I used to think that the only garter belts available were four strap garter belts. I had never seen six or eight strap garter belts. Personally, I found the four straps very uncomfortable. The stockings were always pulling out of the garter straps, so that I could never just relax and feel comfortable. I was always waiting for my stockings to fall down!

I couldn't figure out how women in the '40s and '50s actually wore these impractical things, day in and day out. When I finally saw eight strap garter belts, it all made sense to me. Garter belts don't have to be flimsy little wisps of nothing that can't even hold up a simple nylon. There are garters on the market with a little more oomph, and in my opinion, they are even sexier than the flimsy ones.

Six Strap Garter Belts with Metal Grips

A lot of garters these days are manufactured with plastic grips. Some of these are pretty weak. They can be made well, but they often aren't.

I like metal grips on garter belt straps. They can sometimes heat up uncomfortably, but are otherwise totally comfortable, and very strong. This vintage look can be hard to find, but I think it's worth it.