The Fabric of Love: a Semiotic Analysis of the Suspender Belt

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the evolution of the suspender belt, an artefact which has circumscribed the female body for the last hundred years. Born out of practicality, this article of clothing has come to signify, albeit controversially, the assertiveness of female sexuality. The development of this artefact triggered not only a different perception of the female body but has also moulded ideas of femininity and eroticism. Embracing the view that the female body has become ‘the site on which feminine cultural ideas can be literally manufactured’ (Betterton 1987: 8), and the place where stereotypes, presentation and codes of behaviour can be recycled and reinforced, this study aims to reveal the complex process by which some of these cultural practices have developed. These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

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