Garter designs

A custom made garter with a dangling pendant and rosettes.

When creating your own garter, design is very important. There are literally thousands of ways you can have your garter.

Know your garter size

Using tailor's measuring tape, measure the circumference of your leg. Do this by placing it around the area of thigh where you will be wearing your garter. Pull the tape tight and write down the measurement. This will be used to determine the fully stretched length of your garter.

Choose your style

There are three primary styles of garters- skirted, median, and seamless.

A skirted keepsake garter.

Skirted garters are the most popular type of garters and the most traditional garter design. There is a fabric covering the elastic band at the top and a skirt below this- usually lace. "Keepsake" garters that are kept by the bride as a memento of the wedding are normally skirted garters.

A median garter.

Median garters are popular as "tossing" garters. The band of elastic is covered with fabric but the elastic is flanked on both sides by a small amount of gossamer fabric- usually tulle or lace.

A seamless lace-up garter.

Seamless garters are similar to skirted garters but do not contain elastic. Instead, they have a ribbon running inside or laced through the garter fabric. The ribbon is used to hold the garter in place- sometimes at the back of the leg or sometimes in the front of the leg depending on the garter design. Vinyl, leather, and other opaque fabrics are generally seamless garters. However, any fabric can be used for a seamless garter.

Choose your colors

A sample of some garter designs.

Garters may be all of one color or comprised of several colors. The 3 main parts of a garter are the band, the skirt, and the decoration. The decoration may be anything from ribbons to rosettes to elaborate beadwork. The decoration may have multiple colors as well, depending on the design.

Choose your design

The are millions of combinations for a garter. Some garters have beadwork, some have pendants, some have charms. Lace skirted garters can have ribbons entertwined through the lace. Pearl beads may also be used.

Some charms for a garter.

A sample of colored rosettes.

Rosettes come in a variety of colors and are very popular in garter design. The swatch on the right only illustrates some rosette colors- there are many more in every shade of the rainbow. They also come in various sizes. Some, like in the image to the right, are smaller- about 1.2". Others are larger, and some are huge.

A sample of colored non-rose flowers.

In addition to the rosettes in the swatch picture, there are also various other types of small artificial and dried flowers which may be used. Natural flowers may even be used if the garter has a holder for their stems. The "bluebell" style of silk flowers is becoming increasingly more popular in bridal designs. There are also flowers which contain crystals and/or rhinestones, which add a sparkly effect to the garter.

A sample of colored non-rose flowers.

Obtaining a garter

Garters are fairly easy to make. If you wish to make your own garter, be sure to make a design first so that you know what fabric and materials to purchase.

You may also choose to purchase a garter at a store, through the internet, on an auction, or through a wholesaler. These garters can range between $4 to $100.

If you're a cost-conscious bride who wants a keepsake garter but don't see a design you like or simply can't afford one, contact HelenAngel as she makes custom garters (and made almost all the garters pictured here.)

A custom-made keepsake garter with pearl beads, a pendant, and skirt appliqués.

External Links

• Michael's craft stores
• The Rag Shop craft stores