Sleeve Garters (armbands)

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Overview

Two pairs of sleeve garters, and a single spring link sleeve armband.
Elasticated Metal Bands: these bands feature a compressed spring steel design for an elastic-like, durable, and shiny finish, often used as simple loops.
Stretch Arm Bands (coiled metal): Simple, circular bands that stretch to fit the arm, holding sleeves up.

Item A: Stretchable spring slip on bangle bracelet
Item B: Tube style expandable spring link sleeve armband
Item C: Metal spring link sleeve garter

Historical information

Metal arm bands worn under suits are commonly known as 'sleeve garters'. These were historically used to keep shirt sleeves at the proper length, especially because mass-produced shirts often came in a single sleeve length.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-124-2026.001

Item type

Themes

Material

Contextual information

Sleeve garters were essential for adjusting the length of shirt sleeves. They were particularly useful for occupations where long sleeves could be a hindrance or get dirty, such as bartenders, bookkeepers, and card dealers. Sleeve garters helped in keeping sleeves clean and protected from ink or other substances.

Keywords

Mens Fashion

Primary significance criteria

Artistic or aesthetic significance

Social or spiritual significance

Last modified

Thursday, 1 January, 2026

Completeness

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Busselton Historical Society