How to Wear a Suspender Belt with Stockings
A suspender belt and stockings can look intimidating, but once you know the order it takes only a couple of minutes. Here is how to put them on and keep everything in place.
What you need
- A suspender belt, or a basque or corset with suspender straps
- A pair of stockings (stockings without a grip band)
- Briefs
Step by step
- Put the belt on first. Fasten it around your waist or upper hips, with the hooks at the back, then turn it so the fastening is at the back. It should sit level and snug without pinching.
- Roll each stocking. Gather the stocking down to the toe so you can slide your foot in without twisting it.
- Pull the stocking up. Ease it up your leg, keeping the seam (if it has one) straight up the back.
- Clip the front suspenders. Pull the welt (the thicker top band) over the rubber button and slide the clip down to lock it.
- Clip the back suspenders. Do the same at the back. A mirror helps.
- Adjust the straps. Shorten or lengthen them so the stockings sit smooth without pulling.
- Put your briefs on last, over the suspender straps, so you can visit the bathroom without unclipping.
Getting the size right
Suspender belts are usually sized by waist measurement. Check the brand's chart on our size guides page. Stockings are sized by height and hip or weight. For larger sizes, see our plus size hosiery and plus size lingerie.
If your clips keep slipping
- Make sure you are clipping onto the welt, not the thinner leg fabric.
- Check the straps are not over-tightened, which pulls the clips open.
- Belts with more straps spread the tension more evenly.
Prefer something simpler?
Hold-ups have a grip band and stay up without a belt, and tights are the easiest of all. Read our guide to stockings vs hold-ups vs tights to compare.
