Brighton Garters – a New Stylish Lift from an English Town

Brighton garters have a fascinating history that dates back to the late 19th century. Brighton, a seaside town in England, was known for its fashionable and luxurious lifestyle during the Victorian era, and garters were an essential accessory for any well-dressed gentleman.

History

The origin of the Brighton garter can be traced back to the Brighton tailor, G.W. Robinson, who created a unique style of garter in the 1870s. The Brighton garter was made of silk and featured a colorful woven design that was both elegant and eye-catching. The garter was designed to be worn just below the knee, and it quickly became a popular fashion accessory among the upper-class men who visited Brighton.

As compared to garters for women, Brighton garters were designed to be worn below the knee, and they served both a practical and a decorative purpose. The garters were made of silk and featured a colorful woven design that was both elegant and eye-catching.

Function

The primary function of the Brighton garter was to hold up a man’s socks and prevent them from slipping down, a little like suspenders are to trousers. This was particularly important in the days before elasticized socks became commonplace, as socks were often made of wool or cotton and had a tendency to sag or bunch up around the ankles.

To use a Brighton garter, a man would wrap the garter around his leg just below the knee, making sure that the design was facing outward. He would then fasten the garter using a small metal or plastic clasp, which would secure the garter in place and prevent it from slipping down.

The garter was typically worn with dress pants and a dress shirt, and it was considered an essential accessory for any well-dressed gentleman. The garter was often coordinated with the man’s tie or pocket square, and it was a way for him to express his individual style and taste.

Style

While Brighton garters were primarily used as a practical accessory, they also had a decorative function. The colorful woven design of the garter was meant to be visible when a man crossed his legs or sat down, and it was a way for him to show off his fashion sense and attention to detail.

As the popularity of the Brighton garter grew, other tailors in the town began to produce their own versions of the garter. Soon, Brighton became known as the center of garter production, and garters were being shipped all over the world.

Coming to America

Brighton garters were exported to the USA during their heyday in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They were popular among American men who wanted to emulate the fashionable style of British gentlemen.

Some Brighton garters may have been sold in upscale department stores or specialty shops that catered to men’s fashion, such as Brooks Brothers or J. Press. They may have also been sold through catalogs or mail-order companies that offered a wide range of clothing and accessories. In Boston and around New England, the C.M.C. brand was also popular. Their advertising featured a Scottish man in kilts wearing the garters, saying “Hoot mon!”

Choked by Elastics

During the early 20th century, the popularity of the Brighton garter began to wane as fashion trends shifted towards a more understated and practical style. A big contributor to the decline was the introduction of better and better elastic fabric that could hold up the stockings on their own. However, the garter remained a popular accessory for formal occasions and weddings, and it continued to be produced in Brighton. It’s worth noting that Brighton garters are no longer as widely available in the USA as they once were. Today, they are more likely to be purchased as vintage items or as reproductions sold by specialty retailers or online merchants.

Revival

In the 1960s and 70s, Brighton experienced a cultural revolution, and the town became a hub for the counterculture movement. As a result, the Brighton garter underwent a revival, and it became a popular accessory for the youth of the time. The garter was often worn as part of a punk rock or mod outfit, and it was a symbol of rebellion and individuality.

Today, Brighton garters continue to be produced by a few select tailors in the town. While they are no longer as popular as they once were, they remain an iconic accessory that is associated with the history and culture of Brighton.