Vintage garter belts are basically any type of garter belt that looks old-fashioned in its design. The term "vintage" tends to be used loosely on the majority of retail hosiery websites. On these sites, "vintage" garter belts can be genuine antiques from these periods, as well as be modern-day replicas. Websites that specialize in vintage and antique items, however, may be more exacting in their criteria.

Generally, those who search for "vintage" garter belts are simply looking for a piece with a retro look or feel. Victorian garter belts are perennially popular because of their distinctively romantic and ornate design work, which is always popular in lingerie. Feminine frills, ruffles, scallops, curvy shapes--and above all, details, details, details-- are what characterize Victorian-style garter belts.

Vintage Garter Belts and Fit

Standard garter belts have four garters that attach to the stockings. This number can vary, however. For their part, Victorian garter belts tend to offer six or eight straps. The number of straps is important for stocking fit. The more straps there are, the more directions the stockings can be simultaneously pulled, resulting in a more precise fit.

Because of their number of straps, Victorian garter belts are a good choice for use with stockings that may be problematic when used with standard garter belts. One example of this is silk stockings. Silk, while possessing an inimitable luminosity and soft, sensuous feel, isn't a very elastic material and tends to lose its shape when worn. Six- or eight-strap Victorian garter belts, however, can solve the problem of sagging silk stockings with their dependable, multidirectional pull, keeping the stockings taut for the duration of their wear.