How the craze for burlesque dancing is giving sales of suspenders a leg up

Most women abandoned suspender belts in the Sixties when they realised how much easier it was to pull on a pair of tights.

And bar the odd romantic moment, it seemed suspenders’ day had passed... until the burlesque craze took hold, that is.

For as interest in the dance form rises, with almost 20 shows a week in London alone, so too have sales of suspenders.

Time for tease: The burlesque trend has sparked soaring sales of retro hosiery, and Gossard has seen sales of suspenders rise 65 per cent year-on-year

In the past 12 months, underwear maker Gossard has seen sales rise 65 per cent on the previous year.

And as Hollywood brings burlesque on to the big screen, stockings may become even more popular.

Tony Jarvis, managing director, said: ‘There is most definitely a rise of interest in old-school glamour in lingerie with a modern twist which is encapsulated in this revival.

‘Suspenders have always sold well, but the recent demand from women of all ages has been phenomenal.’

Vintage chic: Dita Von Teese, pictured performing at the Erotica show in London, is famed for her retro style

Other retailers have noticed a similar trend, triggered by pictures of celebrities such as Katy Perry and Dita Von Teese wearing vintage-style lingerie.

Debenhams said sales of black suspender belts were up 238 per cent in the summer, thanks to a trend for wearing underwear as outerwear.

Gossard said its three types of suspenders account for 15 per cent of the company’s sales.

Last time it noticed such demand for suspender belts was in 1990, when Madonna wore one with Jean Paul Gaultier’s famous cone bra and corset during her Blond Ambition world tour.

Setting a trend: Singer Christina Aguilera stars in Burlesque, which is currently sixth at the UK box office

Burlesque has its roots in 19th century London, when the genre appealed to working-class values, mocking established entertainment forms as opera, Shakespearean drama and ballet.

It spread to music halls across the country and by the early 20th century had morphed into a populist blend of comedy, theatre and striptease.

Outside of London, there are 50 burlesque shows a week across Britain. Thousands of women have even signed up to classes.

Interest is such that the Hollywood film Burlesque, starring Christina Aguilera and Cher, which was released this month, is currently sixth at the UK box office.