January 20265 MIN READ
HOW TO WEAR SUSPENDERS WITH STOCKINGS
Suspenders are the epitome of sophisticated lingerie. Whether you're dressing up for a date night, are a fan of vintage-inspired fashion, or simply want to boost your confidence by adding something sophisticated and sexy to your everyday wardrobe, suspender belts don't have to be reserved for special occasions.
At Boux Avenue, we believe in designing pieces that make us look good and feel great. We're here to show you how to wear stockings and suspenders, no matter what the occasion.
What are Suspenders for?
Suspender belts are a timeless piece of lingerie that never goes out of style. So what are suspenders? Their purpose is to keep your stockings in place, ensuring a smooth, flawless fit all day (or night) long. While practical, they also add vintage glamour and sophistication.
Suspenders are usually worn as part of a matching set - the bra with either matching knickers or thongs, depending on your preference. They give you the freedom to express yourself and feel confident. If you're looking for more inspiration on how to incorporate lingerie into your outfits, take a peek at our guide on styling Underwear as Outerwear.
Types of Suspender Belts
Whether you're going for a classic, vintage-inspired, or romantic look, there's a suspender belt for every occasion to suit every figure and preference. Let's take a look at some of the most popular types:
Classic Suspender Belts
A timeless favourite, classic suspender belts are perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions. Their simple yet elegant design makes them incredibly versatile, pairing beautifully with sleek stockings or lace lingerie. The Mollie Lace Suspender Belt (available in a classic black and Bridal white) is a great choice for a versatile piece that works with everything in your lingerie drawer.
High-Waisted Suspenders
Looking to add some vintage flair? High-waisted suspenders accentuate the waist and offer a chic, 50s-inspired look that pairs beautifully with skirts, dresses, or even high-waisted lingerie. Discover our Lisette Embroidered Suspender Belt adding a touch of romance and luxury, with its beautiful and intricate floral heart embroidery details that's hard to miss.
Lace Suspenders
If you're looking for something a little more romantic, lace suspenders are the perfect blend of flattering, feminine and flirty. Ideal for a date night or special occasion, a piece like the Amira Lace Suspender Belt adds a touch of feminine beauty, with its delicate peplum shape lace details, helping to accentuate your beautiful curves further.
Embroidered Suspenders
For a pretty and luxurious style, embroidered suspenders offer an opulent design where delicate embroidery details take centre stage. The Anastasia Suspender Belt comes in a romantic and intoxicating red whilst elegantly detailed with intricate floral embroidery, embodying timeless elegance.
Matching Sets
If you love coordinating lingerie then matching suspender sets are the way to go. They let you pair your suspenders with matching lingerie for a sleek, sexy and seamless look. From cute intricate patterns to the bold and sexy designs, there’s a set for every style and mood.
How to attach Suspenders to Stockings
Attaching stockings to suspenders might seem tricky at first, but with a little practice, you’ll get the hang of it quickly. For an easy step by step guide we asked our in-house expert - Zoe Price-Smith, Chief Design & Product Officer at Boux Avenue, to help you get a secure and comfortable fit:
Positioning the Suspender Belt: Put on your suspender belt around your waist or hips, depending on the style. Secure the fastening at the back - just like a bra, ensuring the suspender belt feels snug but not uncomfortable - enough to hold everything in place without digging in.
Prepare The Stockings: Make sure your stockings are the right size for you. Pull your stockings up to your mid-thigh, ensuring they are straight and any seams (if visible) are aligned with the back of your leg. Pro Tip: Ensure your skin is free of heavy lotions or oils, as this can cause the stockings to slip.
Attaching Stockings: Start with the two front clips and attach them to the top of your stockings. Each strap has a rubber “stud” and a metal or plastic slider. Slide the metal loop upwards to release the rubber stud from the grip.
Place the open rubber stud at the top edge and underneath the stocking, with the metal slider over the stocking. Push the rubber stud into the wider part of the metal slider and slide down until it locks firmly into the narrow neck of the loop - making sure they grip securely without pulling too tight.
Repeat the process for the back straps, this may require a bit of manoeuvring.
Adjusting the Fit: Be sure to try out the “sit test” - stand up straight to adjust the straps, you want to ensure there is enough tension to keep the stocking taut and smooth, but enough “give” so that when you sit down, the straps don’t pull too tightly on the belt.
Final Check: Before you head out, check that everything is smooth under your clothes, with no visible lines or awkward bunching.
What is the differnece between Hold ups and Stockings
When it comes to hosiery, "hold-ups" and "stockings" are often used interchangeably, but they are actually quite different. Here's what you need to know.
Hold-Ups have a built-in silicone band at the top that grips your skin to keep them up - no suspenders needed. Hold-ups offer a sleek, self-supporting option for those who want a simpler look or who don't want to wear a suspender belt. They're a convenient choice for comfort and style without the extra accessories.
Classic Stockings, on the other hand, need suspenders to stay in place. They're elegant, giving a vintage, timeless look and are perfect for both special occasions and everyday wear. Stockings are designed to be paired with a suspender belt to ensure a smooth, flawless fit.
Styling Suspenders for any occasion
If you're new to wearing suspenders or just looking for fresh ways to wear them, don't worry, we've got you covered. The best thing about suspenders is that they're incredibly versatile and encourage experimenting with different fits and styles.
For everyday elegance, try pairing lace-trimmed stockings with your regular underwear. It's a subtle way to add a little confidence under your clothes, and no one will know - except you.
For a glamorous date night look, nothing beats bold stockings and a matching lingerie set . Add a lacy suspender belt to complete the look, and you'll be feeling irresistible. Check out our Date Night Styling Guide rder for even more outfit inspo. Looking for something extra special for an occasion? Satin suspenders or embroidered designs are ideal for weddings, anniversaries, or any glamorous event. Boux Avenue has a stunning range that'll make you feel amazing, no matter the celebration.
Suspenders are more than just a lingerie staple - they're a fun and empowering way to express your style. Whether you're adding a little extra flair to your everyday wardrobe or turning up the heat for a special evening in or out, suspenders can totally transform your look.