Dressage Coat button loss for the generously endowed......

[Tanyanoel]

I have shown many times, sometimes my jacket buttons stay on and sometimes they drop like flies. I always sew them on extra well before a show, but alas sometimes they just say mercy and give up and come off. I was looking for any advice folks have in the way of jacket alterations/adds to help this issue.

I am going to add a hook & eye enclosure on the backside of the fabric near each button to help alleviate pressure and hopefully keep those buttons happily connected.

Anyone else have successful adds that helped?

[ohnoO]

Sew/reinforce them on with dental floss.

[ArabDiva]

a hidden zipper would also work.

[see_u_at_x]

I’m certainly no seamstress, but is there any way to add a zipper inside? I love the jackets that have the zipper AND the buttons!

[Lusoluv]

My coat has a concealed zipper behind the buttons, but if you’ve lost buttons, the coat doesn’t fit you correctly. You may need to get a customized jacket or have a tailor make alterations to a larger or smaller sized jacket to fit your body type. My coat is by Kerrits, often found on sale for < $100 and there are several similar brands if you can afford to start over.

Even if you keep your buttons, your coat is probably tight through the chest/shoulders and uncomfortable. You won’t be able to give your best ride if you’re worrying about the buttons or feeling constricted in your coat! You gotta be comfortable

[Beentheredonethat]

[QUOTE=ohnoO;8896499]
Sew/reinforce them on with dental floss.[/QUOTE]

This is what I do.

[mjs8]

If you find the answer let me know. I’m ready to cut mine off (and I don’t mean the buttons). =/

[JustTheTicket]

Find a jacket that fits you at your widest point (so, your shoulders/chest) and then find a good tailor to take in the waist. Might be a bit pricy now, but it’ll be worth it in not having to constantly fuss with sewing on buttons.

[Reynard]

Re-site the buttons, and use an elasticated thread.

[joiedevie99]

Yes, if you’re losing buttons that often, your jacket doesn’t fit right. Try RJ Classics. Their sizes run more like street sizing, and tend to be a bit bigger in the chest. Buy something that fits your chest, then have the rest tailored.

[rugbygirl]

Instead of thread you can use elastic cord. But unless you’re very rough on coats, losing buttons means it doesn’t fit. If you’re quite busty (36H, right here) you will likely need a tailor to seriously alter the entire front panel to get a good line.

[Tanyanoel]

Thanks, I will check into adding a zipper that seems like a very good idea. The jacket fits lovely, I did what others have suggested already and bought a coat that has ample room in the chest area and have had it tailored to fit everywhere else, so it is not in any way snug across the chest it seems to be more of an issue of the, er, the chest movement and a big moving horse

I tend to lose a button perhaps every other show, although the first show I lost 2!

[caper]

My mother was a seamstress and uses polyester thread. It is very strong and I never lost a button EVER.

[Manahmanah]

[QUOTE=Tanyanoel;8896648]
Thanks, I will check into adding a zipper that seems like a very good idea. The jacket fits lovely, I did what others have suggested already and bought a coat that has ample room in the chest area and have had it tailored to fit everywhere else, so it is not in any way snug across the chest it seems to be more of an issue of the, er, the chest movement and a big moving horse

I tend to lose a button perhaps every other show, although the first show I lost 2![/QUOTE]

Re-sew with the waxed thread you normally use for braiding. Just like dental floss, but the correct color.

When you sew it back on, sew it into a button on the other side (so the jacket is like the meat in a button sandwich)… so the weight of the thread pulling against the fabric is more evenly distributed and not just pulling against a tiny area of material.

[fenwai]

[QUOTE=Reynard;8896532]
Re-site the buttons, and use an elasticated thread.[/QUOTE]

Yes, this!!! I did this to my coat and the girls no longer jettison my buttons.

[Lusoluv]

If it is the movement of your bosom causing your buttons to pop, maybe explore a different undergarment? Perhaps a compression bra or sports bra combo?

[2horseygirls]

Use clear 100 lb test fishing line to sew on the buttons

[PDDT]

No suggestions, but i am sure glad to know I am not the only person this has happened to!

[Schatzi09]

I’ll second a better bra! I wear an Enell and the girls stay put! My jacket fits better too even though it wasn’t really tight to start.

[Tanyanoel]

Thanks folks, great suggestions all, and I am already an Enell Bra wearer, which is helpful to great extreme but alas, the girls still move just enough to upset the occasional button. Perhaps I need to double up the Enell