How To Attach A Garter Belt For Hockey

Hockey is a fast-paced, contact sport, and injuries may occur. However, purchasing equipment that fits correctly and is free of any defects will also help keep you safe. A few pieces of hockey equipment are not necessarily for protection, but are necessary none the less. For example, hockey socks and the garters that hold them up don't provide much protection, but are part of your team's uniform.

Step 1

Put on your jock strap, shin guards and socks. All these pieces need to be put on before you put on your garter belt, since the belt's purpose is to hold up your hockey socks and keep them from sliding down your shin guards during the game.

Step 2

Fasten the garter belt around your waist. Most hockey garter belts have a wide elastic strap with Velcro pieces on the ends to attach it around your waist. Wrap the belt around your waist and fasten it using the Velcro closures. The four garter hooks that attach to your socks should line up so they are centered on the fronts and backs of your legs.

Step 3

Spread the garter clip on the front of your left leg. Place the metal piece between your hockey sock and your leg and the rubber insert should be on the outside of your sock. Hold the sock material taut and push the rubber insert into the material and into the wide portion of the metal clip. Press down on the rubber insert to slide it into the narrower portion of the metal clip, securing the hockey sock in the garter clip.

Step 4

Repeat Step 3 on the front of the right leg and on the back of both legs. Slide the rubber insert fully into the narrow section of the metal clip on all four clips to ensure the sock does not slip out while you are playing.

Tips and Warnings

Some garter belts are available that have metal clips on the ends of the garter straps. You can insert the edge of your hockey sock into the "alligator" portion of the clip, then lock down the metal cover to secure your sock in place. These garter belts can be a good alternative if you find the rubber inserts do not hold, or if you find they break easily. Put your garter belt on prior to pulling on your hockey pants.