Suspender Button Placement Guide
Button-on suspenders need six buttons inside the waistband: two at the back and two on each side of the front. Set your spacing below, check the diagram, then print the strip and use it to chalk the marks.
What you need
- Six suspender buttons, about 5/8 inch across, with four holes and rounded edges so they do not wear the button tabs.
- A needle and strong thread in a color close to the waistband lining.
- Tailor’s chalk and a tape measure or ruler.
How to sew them on
- Lay the pants flat and chalk the marks using the diagram or the printed strip. Check that both front pairs sit the same distance from the center.
- Double the thread and knot the end.
- Stitch through the waistband facing and interfacing only, not the outer fabric, so no thread shows on the outside.
- Sew in an X through the four holes, seven or eight passes per button, then finish with a double knot.
Prefer not to sew? No-sew buttons press or clip onto the waistband, and a tailor will add buttons for a small fee. If you would rather skip buttons altogether, clip-on suspenders work with any pants.
Printing the strip: print at 100% or “actual size” and check that the square on the strip measures exactly 1 inch before you mark anything.
Sources
- SuspenderStore, How to Sew Buttons on Pants for Suspenders, for button size, positions and spacing.
More suspender tools
Size calculators, a color matcher, a button template and more, all free. See every tool.