Where do I put buttons on a pair of men's pants in order to attach suspenders? What size buttons do I use?
Joyce S.,
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Men's button-on suspenders aren't as common as the more recent clip-on style. Finding men's slacks with suspender buttons can be a challenge, but you can add buttons to the inside of men's slacks to accommodate the button-on suspenders.
Button-on suspenders have three straps, each attached to a leather strip with a buttonhole on each end. One strap is fastened at the center-back waistband then divides at mid-back into two straps that go over the shoulders and are secured at the front waistband.
Locate the waistband center-back seam. Measure 2" on either side of the seam, and mark a dot 1/2" from the waistband upper edge (1).
For the front button locations, measure 4" on either side of the center-front seam/zipper. Mark 1/2" from the waistband upper edge.
Mark a dot an additional 4" away from each of those marks toward the side seams (2).
If possible, have the man try on the pants with the suspenders tacked at the marks. Make any adjustments necessary for a comfortable, secure fit.
After making any adjustments, stitch a 1/2" or 3/4" button at each mark. (See "The Basics" in the Feb. '06 Sew News for sewing on a button with a thread shank.)
Button the suspenders with the right side of the leather buttonholes against the waistband.
Where do I put buttons on a pair of men's pants in order to attach suspenders? What size buttons do I use?
Locate the waistband center-back seam. Measure 2" on either side of the seam, and mark a dot 1/2" from the waistband upper edge (1).
If possible, have the man try on the pants with the suspenders tacked at the marks. Make any adjustments necessary for a comfortable, secure fit.