What Is a Suspender Top (Garter Top)? How to Wear Our Signature Piece
A suspender top, also known as a garter top, is a top finished with suspender-style straps that hang from the hem. It sits somewhere between lingerie and everyday wear, which is why it has become the signature piece of Kriss Soonik, a Tallinn-based lingerie and loungewear brand founded in 2009. We also make the idea as a longer dress.
I'm Kriss, and the suspender top is the design I'm most often asked about. Here is what it is, how to wear it, and how to choose yours.
What is a suspender top?
A suspender top takes the detail of a suspender belt (the straps that hold stockings up) and turns it into part of a top. The straps hang from the hem and can be left loose, tucked, or clipped to stockings. It's a fun lingerie detail you can wear in daylight.
Suspender top or garter top: what's the difference?
Nothing, only the word you use. In the UK and much of Europe, the straps that hold stockings up are called suspenders. In the US and Canada they're called garters, and "suspenders" means trouser braces. So when someone in New York searches for a garter top and someone in London searches for a suspender top, they are looking for the same thing. We use both names, and every piece is made in our studio in Tallinn.
Why it's our signature piece
When I started Kriss Soonik, my aim was to make garter details more casual, more everyday. After a lot of experimenting, I added garter clips to a jersey tank top and T-shirt, and I knew I'd hit the jackpot. Our signature piece was born. When I showed it at our first trade show in London in 2010, all the buyers were amazed. They knew they were seeing something they hadn't really seen before.
This design has stayed with us. We keep updating it and testing the style in new fabrics, but the core idea hasn't changed.
Each design is made to be layered, so it can move from day to evening. Every piece is made in small batches in Estonia, and we check quality at each stage of production.
How to wear a suspender top
- Under a blazer. Let the straps show at the hem for a quiet detail.
- With high-waisted trousers or a skirt. The straps sit over the waistband for a clean line or just tuck them in
- With stockings. Clip the straps for the full look, for an evening out.
Several of our tops are reversible, so you can wear the keyhole detail and satin bow at the front or at the back.
Watch how I style it:
Which suspender top is right for you?
- Kristel Suspender Top: Our bestselling slim fit reversible jersey top that is an easy replacement for a regular tank top. The keyhole and satin bow can go in front or at the back.
- Kristel Suspender T-shirt: The same signature idea in a relaxed fit, made from Tencel modal. It's the most comfortable option and a great alternative to a regular T-shirt.
- Kristel Turtleneck Suspender Top: A reversible jersey turtleneck with 3/4 sleeves and small bows on the suspender ends. Your Autumn/Winter piece.
- Cat Tulle Suspender T-shirt: A sheer option in our signature velvet cat logo tulle. The perfect layering piece.
- Ave Suspender Dress: A longer version in velour that works as a dress on its own or as a long top over trousers or skirts. Layer it over sheer skirts and trousers.
Fit and care
Most of our suspender tops are slim fit and true to size, and the model wears size M. The Kristel Suspender T-shirt and Cat Tulle Suspender T-shirt are cut relaxed. Check each product page for the model's measurements and our size guide. We recommend hand washing most of these styles.
Kriss 🖤
Ready to find yours? Explore all our suspender tops.
Frequently asked questions
What is a garter top?
A garter top is another name for a suspender top: a top finished with suspender-style straps. "Suspender top" is the more common term in the UK and Europe, "garter top" in the US.
Can you wear a suspender top without stockings?
Yes. The straps are a detail and don't need stockings. Leave them loose or tucked.
Are Kriss Soonik suspender tops reversible?
Several are. The Kristel top can be worn with the keyhole detail and satin bow at the front or at the back.
Where are they made?
All Kriss Soonik pieces are made in Tallinn, Estonia.