Definition of suspender belt

The term "suspender belt" refers to a type of undergarment worn by women to support their stockings or stocking tights. The name "suspender belt" originated in the early 20th century when it was commonly known as a "garter belt" or "garters". The word "suspender" is derived from the French "suspendre", which means "to suspend". The earliest form of suspender belts were simply straps that attached to a woman's stockings to hold them up. These garters were typically made of elastics or ribbon and were attached to the waistband of the woman's underwear. As the stocking industry began to evolve, manufacturers added a belt-like structure to the straps to create a more holistic and functional undergarment. In the 1930s, suspender belts became less common as nylon stockings replaced traditional silk stockings. However, due to the sheer number of clothes that required stockings, suspender belts remained popular throughout the 1940s and 1950s. The popularity of suspender belts declined in the 1960s as fashion trends started to shift. Women's clothing evolved to be more loosely fitted, and nylon stockings became less of a necessity. Today, suspender belts are still worn by some women for nostalgic or particular fashion reasons, but they have become a less frequently used garment. In conclusion, the term "suspender belt" is a relatively modern term, although the concept of suspender straps has been around for centuries. The name itself comes from the French, as many French women generally used suspenders to hold up their stockings. While its usage has decreased over time with changing fashion trends, the suspender belt will always have a place in women's undergarments, reminiscent of a time when stockings were an essential part of women's clothing.