Let's talk sleeve garters!

[Jovan]

Anyone own them? I think they look somewhat stylish, despite that they aren't really needed anymore. Curious as to what materials, method of adjustment, etc. are common and where they can be purchased nowadays.

 

[Orgetorix]

Albert Thurston carries them.

J Press has them in their B&M stores.

There's an Ebay store called Fogey Unlimited that often has them--I think the guy who runs it may be a member here.

I'm sure I could think of a few more sources if I thought about it long enough.

 

[Jovan]

Thanks.

 

[Orgetorix]

Thanks.

You're welcome.

 

[Dr Doran]

Helmer's apparently has 'em. I only stumbled across them because someone advised me to visit Helmer's in my Portland Oregon thread (q.v.).

http://www.johnhelmer.com/prod.itml/icOid/108

 

[Marc Chevalier]

There are two kinds for sale these days:


One is flat (like a tapeworm) and nickel-plated. I recommend it. Comfortable and doesn't constrict blood flow.


The other is rounded and covered in a semi-shiny woven cloth, usually with stripes. I do not recommend it. Very uncomfortable and definitely constricts blood flow.


.

 

[Baron Kurtz]

Unless you're going the route of bespoke shirts, they most certainly are still needed - unless your arms just happen to be the length deemed "normal" by the sweatshop overlords who decide upon arm length.

I second Marc's comments re: which ones to go for.

bk

 

[Harry Pierpont]

They were very popular in the old west, since I do 1880's living history also, I have several pair. Most "old west" clothierson line will carry them.

 

[Jovan]

The only practical use I can see out of them now is getting all that excess fabric to the back. All my store bought shirts have the right sleeve length.

 

[Baron Kurtz]

All my store bought shirts have the right sleeve length.

You're one of the lucky ones. I very rarely see shirts with less than 34" arms in stores - i need 32". (and then they're ridiculously expensive, but that's a different matter). Thus, to hold my sleeves at the desired length i need to use garters.

bk

 

[Travis]

Helmer's apparently has 'em. I only stumbled across them because someone advised me to visit Helmer's in my Portland Oregon thread (q.v.).

http://www.johnhelmer.com/prod.itml/icOid/108

John Helmer's certainly does have them. I have two different pair that I've purchased from there. Both are a stretchy elastic-like metal, one in silver and one in gold, depending on the color of my other accessories for the day. I love the sleeve garters with a vest look for a hot day when I don't feel like wearing a full suit.

 

[Jovan]

You're one of the lucky ones. I very rarely see shirts with less than 34" arms in stores - i need 32". (and then they're ridiculously expensive, but that's a different matter). Thus, to hold my sleeves at the desired length i need to use garters.

bk

You should try a visit to this or this website. Won't take much more cash for shirts than buying them store bought! For sure, some go for higher than $42-79.

I'm one of the "lucky" ones who has a 35-36" sleeve length, but as a result of having longer arms they make the overall fit even more blousey. This is why I want to get more online bespoke shirts.

 

[Bugsy]

I own two pairs of the metal sleeve garters I got in England, one silver the other gold. It's been my experience that shirts in Europe have on a few sleeve lengths and most of the men I saw where sleeve garters. I find them very useful.

 

[Jovan]

The funny thing is, I used to think they were leather or something. But that would probably bind too much and cut off circulation. I saw some other ones that were elastic, ruffly, and silk, but that's a little too froo-froo for me.

 

[Dr Doran]

Can someone find and post here some photos of people wearing these? I have a basic idea, but I'd like to see them with my eyes.

 

[Baron Kurtz]

I wear them at the top of the bicep, but i know others wear them at the elbow. I don't know which is considered 'correct' but my way is certainly more comfortable for me:

bk

 

[Jovan]

Either way looks fine to me.

Here's some pictures of guys wearing sleeve garters... but not for shirts. Browne has a weird sense of aesthetics, to say the least.

 

[Orgetorix]

Weird aesthetics? Naah...you think?