Can I let out a topcoat body?

My problem is that I have narrower shoulders, but still look good in a slim/fitted topcoat.

So I'm stuck either:

a) getting my "normal" size and having the shoulders stick out just a tad (which really annoys me)

or

b) getting one size smaller with perfect shoulders, but having the body be just a bit snug

Tailor-wise I would assume it'd be easier to let out the body of the topcoat (if possible) than shorten/alter the shoulders/pads. Am I correct?

And can this be done with cotton, wool, tweed?

I was also thinking of maybe moving the buttons in a quarter inch to get rid of the
super snugness.

PS there is no suit beneath the topcoat, primarily dress shirts/sweaters or both.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by zillka

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My problem is that I have narrower shoulders, but still look good in a slim/fitted topcoat.
So I'm stuck either:
a) getting my "normal" size and having the shoulders stick out just a tad (which really annoys me)
or
b) getting one size smaller with perfect shoulders, but having the body be just a bit snug
Tailor-wise I would assume it'd be easier to let out the body of the topcoat (if possible) than shorten/alter the shoulders/pads. Am I correct?
And can this be done with cotton, wool, tweed?
I was also thinking of maybe moving the buttons in a quarter inch to get rid of the
super snugness.
PS there is no suit beneath the topcoat, primarily dress shirts/sweaters or both.
Thanks.

Slimmer fit may be 'in' but if you have to choose between too tight or having room,
better to have room. I understand you are not wearing a suit underneath..today.
But what about the future? Having the bit extra room gives you that option later, as the need arises.
As far as moving buttons is concerned, you could try that. I've done that myself without problems.
Do you already own the coat? or still shopping around?
If you are still shopping around, then your quest continues until you have found a make that gives you what you want in fit.
If you are still searching for a topcoat, perhaps tell us your overall dimensions
(height-shoulder to shoulder-arm length-chest) and budget.
There will be many here who can give you some suggestions or suggest options.

Thanks Lint Man..

I agree with your notions and don't want to come off so fitted that I seem super trendy with the slim fit, that's why I wanted to maybe move the buttons in a bit to add room to a smaller size as my primary concern is getting the shoulders (smaller) to fit as everything else can be tailored easier in comparison.

I currently have a topcoat that I wear over suits that was given as a present and fits well. However, when I use that coat over a sweater or dress shirt it looks a bit large for my taste.

I have tape measure in hand but don't want to give you measurements until I find a good tailor to measure the right way, but I fit quite well in J Crew Small Sutherland topcoat if that means anything, probably not.

People are usually amazed that I fit into a small, since I have an athletic body (save small shoulders) but after trying on a ton of coats, it seems either most companies put in extra room or I'm seeing I really do have to size for my shoulders as that starts the drape and really affects the entire look.

Btw, about how much would it cost to have a tailor move in 3 buttons?

I have the opposite problem. My shoulders are too broad for the size of my waist. My 38 chest is flat and I also have broad shoulder which legitimately works with most 38 size cutting. The problem is there's a lot of fabric in the waist region as my waist is only 31.

yes an outercoat can be let out but only if there is cloth inside.

dumb question, am i looking at the center patch of cloth by the interior vent for this extra cloth or is it not so noticeable?

If you have narrow shoulders why are you having problems with slim fit coats? Most I've seen have narrower then average shoulders. Thats why I end up going up a size.

Try different brands.