Wearing Garters Properly to Accentuate Your Femininity

When I asked a number of women and other crossdressers what they like to wear in order to feel their sexiest, the answer was very clear. Some said they liked to wear black lingerie; some said that they liked lace; one answer was nearly universal, and that was thigh-high garters and a garter belt.

Garters are undeniably sexy, but they are a bit complicated. I remember the first time I tried wearing them; I felt amazingly feminine.

I had never known that they were reasonably simple to put on until then.

You’ve got to get the right size, how and where to attach them to your garter belt and be able to make adjustments to them without damage.

No one wants to wear damaged tights or deal with an embarrassing accident like your garter becoming undone and rolling down a leg unprompted.

You’ve come to the right place if you’re interested in learning about wearing garters and garter belts.

We’ll discuss how to find your correct size for garters and garter belts, how to attach them properly; making adjustments to garters, and finally pairing them with a corset.

You’ll be ready to rock your sexy garters without worry and feel as feminine as you can!

1. Getting the right size

There are two elements to getting the right fit for you. First of all, we need to know how to find the right size of a garter belt.

And after that, you need to be able to figure out what size garter tights you’ll need.

As usual, it’s important to remember that sizing isn’t exactly a science; there are going to be slight variations in sizes between brands, and some trial and error might be required.

To begin with, let’s look at the garter belt. There are two places you’ll need to measure: waist and hips.

Your waist measurement will be taken across the narrowest part of your lower torso, likely an inch or two below your belly button.

Your hip measurement would be taken in the same way but around the widest part of your lower torso, similar to where you were wearing your jeans.

Make a note of the measurements in both inches and centimeters; depending on the brand, either could be used.

Always check the size guides before ordering.

The stockings are a whole other challenge. Unfortunately, there is no standard for sizing of tights and stockings like there is with shoes.

Some brands will offer ‘one size fits most’; as a simple rule of thumb, I disregard these.

They might be made from material intended to be extra stretchy and of questionable quality.

Most brands will size based on height & weight but also add thigh circumference.

Here is a size guide for a high-quality brand of stockings available in both metric and imperial measures.

If you’re interested in something really special, you could try a pair of vintage stockings.

Alexis4U sells genuine vintage stockings from some notable brands;

Be sure to use it if you’re going to buy some vintage stockings; you won’t want to damage these.

2. Choosing the right style for the moment

Discussing styles of garter belts is more about function than fashion.

You’ll need to think about where and why you’re going to be wearing your garters.

If you’re wearing them for an extended period, under your male clothes, or on a night out, you’ll want a wider, more stable waistband.

Look for one that is about as wide as your index finger is long.

Garter belts that aren’t as wide will be less stable and more prone to slip down your hips.

When you’re just staying home or wearing garters for a thrill, this is surely fine.

The other question about style is to determine the best number of straps.

A garter belt with six to eight straps is going to be the most secure and the most comfortable; this is what I’d recommend for normal use.

Any less than six straps is going to look good but brings an unnecessary risk of a garter coming loose.

Finally, you’ll want to make sure that the straps are reasonably elastic and adjustable, much like the shoulder straps on a bra.

3. Attaching your garters securely

When I learned how easy this was, I was immediately reassured that I could do it by myself.

Once you’ve got the right size garter belt on and you’ve slid your thigh-high stockings up your legs, it’s very straightforward.

Each strap hanging from the garter belt will have a little clip on the end.

These clips should have two sides, one plastic or rubber, and one metal.

Check to make sure the straps aren’t twisted or tangled; the rubber or plastic side should be on the inside, resting against your skin.

This part should have a little button that you place under the top of your stocking.

Once this is done, just fasten the metal clip over the button.

These are the best clips to use. Others, like an alligator clip, could rip the delicate material stockings are made from.

Some clips will have two buttons meant to hold up your garter with pressure alone.

These are going to come undone frequently and could even damage the tops of your stockings. 

4. Making small adjustments

Adjusting the length of your garter straps should be simple.

You’ll notice that most garter straps have a small metal slider in the middle.

Bra straps will have similar metal sliders on them, which you use to change the length of the shoulder straps.

On a bigger scale, backpacks or shoulder bags also have sliders that work on the same principle.

Moving this slider upwards toward the garter belt makes the straps longer, the opposite way shorter.

You’ll want these straps to be taught enough to stay flat against your legs but not so short as to cause a peak on the top of the thigh-high stocking.

5. Pairing garters and a corset

One of the sexiest looks is to pair your thigh-high garters with a corset.

Some corsets might look all right with a garter belt underneath.

However, many corsets will come with garter tabs on the inside, just above the bottom edge.

If you’ve got a corset, look on the inside and you’ll find them.

They might be quite flat and sewn, so they are upwards to make them not visible when not in use.

Now, some garter belts come with permanently attached straps, some with detachable straps. It’s possible to buy a set of garter straps alone as well.

Once you’ve got your detachable straps, you’ll notice that one end has the garter clips we discussed before, and the other end will have a small flat hook.

The hook should fit into the garter tab on the inside of the corset; take care to check you’re having the strap be the right way around.

The button side of the garter clip goes next to your skin, and any metal slider for adjusting the length of the strap should be on the outside.

Once this is all done, you’ll be able to attach your garter stockings directly to your corset.

6. Caring for your tights

If you’ve treated yourself to more expensive tights or garters, you’ll want them to last a long time.

Proper storage and cleaning are of utmost importance; the techniques for these really only apply to stockings.

Storing your tights, stockings, or garters will keep them in peak condition, without wrinkles or tangles.

I think the easiest way is to place your two garters on top of one another with the toes aligned.

Then fold your tights into thirds; when that’s done, roll up the tights from the bottom upwards towards the elastic at the thigh.

It would be best if you ended up with a little cocoon, which you can pop into a drawer.

There are a few simple ground rules for cleaning your tights. First of all, never use a washing machine or dryer.

Always wash your garters in the sink or a large bowl in lukewarm water. You’ll want to use just a tiny amount of detergent.

Turn your garters inside out, put them in the soapy water, and gently agitate the stockings.

Once that’s done, wait a few minutes and remove the garters from the water; slowly squeeze the remaining water out of the stockings.

Please don’t put them in a dryer; instead, let them hang dry or lay them flat on a towel.

I’d do this every two or three times you wear them or immediately after wearing your garters for an extended period.

Garter belts and stockings are something that always adds sexiness to an outfit, either under your clothes or when fully visible.

Please don’t get discouraged from wearing them because they look complicated. 

Once you are familiar with them, they can be a wonderful addition to your crossdressing repertoire.

Just always remember to wear your panties on top of your garter straps!

I’m sure you can figure out why once you put on your first garter belt and thigh-high stockings.