Peak is a crafty devil!

 

I did not know that particular do-dad was called a French bearer. As Dr Peter points out, the main function is to relieve stress on the center button. Most double breasted jackets have something similar, an interior button that latches onto a hole in the under flap. That one is called a Vichy bearer since it collaborates with the other side.

 

That one is called a Vichy bearer since it collaborates with the other side.

Lovely! Now I did not know that. Or did you make that up, Mr Slyboots? I have heard it referred to as a jigger or anchor button, although the etymology is unclear.

In my old country, the word bearer is commonly used to refer to a waiter in a restaurant. Sometimes waiters are also called suppliers!

 

There are two benefits that come from French bearers when they are indeed buttoned: First, they help to ensure a perfectly flat front for the trousers, and thus also ensure that drape is even. Second, they take the pressure off the single button or hook at the middle point on the waistband. Some trousers may also have a cloth tab which buttons towards the right and provides additional support, again taking stress off the center.

A related point: If the waistband is too tight, there is often a tendency for stress to increase at the top of the zip fastener that is placed on the fly. This can, over time, lead to an unsightly gap at the top of the fly with the cloth of the fly being pulled sideways. The best way to relieve this stress on your trousers is to have the tailor let out the waist to make it fit you better. Most well-made trousers have a couple of inches of fabric tucked into the waistband and seat, and this can come in useful for some judicious expansion!

Here is a piece that gives you information on the French bearer:

Ask the Tailor: What is a French Bearer?

Photo by Michael Each month we ask our expert tailors to address one of your most frequent questions. This month we’re exploring French bearers. What is a French bearer, and why might you want to add one to your tailored trousers? When it comes to trouser closures, it’s very much an issue of...

mullenandmullen.co.uk

 

I’m thinking of installing a snap fastener rather than a button for the French bearer, do you think that would have any impact on its function?