A gripping apparatus, and more specifically a gripping apparatus that can be used with a shirttail retaining harness to grip garments and secure them in place without damaging the garments. The gripping apparatus 30 comprises an upper member 34 having a substantially flat, elastic upper surface 32 and a lower member 38 having a substantially non-flat, rigid lower surface 36. When the gripping apparatus is in a closed position to grip a garment, the lower member 38 is urged into contact with the upper member 34, such that the lower surface 36 elastically deforms the upper surface 32.