A seat assembly for an automotive vehicle having a release mechanism and a release strap for actuating the release mechanism is provided. The release mechanism is capable of moving a seat back from a seated position to a stowed position. The release strap includes an attachment portion having an attachment end which is fixedly secured to the release mechanism. A gripping portion allows an occupant to quickly and easily grasp and actuate the release strap. The release strap also includes an overlapping portion formed by overlapping a portion of the attachment portion and a portion of the gripping portion so as to present the gripping portion in an upward direction.