Sock Garters: The Evolution of the Accessory in Advertising Posters of the 19th-20th Centuries

At the end of the 19th century, one curious wardrobe detail appeared in men's fashion - sock garters. This accessory arose in response to the practical need to support socks, which at that time did not have elastic bands and were constantly sliding down.

Since the mid-1890s, sock garters have become an important part of the men's wardrobe. These were rubberized strips that were worn under the knee. They were designed to hold the socks in place, ensuring that they fit snugly to the leg. They had special clips that were attached to the top of the sock to prevent them from slipping.

Of course, not all men used these accessories at first. Therefore, advertising posters of that time played their role: they demonstrated the popularity of sock garters.

According to the advertisers, the posters "claimed" that these were necessary elements of a man's wardrobe. Such garters provided comfort and improved appearance.

But in the late 1930s, significant changes occurred in the fashion industry. Models appeared that no longer required special suspenders. The introduction of new elastic materials made it possible to create socks with elastic cuffs that securely fixed them on the leg. This innovation marked the end of the era of such garters. And by the middle of the 20th century, they practically disappeared from use.

Garters for socks are an example of how fashion and technology can change people's habits and lifestyles. At a certain point, this accessory was indispensable for many men, but with the development of technology and the emergence of new materials, the need for garters disappeared.