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Does 1" length make a large difference in a sportcoat?

post #1 of 15
6/29/12 at 11:51am
Thread Starter 
So I'm 5'8" and usually wear short suits/sportcoats.

During the Mr. Porter sale, I grabbed a 38R RLBL linen navy sportcoat. It fits perfectly for the shoulders and needs probably only slight waist suppression. However, the length seems too long.

Measuring them out, it is 30" from BoC while my 38S RLBL coats are 29". Does 1 inch make a huge difference? I wouldn't think so theoretically, but visually the 38R seems way too long even though it is only 1" longer? Is it b/c the button stance is also lower?

I can't place what it is. I really want to keep the sportcoat since it is rare to find RLBL solid navy on sale, but it looks kind of odd. Also, what do you think about trying to shorten it? I think it might not work though b/c of the low button stance on RLBL?
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post #2 of 15
6/29/12 at 11:58am
Yes it makes a difference and you are realizing this is so.
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post #3 of 15
6/29/12 at 12:07pm

I'm new to this one, so a visual reference would be helpful.

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post #4 of 15
6/29/12 at 12:09pm

Yes, it makes a difference since 1" is generally the difference between a 'short' and a 'regular'.

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post #5 of 15
6/29/12 at 12:55pm
You might be able to 'get away with it' and it depends on your body measurements, specifically lengths of arms, torso, and legs.

A pic would be helpful.
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post #6 of 15
6/29/12 at 2:05pm
If you're planning on selling it, send me a PM.
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post #7 of 15
6/29/12 at 2:25pm
One inch longer is better than one inch shorter in the skirt.
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post #8 of 15
6/29/12 at 2:29pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the input. The single inch seems to make a huge difference, didn't think it would.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Liquidus View Post

If you're planning on selling it, send me a PM.

Probably going to just return it to Mr. Porter rather than selling it.
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post #9 of 15
6/29/12 at 7:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cnyman View Post

I'm new to this one, so a visual reference would be helpful.

Imagine it on the hem of your pants.
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post #10 of 15
6/29/12 at 7:54pm
most of the time, all the elements will be proportional. so the narrowest part of the waist and waist button (and maybe sleeves and skirt) will move down the longer the jacket gets. so shortening will only make that button and waist look lower than it already is on the Anthony model RLBL. I've shortened jackets before with some success, but it really depends where the middle button is located. with a higher button stance jacket, shortening can actually make it look a little more balanced.

here's a quick Foo-style visual. RLBL "regular" on the left. About an inch hacked off the skirt on the right. Not horrible, but a little low looking:

224
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post #11 of 15
6/30/12 at 6:53am
Yes it does, this thing is not the correct size for you.
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post #12 of 15
6/30/12 at 8:12am
Quote:
Originally Posted by firebolt View Post

+1 A inch makes a difference
6241.gif

As any honest woman will tell you.
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post #13 of 15
6/30/12 at 8:21am
^^ lol8[1].gif winner! end of thread ....
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post #14 of 15
6/30/12 at 11:07am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Parker View Post

most of the time, all the elements will be proportional. so the narrowest part of the waist and waist button (and maybe sleeves and skirt) will move down the longer the jacket gets. so shortening will only make that button and waist look lower than it already is on the Anthony model RLBL. I've shortened jackets before with some success, but it really depends where the middle button is located. with a higher button stance jacket, shortening can actually make it look a little more balanced.
here's a quick Foo-style visual. RLBL "regular" on the left. About an inch hacked off the skirt on the right. Not horrible, but a little low looking:
224

Thanks for this. I actually like the way the shorter jacket looks with the low stance.
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post #15 of 15
6/30/12 at 1:15pm
I'm 5'8" and I actually find most RLBL 38Rs to fit pretty well in length. This sportcoat is 30" long? That seems longer than the 38Rs I've seen, which were mostly 29.5" or so.
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