A stable belt is a striped coloured belt worn at times by the armed forces of the United Kingdom, other Commonwealth countries, and a few other countries including Denmark, Brazil and Lebanon. The stripes vary by regiment and corps, identifying the wearer's unit. In Brazil and Lebanon they are known as gymnastic belts.
The term "stable belt" originates from when UK cavalrymen would place the surcingle around the waist when cleaning the stables and tending to their horses.[1] In the 1950s they spread to all branches of the armed forces, adding a splash of colour and individuality to the drab khaki working uniforms. Initially they were resisted by many senior officers, who saw them as too individualistic, but they soon became accepted throughout the UK forces, and spread to the forces of a number of other countries. The "gymnastic belt" of some countries has a similar appearance and purpose, with a name reflecting its origin in physical training equipment. Sword belts of similar appearance are used on ceremonial occasions by some military forces.[2][3]
- ^ Henthorne, Stephen E. "The Origins of the Stable Belt". Stablebelts. Retrieved 30 November 2017.
- ^ UNIFORM DRESS AND APPEARANCE REGULATIONS FOR THE ROYAL AIR FORCE (PDF) (Report) (6 ed.). Ministry of Defence. 2004. pp. 9–16 - Ceremonial Sword Belt. AP 1358.
- ^ "39. ROYAL NAVY OFFICERS AND RATINGS, Annex 39A: RN Dress Tables". Royal Navy Book of Reference (PDF) (Report) (9 ed.). October 2018. p. 39A-1,39A-33. BRd3(1).