Don’t look like a schlub while traveling or on the trail. These field-expedient clothing repairs will help you get through rough times. If you’re a person on the go and don’t have time or the means to sew a button on, hem your pants, or fix a pocket—read on!
Field-Expedient Clothing Repairs On the Go
I’m sure we’ve all been in a situation where a button pops off on our pants. Or we notice a shirt or pants hem flapping around before a flight, meeting, or stage performance. I’ve been there too often. It’s even worse when someone else notices it first, making those field-expedient repairs even more necessary.
What I’ve done previously is hide it the best I can, then shelve it. That’s right, whatever shirt or pants that gave me aggravation got pushed to the closet or a drawer. Safety pins can get the job done for some repairs, but who are we really fooling? From experience, it’s hiking pants and button shirts that get me. It’s typically a random length of stitching that came loose or the regular serving of lost pants buttons. How about holes in the pocket? That old gag.
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I came across a couple of items that are field-expedient repairs, more on the permanent side. Definitely worth the weight and time trouble saved.
On The Go Button Repairs
Instant buttons are my new best friend. I finally found a hiking pants brand that I like and that fits me well. This marvel made life easy, as all I needed to do was order the same size/color without any hassle. However, after a few months of wearing them, the main button would come off. It never failed, always while on the trail or at the airport. Sometimes I’d find the culprit button, while at other times it was never to be seen again.
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I got wise, eventually. When I noticed the button getting loose and wobbly, I applied a drop or two of superglue. It was a quick fix, but it worked temporarily. However, I had to make sure to carry superglue everywhere, even in the outdoors. I figured the company used cotton thread instead of polyester, but at least I got to practice my sewing skills.
I found these 17mm brass no-sew buttons, and they install easily with a screwdriver—no tools or sewing needed. The kit includes a tool and threaded rivets that screw in securely yet remove cleanly for reuse or adjustment. This kit makes it easy to add space when pants feel tight or tighten loose waistbands, too.
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They’re perfect for replacing lost buttons or customizing fit on pants, jackets, or heavy fabrics. Each kit includes 12 button caps, 12 rivets, and one screwdriver for quick fixes on the go. These field-expedient fixes keep you ready for any button emergency!
Field-Expedient Magic in a Tube!
I had several pairs of hiking pants with back pockets flapping in the wind and holes in the front pockets. I was always taking a chance wearing them, but eventually, they became trail ghosts and new laundry pants. And then I remembered New Zealand!
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Several years ago, I was walking and shopping for a new Hawaii shirt. New Zealand has many thrift shops called Op Shops. I found a cool shirt, but the hem was loose on the front, drooping like a wet noodle. I needed to hit the stage that night, and there wasn’t time to sew.
The band’s singer quickly dabbed a bit of something magical on the droopy fabric, then we hit the stage. This occurrence was in 2009, and it’s still holding firm! This is field-expedient clothing repairs at its finest!
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She Gave Me Fabric Glue
Yes, the mystery goo was fabric glue, and I use it to fix pockets with holes and patch jobs. Mostly, my back pockets lose their stitching, but now I can easily solve that. Fabric glue is rubbery with a consistency of gum. A small, wooden coffee stirrer or popsicle stick is a good applicator. It’s flexible and waterproof. Like magic in a tube!
I use E6000, an industrial-strength adhesive that travelers can rely on for fast, durable repairs to gear and clothing. It bonds fabric, leather, metal, rubber, and many mixed materials without sewing or patches. Apply a thin layer to clean, dry surfaces, wait until tacky, then press firmly together.
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Curing flexible and water-resistant, it keeps hems, seams, and patches wearable through weather and movement. I carry a small tube for emergency hems, sole fixes, zipper stops, and on-the-road patch jobs!
Conclusive Field-Expedient Clothing Repairs
Get it together and never look like a chump again. These repairs are easy and semi-permanent. They’ve worked for me for many years in all weather. You owe it to yourself to keep these field-expedient clothing fixes on hand and save the day!
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