Suspender belts can complete a stocking set. Stockings were first introduced in 1940s; suspenders or garter belts came into fashion in 1950s. But at that time, the stocking suspenders that were available in the market were made of laces and ribbons, thus making them uncomfortable to wear. They were not at all practical as they were not durable.

After these ribbon suspenders, suspenders with clips were introduced. But even these were uncomfortable. The reason behind this was that these could not hold the stockings for more than 20 minutes.

The main job of a stocking suspender or a garter belt is to hold up the stockings. And by keeping this purpose of a suspender in mind, suspenders with metal clips were introduced. A majority of women found that the suspenders with metal clasps are much better than plastic clasps, as these could actually grip the stockings and prevent them from falling.

For being comfortable, it is necessary to have a proper choice of stocking suspenders. Suspenders usually come with either four or six straps. Good quality suspenders are comprised of different length straps on the front, back and sides. If the belts have four straps, the back pair should be 2 inches longer than the front. But if you are considering buying a six-strap suspender, then, the back pair should be longer than the side pair, which in turn has to be one inch longer than the front pair.

Sometimes, one gets skin allergies with these suspenders - be they plastic or metal. A comfortable and practical stocking suspender should be of cotton, as it remains in the place and the straps do all the grip work. The straps should be gently stretchy and not too thick and loose.

Many women believe that wearing stocking suspenders is much better than wearing tights.