Abstract: A garnet or hose retaining system comprises an elasticised retaining band (83) extending in use around a rear position (83a) of a wearer's anatomy and a front portion (83b in use at least partially across a front portion of the wearer's Danatomy. The rear portion (83a) has a modulus of elasticity extending generally longitudinally and parallel to its upper and lower boundaries. The front portion (83b) comprises a gerally downwardly extending arcuate concave curve (85) in an upper boundary, and has a greater modulus of elasticty in a transverse direction than longitudinally of the front portion.