Figure 1.--

Garter waists were designed to hold up long stockings as well as other garments. Dr. Parker waists were often billed has having the dual purpose of serving as both a supporter for long stockings and as a shoulder brace to improve posture. This is presumably why the name of a doctor was used, to provide the image of a design endorsed by medical science. It seems to us that the latter claim seems of dubious truth because the shoulder straps had pretty much the same function as adult male suspenders for trousers.

Support Garment

Garter waists were designed to hold up long stockings as well as other garments. The principal garment whichbgarter waists were designed to hold up were long stickings which were commonly worn in the first part of the 20th century. They were not the only garmenmt. Buttons at the waist could be used to hold up pants as well.

Posture Improvement

Dr. Parker waists were often billed has having the dual purpose of serving as both a supporter for long stockings and as a shoulder brace to improve posture. This is presumably why the name of a doctor was used, to provide the image of a design endorsed by medical science. It seems to us that the latter claim seems of dubious truth because the shoulder straps had pretty much the same function as adult male suspenders for trousers. We have, however, nor real knowledge on this subject. Nor do we know of any scientific studies to support the claims made. These waists were mostly worn before World War II and consumer protection standards were not very advanced. A HBC reader writes, "I noted HBC's commentary on the Dr. Parker garter waist suggesting that the advertising claim about the improvement of a boy's posture because the shoulder straps function also as a device for keeping the shoulders back is dubious. I have just read a newspaper article that claims that wearing suspenders for trousers does indeed improve male posture." He quotes from the article, -"Wearing suspenders contributes to better posture by applying pressure on the shoulders, stimulating the brain and body to straighten and balance itself front to back. Suspenders help in much the same way that balancing a book on your head stimulates the body to straighten and balance itself in all directions." So perhaps there is more truth to the claim about the connection between garter waists and the improvement of posture than iscsuggested by HBC. The newspaper writer continues, "I always wear suspenders with my jeans and trousers because they are much more comfortable than belts and also because I believe I stand up straighter as a result." Of course, a newspaper clainm is not scientific evidence. HBC actually has no definitive opinion on this subject. If we find any scientific studies, we will be pleased to add them here.

Sources

"Santa Knows Best," Herald Times (Bloomington, Indiana) December 18, 2004. This article is about the posture-improving features of wearing suspenders rather than belts, and it pointed out that Santa Claus is always shown wearing red suspenders.

Created: 12:45 AM 12/19/2004
Last updated: 12:45 AM 12/19/2004