Help finding cotter's pins or bodkin hoppers (military help might be appreciated)

[Kriegbert]

It definitely helps. You notice it immediately on the areas of the jacket where the fabric is thicker. The buttons on the waistcoat have much more play in them until buttoned.

Jacket buttons from the front:



Jacket buttons from the back:



Waistcoat buttons:



Hope that helps!

SM

Thanks! I wouldn’t have thought of the pads if you hadn’t mentioned it. This reminds me of blazers, which also have a shank button rig. I've only seen the shanks sewn onto the garment like a button would though, which is especially noticeable if double breasted--the left hand side button line droops--it's extremely unsightly to me. They should punch it through the fabric like what you did & have cotters pins; it also gives you the option of interchanging buttons on a whim

I got the idea for bodkin clutches from evening dress studs--those don’t have retainer pads since the starched linen waistcoat is stiff enough already

I can see why using the ring would necessitate the plastic disc, since the ring is round. If I can source the long bodkin, since it sits flat across the button, I wouldn’t need it, less fuss!