Side Cinch Minutia

[Deleted member 16736]

So I'm designing a late 1930s/early 40s aviator style halfbelt and I need to put the side cinch somewhere, but don't know where. I see them all over the place on originals: at the halfbelt, at the bottom, somewhere in between. Do you have any preferences from experience? I know Aero puts its side straps at the halfbelt, but I worry about that blousing out the jacket. Like I said, it's minutia, but I have to decide. Thank you.

 

[apba1166]

Inauthentic as it may be, I had a jacket once that had the cinches inside, just above the hips. I thought that was a great solution. Jacket fit better, less hardware hanging around outside, and the cinch could be made of anything that really held because it was invisible so to speak. There was a tailored slit in the lining to allow for both ends of the cinch to ride over it. And you could get to it with both hands while wearing it, to adjust.

Ok,'nuff of that. Back to topic: I think they need to ride just over hipbone toward the rear a bit.

 

[Deleted member 16736]

Hmmm, then you're saying it should be at the bottom of the jacket, Highwayman-style? Like this:

http://rivet-head.blogspot.com/2010/11/1930s-hercules-horsehide-half-belt.html

 

[apba1166]

I think an inch higher than that. I have a jacket similar length/style and it works pretty well centered about 2 to 2.5 inches from the hem....I never notice it and it just functions.

 

[Deleted member 16736]

I tend to agree. Placing the side strap so close to the hem creates a billowing effect. My Highwayman side strap is practically useless in that regard. The Suburban is a smarter design with its higher strap. Thanks all for the input.

 

[Seb Lucas]

I have never had use for the side strap. The jacket fits or it does not. All I ever do is get them caught in door knobs and things like display stands at the shops. I kind of like the idea of interior straps if you must have them. It is period accurate., I had an old half-belt with straps on the inside.