What's on Top - Bras, panties, garter belts, slips, & stockings

Lenore · Jan 15, 2010

KittyT said:
Not to be a debbie downer, but they look useless to me. I find that belts with 2 clips do a poor job holding up your stockings. One clip isn't going to do jack. Your stockings will be falling down all around! Also with a narrow strap like that, you are going to have to adjust it quite tightly around your leg so it doesn't slip, and that is going to be both uncomfortable and unsightly, as you will get "thigh spooge" both above and below the strap.

Ewww. Thigh Spooge.... Now I have to get a mental image out of my head. I'm having crazy visions of pudding filled water balloons with rubber bands around them. How I got here... I don't know. I do believe I can officially question my sanity now.

On a less surreal note: Yeah, they do look a bit useless. If you're looking for single leg garter type things, you might do better with just getting the old fashioned elastic things like most women get for their weddings. I've got several none lacy sets on days I don't mess with a garter belt. Depending on the garter and your legs, they either work or they don't though..

*martini*time* · Jan 15, 2010

Oh my...those things seem...frightening. I think those are more for the bedroom to me. anything with a strap that slim wouldn't hold up a stocking unless you tighten it super tight which would be uncomfortable. A proper fitting garter belt is surprisingly comfortable to me. It's easy to go to the bathroom and they are sexy as well. I know exactly what kitty is talking about. i think they would do that too. thigh sponge is a great term.lol i wore my garter belt with some stockings that i just bought at the local adult store and the only thing that bothered me was the fact that the lace on the top of my stockings was super itchy. the belt itself was comfy and i didn't get smacked in the bum with a strap!

Lauren · Jan 15, 2010

I agree... they look pretty pointless. And the idea is *not* really new.
My husband wears sock garters sometimes and they work for him. I've worn the old fashioned elastic type (like for weddings) and they're ok, but sometimes start slipping a bit- you're always aware they're there. I still think best bet is traditional garter belt. There's a reason they've been around as long as they have

and if you get a good one (not the kind they sell at standard lingerie stores) you don't have to worry about them slipping. Get one that fits at your natural waist- those low rise garter belts with an adjustable little elastic strap at the back are pointless and aren't really *meant* to hold stockings... for long...

KittyT · Jan 15, 2010

Lauren said:
Get one that fits at your natural waist- those low rise garter belts with an adjustable little elastic strap at the back are pointless and aren't really *meant* to hold stockings... for long...

Definitely, those are meant to be seen.... on the floor lol

Lenore · Jan 15, 2010

Lauren said:
I agree... they look pretty pointless. And the idea is *not* really new.
My husband wears sock garters sometimes and they work for him. I've worn the old fashioned elastic type (like for weddings) and they're ok, but sometimes start slipping a bit- you're always aware they're there. I still think best bet is traditional garter belt. There's a reason they've been around as long as they have and if you get a good one (not the kind they sell at standard lingerie stores) you don't have to worry about them slipping. Get one that fits at your natural waist- those low rise garter belts with an adjustable little elastic strap at the back are pointless and aren't really *meant* to hold stockings... for long...

I'm not stating that I prefer the elastic types to a good solid garter belt, but that if you're looking for a single stocking hold, they'd be preferential to the little stringy things posted earlier. Those just look like uncomfortableness defined.

As far as the "pretty Lingerie" garters, Lauren's right. They're not good for anything more than "ooh look at me, I'm wearing a garter belt....see how easily it comes off?" :eusa_doh:

LizzieMaine · Jan 15, 2010

A very good basic workaday garter belt used to be sold at JC Penney under the "Adonna" brand -- it was made from the same sort of spandex lace as the sides of a bra, and had sturdy bra-strap-elastic garter straps. JCP discontinued these a few years back, but unsold stock shows up regularly on eBay. They generally last me about four years of daily wear before I think about replacing them.

If you want something more substantial, Rago puts out a not-quite-a-girdle garter belt

Lauren · Jan 16, 2010

I've got a couple (one black, one white) of nearly exactly the same style Lizzie mentioned. They're pretty comfy as far as those things go and definitely keep stockings up

jetgirl · Jan 16, 2010

There is one other idea, although I think a deep suspender belt would work best; this stuff to make thigh highs into hold ups without the latex. I get those welts too. I have not tried it, but people do say it works.

m_lamb99 · Jan 16, 2010

Well I think everyone here is in agreement that these single strap deals are probably pretty useless. I know what you are probably thinking what does a guy know about this stuff? Well as a collecter of girdles and corsets and other vintage lingerie items, which I buy for my wife, I have done a lot of research on these things. First off sock garters that men used to wear only work because the are situated at the narrow part of the just below the knee and above the calf muscle. It also helps that socks are a bit heavirer and have elastic at the top. To hold up stockings correctly I have always been told that you should have three garters per leg. Two will work but they lay nicer with three. Also watch out for the cheap belts with plastic clasps at the stockings. Look for ones with metal clips and good solid rubber nubs. If the rubber is too soft they deform and will pop off. My wife has experienced this problem. Lastly my wife sometimes has problems attaching the back garters but this can be avoided if you attach the garter belt too the stockings before you pull it up around your waist.

Okay now for something I am perplexed on. I have been told by some that you should put your panties/knickers on last over the garters and stockings for conveience. Makes sense but ruins the look in my opinion. Others say this is not right and the panties/knickers should go on first under the garter belt. Looks better but much less convenient. Does anyone here know which is correct or have thought on this subject?

Mike

Lenore · Jan 16, 2010

m_lamb99 said:
Okay now for something I am perplexed on. I have been told by some that you should put your panties/knickers on last over the garters and stockings for conveience. Makes sense but ruins the look in my opinion. Others say this is not right and the panties/knickers should go on first under the garter belt. Looks better but much less convenient. Does anyone here know which is correct or have thought on this subject?

Mike

It really is a personal preference. A lot of ladies wear tap pants or french knickers over their open bottoms. A lot of ladies wear thongs or g strings underneath. And more still just forgo the whole underwear thing all together.

Fleur De Guerre · Jan 16, 2010

m_lamb99 said:
Okay now for something I am perplexed on. I have been told by some that you should put your panties/knickers on last over the garters and stockings for conveience. Makes sense but ruins the look in my opinion. Others say this is not right and the panties/knickers should go on first under the garter belt. Looks better but much less convenient. Does anyone here know which is correct or have thought on this subject?

Mike

I don't wear stockings to tittilate, I wear them as part of my overall vintage look, and because I loathe tights I want to be able to use the restroom quickly and easily throughout the day, while the whole lot stays hidden under my clothes. So there is no 'look' to ruin. It really depends on why you're wearing the stockings - wearing them for bedroom purposes and wearing them to keep your legs warm and vintage-y are different, and I would suggest if it's the former, then they should be worn however both parties think 'looks' better.

Otherwise, it doesn't matter a jot.

The looking better angle is why they are always portrayed like that when they're for sale, but it does lead to many women shunning real stockings because they find them inconvenient when they wear them in the way they are advertised.

Miss Sis · Jan 16, 2010

If you're wearing pants, they are meant to go over the top - otherwise you have to get undressed every time you need the loo!

As Fleur says, they just put them underneath in advertising so you can see the product. Yup, confusing for the newbie. No wonder people sometimes think it's weird!

kamikat · Jan 16, 2010

Fleur De Guerre said:
I don't wear stockings to tittilate, I wear them as part of my overall vintage look, and because I loathe tights I want to be able to use the restroom quickly and easily throughout the day, while the whole lot stays hidden under my clothes. So there is no 'look' to ruin. It really depends on why you're wearing the stockings - wearing them for bedroom purposes and wearing them to keep your legs warm and vintage-y are different, and I would suggest if it's the former, then they should be worn however both parties think 'looks' better. Otherwise, it doesn't matter a jot.

In very few specific cases, this isn't true. I have a few drop waisted 50's dresses that are very tight to the hip bones. If I wear panties over the girdle and stockings, you can see the waistband through the dress. If it is a dressy occasion, I just go without. If it is not dressy, I don't care about the line.

Lauren · Jan 16, 2010

Fleur De Guerre said:
The looking better angle is why they are always portrayed like that when they're for sale, but it does lead to many women shunning real stockings because they find them inconvenient when they wear them in the way they are advertised.

This made me think of when I started getting into vintage. I wanted to do it as authentically as I could back then, without even knowing there was a whole subculture devoted to it already. The only place I could find stocking with seams (even if not ff- I didn't know the difference back then) was Fredericks of Hollywood. I tell you- as a very modest and innocent teenager I was appalled to go in- and even more so when the salesladies tried to sell me scandalous sets to go with them! lol "I'm wearing them for swing dancing" "I'm wearing them for vintage" and all the time I knew they didn't believe me! I bet I was bright as an apple.

LizzieMaine · Jan 16, 2010

Lauren said:
This made me think of when I started getting into vintage. I wanted to do it as authentically as I could back then, without even knowing there was a whole subculture devoted to it already. The only place I could find stocking with seams (even if not ff- I didn't know the difference back then) was Fredericks of Hollywood. I tell you- as a very modest and innocent teenager I was appalled to go in- and even more so when the salesladies tried to sell me scandalous sets to go with them! lol "I'm wearing them for swing dancing" "I'm wearing them for vintage" and all the time I knew they didn't believe me! I bet I was bright as an apple.

Makes me wonder exactly when the tipping point occured between the culture reading seamed hosiery, girdles, etc. as primarily *under* wear and primarily as *bedroom*wear. There's always been a woo-woo-lookit-the-stocking-tops element, judging from the old magazines I found when cleaning out my late uncle's house, but I'm guessing that up until somewhere in the late seventies most people still thought of such things as underwear -- even if, by then, it was primarily middle-aged-ladies underwear. I remember when I started with vintage in high school you could still find seamed service-weight hose at JC Penney, in a very businesslike-looking package with no hint of the bedroom about it, but by the eighties things had shifted considerably.

KittyT · Jan 17, 2010

LizzieMaine said:
A very good basic workaday garter belt used to be sold at JC Penney under the "Adonna" brand -- it was made from the same sort of spandex lace as the sides of a bra, and had sturdy bra-strap-elastic garter straps. JCP discontinued these a few years back, but unsold stock shows up regularly on eBay. They generally last me about four years of daily wear before I think about replacing them.

Crown also makes a great garter belt that is similar to what you're describing. Stretchy lace, sturdy straps, and affordable. Lady Grace carries it.

KittyT · Jan 17, 2010

m_lamb99 said:
Lastly my wife sometimes has problems attaching the back garters but this can be avoided if you attach the garter belt too the stockings before you pull it up around your waist.

You can also avoid this by attacking the back garters first, before you do the front.

Okay now for something I am perplexed on. I have been told by some that you should put your panties/knickers on last over the garters and stockings for conveience. Makes sense but ruins the look in my opinion. Others say this is not right and the panties/knickers should go on first under the garter belt. Looks better but much less convenient. Does anyone here know which is correct or have thought on this subject?

vintage accuracy dictates wearing panties over the garter belt. I think it looks lovely if you're wearing sheer panties!

KittyT · Jan 17, 2010

Fleur De Guerre said:
wearing them for bedroom purposes and wearing them to keep your legs warm and vintage-y are different, and I would suggest if it's the former, then they should be worn however both parties think 'looks' better. Otherwise, it doesn't matter a jot.

I disagree. I think most men would also agree that while it looks better underneath, having panties off while keeping your garters and stockings on is much sexier

Lenore · Jan 20, 2010

Okay Ladies...

Got out the tape measure last night. It seems as though since I've stopped nursing, I've dropped two cup sizes from where I started.

I'm looking for a comfortable semi-pointy (though not bullet) bra with comfy straps in a 32C.

I adore playtex bras, but alas, they do not come in my size. I found the CC09 bra (aka the 40's bra) on WhatKatieDid.com and was curious if anyone happens to own it, and what their thoughts are on comfort and fit? How do the straps hold up, (and I do mean HOLD UP lol) and do they dig into your shoulders?

Any other suggestions? Stores? Specific bras?

On the plus side, the change in size is a good excuse to go shopping right?

Edited for grammatical error.

1*Cool*Kitten · Jan 21, 2010

Believe it or not...........

Lenore said:
Okay Ladies...

Got out the tape measure last night. It seems as though since I've stopped nursing, I've dropped two cup sizes from where I started.

I'm looking for a comfortable semi-pointy (though not bullet) bra with comfy straps in a 32C.

I adore playtex bras, but alas, they do not come in my size. I found the CC09 bra (aka the 40's bra) on WhatKatieDid.com and was curious if anyone happens to own it, and what their thoughts are on comfort and fit? How do the straps hold up, (and I do mean HOLD UP lol) and do they dig into your shoulders?

Any other suggestions? Stores? Specific bras?

On the plus side, the change in size is a good excuse to go shopping right?

Edited for grammatical error.

I went ON LINE to www.kmart.com (in conjunction with Sears) put in my specifics!
** (I had had a breast reduction done 2 years ago from a 32 DDD to a 35/36 B/C. + I have got to have COTTON! [**side bar**My nipples were completely removed during surgery in order for the size of the areola to be reduced as well. so, after the surgery,I came up with this weird rash on them! i had the surgeons really concerned about MERSA!come to find out, it was from when the man made fabrics rubbed across them, I'd get irritated! SO....Now I have to wear COTTON! a simple fix of the bra fabric!YEAH!) **

So with that having been told! I have "other issues" as well such as the grooves in my shoulders,the width of the back hooks,etc! so......I got myself a long line bra! my trouble was this......when i ordered the 36 it was WAY TOO TIGHT! & the C cup size was WAY TOO BIG! so my suggestion to you is this;go to Fredrick's of Hollywood or Sears (the women who work in the Lingerie Department are trained to take a proper measurement. you can have them assist you in the ordering from the catalog right there & within a day or two you will have your garment!I know, because I have just gotten 3 bras that I got the one mentioned above,then i re-ordered a 38 C fit really well but then got 2 more of the back closure long lines from the help of the sears lingerie lady which is a 32 C Different style bra though! I think I paid about $28 for the long lines.
It's amazing to me the fit & what the bras do for my back pain & the work usage isn't THAT uncomfortible! I have large hips so the waist has a tendance to RIDE atop the hips which pushes the bonning into the armpits a bit! but again it's all about the help of the bra fitter too![huh]
Hope this helps ladies,because there is nothing that is more uncomfortible than a bad bra!

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