Date: c.1900s
Origin: Unknown
Fabric: Silk and elastic
Brand: Custom made
This early form of the suspender belt was likely intended to be worn over a corsetted waist. It has a waist band of folded silk ribbon that has been hand sewn with decorative stitches. Two strips of corded elastic lie on either side of the waist, leading to two garter tabs per side.
The bottom of each elastic strip is finished with a silk ribbon rosette, and leads to two decorative straps comprised of a metal ring and crochet trim, intertwined with silk ribbon. The bottom of each strap has a metal suspender grip, engraved with the words ‘velvet grip’ and ‘Pat. 12.13.92 & 12.31.95’, likely referring to the dates the grip design was patented.
The suspender belt appears to have been custom made. It appears to have been unworn (owing to its excellent condition) and is unfinished, with no method of closure at the centre back.
From the collection of The Underpinnings Museum
