Date: c. 1890-1900s
Origin: USA
Fabric: Cotton sateen, elastic
Brand: Velvet Grip
These hose supporters were designed as a detachable accessory, intended to be pinned to corsets rather than stitched into the garments, allowing them to be worn with a number of different corsets. The suspender clips helped to maintain vertical tension on stockings, and hose supporters can be considered an early precursor to the suspender belt.
The main body of the hose supporters is made of a cotton sateen, with two elastic straps per side. The metal adjusters sport a decorative ‘Fleur-De-Lis’ motif. The suspender grips are stamped with two patent dates – 12.13.92 and 12.31.95, the term ‘cushion button’ and the brand name ‘Velvet Grip’. The safety pins at the top of the hose supporters are likely a contemporary addition, rather than the original pins used to attach the suspenders to a corset.
From the collection of Karolina Laskowska
