strap Adjustments

The back straps might be a bit more difficult to put on but with a bit of practice, they can be attached just as simply as the front ones. I actually suggest doing the back ones first standing up then sitting down to attach the front ones. This way you know just how much give you need to give the back straps versus the front straps.

Once all the straps are attached to your stockings, feel free to stand up and use the strap adjustments in the middle of the strap and at the buckle to get the right length for each strap.

Overview

It takes some practice but attaching a garter belt to your stockings is actually quite easy. Garter belts are a very practical solution to those who find pantyhose cumbersome or thigh highs with elastic tops uncomfortable. They were originally used by all women before both were introduced. Find a good garter belt here or check your nearest lingerie store. You should be able to try it on before you buy if you are uncertain of the size.

If you are wearing a garter belt for practical reasons or for some bedroom fun, remember that garter belts are super sexy. The classics never die. Wear your garter belt with pride and strut like you own the place. Remember, it’s the little things in life.

Perfect Garter Belt Accessories

If you are wondering what items are best to go with you garter belt, I have some stockings and some shoes that will go best. These will be classic black items but most of these have different colors that you can choose from that should suit your outfit needs.