Suspender button locations?

[jkobler]

Before I take a S.W.A.G. (Scientific Wild Ass Guess) I thought see if someone knew or could let me know by measuring their own pants where the suspender buttons should go on the waistband of the pants I just made.

Thank you,
Jonathan Kobler

[Poor Private]

I am measuring a pair of fed sky blue as I type :
In the back the buttons are 1 1/2" from the end of the material of the V shaped tie .
In the front they are 3 1/2" fron the top fly button and 3" apart
Hope this helps you out.

[jkobler]

Thank you very much.

[flattop32355]

It has been reported by a semi-reliable source in the past (can't recall just whom) that the more common style of braces used only a single button in front, as well as the back. You might want to research that a bit before deciding which way to go.

[Western Blue Belly]

If I remember correctly Schuylkil had just one button on the each side in the front and J.T. Martin had two per side in the front. Just two examples of many that could be looked at.

[Poor Private]

You also have to remember that suspenders wern't an issue item. The soldier had to provide their own, so could be civilian (sent from home or out of their own civies). There is a thread on this over on the AC forum if I remember right.

[jkobler]

I decided to look at a few pictures before doing anything. I saw both single button and double. I decided to go with doubles for the comfort factor. I have some singles and I don't really like them that much, so if I had my druthers it would be a double button set.

[jda3rd]

Put 'em where they are comfortable. Drape your braces over your shoulders, and see where the ends lie, mark the spot, and place your buttons there. Just remember, you can always move them in the future.

Frank

[1stTexas]

On all three pair of Confederate trousers I have, I had to relocate one of the two front suspender buttons to match the suspender's leather button hole spacing. That was no problem at all. If I had left one of the bone buttons in the original spacing, the leather suspender ends would have a wrinkle in them. I am using generic sutler suspenders with short peices of elastic sewn in the back straps. I know, elastic is a monderization but it sure prevents the buttons from popping off when I bend over.

If you have trousers with two front suspender buttons, you will have the option of wearing suspenders with single or double front suspender buttons. I am not satisfied with the sutler suspenders I have and I plan on making my own 1-1/2" "Confederate" or homemade suspenders out of linen with no adjustments except for three or four button holes in front. The homemade suspenders are actually two strips of linen because they are not sewn together where they cross in back. Wear 'em loose and that may keep the buttons from popping off.

[jkobler]

The main reason I've attached mine via a small, slotted patch of leather in the back is because when I've tried braces without, one side would slide off my shoulders at inopportune times. Sounds like you'll be more comfortable in you homemade braces... just like I am. :D

[1stTexas]

I have not tried the "field made-home made" suspenders that are not sewn together in back. I may not like 'em because they may be difficult to keep from slipping off my shoulders. However, the home made/field made suspenders can be made in about 30 minutes by my tailor using my old adjustable sutler suspenders as a pattern. I even read where soldiers made suspenders out of rifle slings which became abundantly available after a fierce battle.

I am sure the difficulty in keeping them on is why they are sewn together in back and that is why I may have to sew them together. I will find out as soon as I can get to the tailor shop with the correct material. I will probably use some canteen or haversack shoulder strap material that is available in rolls.

[Jim Mayo]

Period correct braces are almost never found at mainstream sutlers. A good set made with correct adjustment buckles and material start around 35 to 40 dollars and they are hard to find. If you make your own from canteen straps be aware that they are somewhat narrow and may make your shoulders ache. IMO one inch wide material is the minimum width but 1.25 is better. I have seen originals wider than that but it is hard to find adjustment buckles to accept wide material. I have a good example of wide braces at the top of this page that may help out those who want to make their own.

http://www.angelfire.com/ma4/j_mayo/relics.html

[1stTexas]

I will not use adjustment buckles on the "homemade" suspenders. I will put three or four button holes on the front ends and use those for adjustment. I have seen a original pair of civil war era suspenders that were made that way. I recently purchased a linen cartridge box sling that is 2" wide and along with another one the pair will make a good pair of suspenders.

[1stTexas]

I took my canvas cartridge box sling to the tailor yesterday and got a price for the suspenders. The 72" canvas cartridge box slings cost $9.50 each from The Winchester Sutler. My tailor said she will charge $10 to cut off the leather ends and place eight machine sewn button holes in the slings; three in each sling in front and one in each in back. That totals $29 for a pair of homemade suspenders with machine sewn button holes. I did not ask her about hand sewn button holes but she usually charges $7 each which will run the price up to about $85 for the suspenders.

[Poor Private]

Whew! What prices! I am glad my wife is a contract sewer. Cost is cheap as can be, any tailoring/sewing work only cost me a peck on the cheek and a nice heartfelt thank you

[1stTexas]

I just found ready to wear "homestyle" suspenders I was wanting to make. The are available at Dixie Gun Works for $6.95 plus shipping. I will order a pair of those suspenders because that is not much to lose if I am not satisfied. I spill more beer than that on weekends.