A lot of controversy is caused by the women's harness - an ultra-fashionable item that is gaining more and more popularity. What is this? Another whim of designers or an item that every self-respecting fashionista should have in her wardrobe? The girls are also worried about the dilemma: who will suit this decoration, and who should refrain from such experiments. And, of course, many are perplexed: what to wear with a new product to be stylish and not vulgar? All these questions can be answered by reading our article.
In this article:
- What is a sword belt?
- The history of appearance in the women's wardrobe
- Popular models
- Who should wear jewelry and who shouldn't?
- Recommendations for new fashion items
- Combination with different clothes
- Gallery of fashionable images
Women's harness is...
In many ways, the decoration resembles suspenders. Some even confuse the two accessories. While these are completely different things in a woman’s wardrobe. Suspenders are always only two elastic bands of the same length, crossing at the back; They are attached directly to trousers or a skirt. A sword belt, as a rule, consists of several leather belts of different lengths tied around the body; In most cases, the basis of a fashionable novelty is a belt at the waist.
Suspender
Harness
What is a sword belt
The sword belt came into the modern wardrobe from men's military equipment. A bunch of leather belts were intended for carrying swords, knives and other weapons. The name “belt” (porte-épée) is translated from French as “to carry a sword.”
The accessory is a bunch of leather belts with fastenings in the form of metal rings and buckles. The classic model wraps around the waist and shoulders like a backpack. There are products with a choker collar, with a vertical belt along the back or crossed. Some models resemble suspenders. There can be several belts - such accessories are called a corset. The stripes can cross or run parallel.
The sword belt has become the object of experiments by designers: models with decorations appear - buckles, rivets, embossing, etc.
The accessory can be classified as military style due to its origin. Hence some recommendations for combinations with other clothes.
A thing with a history
The leather sling migrated into the women's wardrobe from the army. In the original version, it is intended for carrying weapons. Prable Gurung is an American designer, thanks to whom the accessory first appeared on the catwalk in 2012. A year later, several other designers presented their variations on the theme of military ammunition. Among them is Alexander McQueen, who became the best British fashion designer of the year four times.
MATERIALS FOR CREATING A STRAP
This classic accessory is made of hand-processed genuine leather. This is a durable and very beautiful product that retains its shape and color for a long time. But you can create a bow with a harness from the following materials:
- Rubber bands. These are elastic models that fit perfectly to the figure. Suitable for summer dresses, T-shirts and turtlenecks.
- The silicone version is soft. It does not cause allergies and is made in any color.
- The metal model is assembled from chains of different lengths and thicknesses. Suitable for Rock and Glamor style.
- The fabric variation is made from silk, satin and other materials. Combines with classic dresses, skirts, blouses.
- Leatherette is a cheaper version of the classics. It looks the same as genuine leather, but is much worse in quality.
Regardless of the material, you should buy a sword belt from a trusted and well-known manufacturer. The comfort of wearing depends on the quality of the product. It is important to look at the quality of the seams, the absence of “sharp corners”.
A sword belt is an item for every day and for going out
As a rule, sword belts are made from leather. Such models are suitable for a daily look. The most popular women's jewelry is white, beige and black. They also differ in style: strict models with a minimum of decor and openwork variations. In addition to leather, pearls are used to make the sling. Such jewelry belts will be a chic decoration for an evening dress.
X-belts
They are made with crosses, not only on the back, but also on the chest. In the middle of the belt, the belt can be connected by a metal ring. This model looks good with white T-shirts or minimalist dresses.
About who the decoration will suit
The line between grace and vulgarity when wearing a sword belt is very thin. You need to remember this when deciding to try on a new look. Due to the fact that the fashionable novelty emphasizes women's curves, making them more attractive, it is better to wear it for slender girls. Ladies with curvy figures should not wear it, so as not to be considered vulgar. Since the sling draws special attention to the upper part of the body, it is best for those with a small bust to decide to experiment.
How not to wear a sword belt
A sword belt is a separate accessory that does not tolerate additions or burdening the image. Deviation from basic rules will spoil the image with vulgarity or inappropriateness.
1. The harness cannot be worn with short skirts, deep necklines, or heavily unbuttoned blouses. Failure to comply with these rules automatically transfers the image from fashionable to erotic.
2. Minimalism in jewelry. No chains, necklaces or even bracelets. Overloading with decorative elements will create a feeling of bad taste.
3. The more intricate the weave of the sword belt threads, the simpler the outfit should be. It is better to avoid bright and intricate prints, and focus on the harmony of the image.
May be interesting: Asymmetrical dresses - style, individuality, eye magnet
Taming the sword belt
A fashion item is not easy to combine with clothes. What to wear with a sling and how to do it correctly - these are two questions that concern women’s minds. You can demonstrate impeccable taste if you follow a few recommendations:
- The black leather option is perhaps the most impressive. However, you need to be especially careful with it. If you want to create a more feminine look, then it is better to take a closer look at white or beige colors.
- The sword belt attracts attention. To avoid too much of it, it is better to refrain from combining jewelry with over-the-knee boots, platform shoes, a miniskirt, a neckline, a slit, tight clothes, or transparent outfits. Unless, of course, creating such an image is your goal.
- To create a more harmonious image, you should choose a harness that does not contrast with the color of your shoes and bag.
- Clothes made of plain fabrics without decoration are the ideal backdrop for this accessory.
- A sword belt is a self-sufficient thing. You should not combine other jewelry with it, so as not to overload the already bright image.
- Since the item originally belonged to a man's wardrobe, it is best to balance its belligerence with the help of feminine clothing. Due to this contrast, it will be possible to emphasize girlish fragility.
Types of sword belts
The female version of the accessory, unlike the male version, has many different interpretations. These will not necessarily be classic leather belts; sword belts are made from a variety of materials and have very unusual shapes.
According to the material of manufacture
First of all, it is genuine leather and leatherette. Products made from them look rough, masculine, and this is their highlight.
Also, an unusual accessory is made of elastic bands or fabric. They fit better to the body and follow the silhouette, so they are as popular as the first option.
Products made from thin chains look feminine and light. This element will make even an everyday look memorable.
Well, the “cherry on the cake” is products using beads or pearls. This elegant accessory is perfect for going out.
An integral part of the sling are the connecting elements of the belts: buckles, rivets and rings, which complement the accessory.
By design
The idea of this wardrobe element is simple, hence the large number of types. In addition, the sling from elastic bands and belts can be shaped as desired, based on your needs. However, each unique accessory is still based on one of the six basic types.
Classic
A classic women's harness consists of a main belt at the waist and two “suspenders” for the shoulders. This is the simplest and at the same time universal option. It will emphasize the waist and chest, and will also become the highlight of the image.
Choker collar
It consists of two straps on the neck and waist, connected by a longitudinal element. This design visually shortens the upper body and emphasizes the waist.
Corsets
Corsets originally served to lift the chest, make the waist narrower and, accordingly, highlight the hips and lengthen the legs. A product of this kind performs similar functions, but with one difference: the fashion accessory does not “suffocate” its owner, and it is just as easy to move in it as without.
X-shaped
By the name of the element it is easy to understand what it is. This design is suitable for any body type.
Shoulders
A unique type of belt that serves to visually enlarge the shoulders. Those with a pear shape will love this accessory.
Belt
Here the center of the composition is the base strap, from which the weaving of the belts begins. Effectively emphasizes the waist and hips.
What to wear with?
The sword belt will definitely suit the following styles:
- Gothic;
- Military;
- Steampunk;
- Minimalism;
- Hippie (light shades of the accessory).
In other styles, its use should be approached with caution. Here are some options.
Option number 1. Contrasting.
A dark leather harness will look perfect with a light-colored dress. In turn, a light leather sling will be a great addition to a dark-colored dress.
Option number 2. Tone on tone.
If the girl’s appearance does not allow the use of such a sharp combination of colors as contrast, then you can conduct an experiment by choosing jewelry to match the outfit.
Option number 3. Bright.
Colored leather models look fresh on plain, discreet clothes. Such sets are well suited for very young girls.
Option number 4. We revive the coat.
A sword belt looks stylish in combination with a straight-cut coat of a discreet color. The item gives the image originality and completes it.
Option number 5. Sports.
Wearing a sword belt with a dress is ideal, but not the only way. The harness also goes well with a sports-style T-shirt and jeans.
Option No. 6. Special case.
The holiday is a great opportunity to wear a pearl sling over an evening dress. The owner of such splendor will be the center of attention.
Types of belts
The classic version is thin leather threads on the shoulders with a girth at the waist. This option will look great with a white shirt or a plain tight dress. Moreover, the accessory can even blend in with it in color.
Fashion models 2021/2022
We offer you a selection of the most interesting, in our opinion, accessory models.
A woman's sword belt is a powerful weapon. In skillful hands, she is able to emphasize femininity, giving the image sophistication, sophistication and even mystery. We hope that the article was useful to you and now you know what a sword belt is and why it is needed. And, perhaps, you have already mustered up the courage to wear this extravagant accessory... Then go ahead! After all, the sword belt is for the brave!