Basic firefighter suspenders

[ChaChi]

This is my starting point when tooling a set of these for firefighters. I really planned to make them ALL just like this but I started adding a name here, a symbol there, and it just went haywire! Now I've done well over a hundred sets and probably only 3 or 4 have actually gone out plain like these.

Most go out something like these

Takes alot more time but their uniqueness is what sells them.

Edited March 20, 2008 by ChaChi

[bcurrier]

They look very well-made and are good-looking besides, even more so when customized and stamped. Can you comment on their comfort, though? All-leather construction with no slotting (like galluses) or elastic material anywhere means no give. Move your arms up, the pants go right along.

Bill

[ChaChi]

They look very well-made and are good-looking besides, even more so when customized and stamped. Can you comment on their comfort, though? All-leather construction with no slotting (like galluses) or elastic material anywhere means no give. Move your arms up, the pants go right along.

Bill

Many people think they NEED the elastic for stretch to make them comfortable. And while it may work initially, anyone who's ever worn fire gear for any length of time on a scene can tell you that the elastic does no good after a while. The outer shell of our gear soaks up water and becomes very heavy. The elastic begins to stretch just when you need it most and before long, you're walking on the bottom of your pants with your heels. I purposely designed these to confront that very issue. The fact is that even my most skeptical customers to date are still wearing my suspenders after trying them out. There is a break-in period just like all leather goods but all it really takes is one good sweaty fire and they fit you perfectly after that. They mold to every contour of your body and you don't even know they're there except you're no longer tripping over your pants anymore. There is some "give" built into them where they connect to the pants. Those straps are removable from the suspenders so they can be replaced if need be, and because they're not permantly attached, they move enough to allow comfort. I've been a fulltime firefighter for over 12 years now and I probably have 9 or 10 sets of different suspenders I've used throughout the years. I had a tack maker make me some early on in my career that were the probably the best but they have 5 brass rings to make them work properly. That may work OK for a horse, but it hurts to get knocked to the floor by a falling ceiling and have 2 of those rings in the front trying to break a couple ribs. I've designed these to eliminate all metal hardware except 2 roller buckles and 4 rivets. No rings, no plastic, no take-up straps, and NO ELASTIC. I've yet to have someone say they just can't wear them. As far as shoulder movement goes, you can only move your shoulders a couple inches up even with hands straight above your head so that hasn't been an issue. The problem is not your gear moving up with your arms. I think you're way more likely to be exposed to the heat if your pants are SAGGING and causing a gap between your pants and coat. I've even Battalion Chiefs wearing them and they NEVER get sweaty! Thanks for the compliments BTW.

Edited March 20, 2008 by ChaChi

[bcurrier]

I appreciate the thoughtful response. What's clear from the response is that the environmental and gear considerations for firefighter's suspenders are very different than normal dress clothes. On the latter, rigid suspenders definitely cause problems.

Bill

ps - I'm very supportive of firefighters - both my great grandfather and grandfather were in the service. Thanks for being there.

[OutBackP]

Hi ChaChi, thanks for sharing your pictures and reasons for the suspenders not having elastic. They look fantastic, and I can see why they are selling well.

You may have inspired me to make myself a pair. My only concern being once they are made you say that to get them to fit comfertably you have to have "one good sweaty fire" Well not being a fireman, should I just have a bonfire and run round it for a couple hours??

Anyway love the work and I hope mine are half as impressive.

[ChaChi]

I appreciate the compliments guys. I really do have alot of R&D time in these. And my main goal was to make them functional while appearing to be simple. Something that would fit right in to the traditionalist ways of the fire service. I'm completely pleased with them and how well they've been received by my brother firefighters. And OutBackP, I guess if you make your own, there would be many ways to break them in. If you go running around a bonfire in a set of bunker pants it wouldn"t take long at all too get them all sweaty. But really it just takes time, just like any leather product. I use 10 oz. leather on these straps. You could certainly use 7/8 oz or thinner and they'd break in a little easier. Thanks again. I'll try to post some other firefighter goods that I make in a few days.

[Spider]

I so love these suspenders. I can't stay too long and look because I will want to make some. Then I will wear them everywhere. To the store, son's school, work and maybe even to bed...lol No really...lol I will.

[Roger]

that's a good looking setup chachi!

i would imagine just like seats... it's kinda dissapointing to make them up plain

[Fd3615]

I am interested in making a set of suspenders for use here at work... i can already hear the guys asking me to make some.. lol.. have u ever tried an adjustable yoke in the back as opposed to it being riveted..? also how do u decide where to place it when making for ''customers''? Thanks in advance.. your work looks great. ..