I just acquired Canadian military wind overpants. They are a cotton-nylon blend wind overpants dating back to October 1972 with the Nato stock number. A funny detail caught my attention, the way the buttons are attached to the fabric:



I did a quick google search and found a name for them: Canadian style slotted buttons. They look so much sturdier than normal buttons and seem to be easier to repair in the field. It also looks like they may be a good alternative to metal bachelor buttons for button suspenders on thinner pants:



It happens to have been introduced during the 50s by the Canadian army.

Can I find these types of buttons in normal sewing shops or would I have better chances in army surplus stores?

The only place in the U.S. I can find them: Virginia:
http://www.carodanfarm.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/product3905.html

Sue

They must be available. The only place I found on the indexed site from the internet is in the UK http://www.flecktarn.co.uk/spcbt1ux.html but Tadgear use them for their tactical pants. Anyway I'll see if I can find sets in surplus stores and elsewhere here. I think it's a clever design.

I have been in a jillion surplus stores (in the US) over the years, and have followed both of my wifes in to more than a few sewing stores, never seen such a thing...

There's a place here in Edmonton that makes high quality tactical gear in house and a lot of their clothing include the Canadian style buttons:

Drop Zone

Thanks for the link, I may contact them. They brag about the buttons here:

Interesting that they do not recommend washing or drying in a machine. Hand washing I don't do...