Evolution of suits over the years

[Torchwatch]

To make that suit work properly it would be necessary to stiffen the seams at the edges of the cut away section. A piece of Mechano at each end of the X would keep the upper and lower O rings separate and so keep the suit smooth.
If I were to redesign the suit's fittings I would have the O rings attached to the stiffening piece as one component, something looking like a flat horse bit.
Doing this would keep the suit fabric smooth and make the cross even more dramatic yet not be too difficult to sew in.