Inherited suit too large - recutting?

First post, so I do hope I'm not doing anything appallingly wrong here - if I am, please let me know.

My situation is that I've just inherited a very nice Dunhill suit from my grandfather, who recently passed away. The only problem is... I wear a 38, he wore a 42 or so. As such, his suit fits slightly better than a large burlap sack. Now, I realize that the general rule of thumb is "if a suit fits in the shoulders, anything else can be fixed, but if it doesn't you're screwed," but I'm also aware that, for the right amount of money, anything can be done. In this case, it's an issue of how much the 'right amount' is and whether it'd be stupid of me to not just get a new suit that fits instead.

So how much would I be looking at, in general, to get a 42 suit recut for a 38 guy?

Welcome to the forum.

More than it's worth. Unless there is serious sentimental value, it's probably not worth doing. If not so much, you might be able to get something for it on ebay, and put that towards a suit that is [closer to] your size.

Originally Posted by Westley

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Now, I realize that the general rule of thumb is "if a suit fits in the shoulders, anything else can be fixed, but if it doesn't you're screwed," but I'm also aware that, for the right amount of money, anything can be done.

You do realise you are looking at total recut, don't you? The entire suit will have to be disassembled, recut and put back together again. Many of the key elements in the original construction will be lost. The end result will be a new suit made by virtually recycling the old fabric.

Would it still be your grandfather's suit?

If are going to have this done make absolutely sure you have it done by a bespoke tailor to whom you will have to fully explain the sentimental value of the suit. Make sure you get down on your knees to beg him to do it for you and have rehearsed a good sob story to gain his sympathy while you are at it (eg childhood memories of your grandad bouncing you on his knee while wearing this suit). Offer to pay at least three or four grand to take on the job.

Do not let the local Chinese/Mexican etc alterations tailor butcher the suit if it really is heirloom quality, as your post seems to suggest. Any second rate alteration tailor will claim they can do the job - 'no problems'! Beware of these claims.

The only time I could see this sort of thing being justified were if the suit were made of vicuna or a similar extraordinarily rare and valuable fabric. A bespoke tailor would then surely sympathetically offer a full recut.

If you do decide to have it re-cut, do take some before and after pictures. I'd like to see how they deal with the breast pocket, going from 42 to 38.

I concur with all the replies against recutting your granddad's Dunhill. Before the last holidays, I had a size 42 Kiton suit altered to somewhat your suit size and though it was done well, it's not the first suit I reach for in my closet.

This is several hundred dollars at least.

For the same money, you could purchase and alter someone else's old bespoke suit, provided it is closer fitting to start with...we can't all be like Lapo Elkan, sadly.

If grandfather's suit has strong sentimental value, the easiest thing to alter may be the trousers alone.

As others have said, this would likely be a costly undertaking with a less than certain outcome. I think having your grandfather's suit hanging in your closet is plenty to remind you of him. Also, it's very likely that your grandfather was around a size 38 at your age, then "matured" to a 42; with that line of thinking, it's very possible that you will "mature" to that size as well. I'd leave the suit as is.

I purchased a Burberry suit last year when I was a 40 and never had it tailored. I'm now a 38 - would this suit have to undergo the same kind of extensive work, or would this be more workable since the size disparity isn't as large?

I had a jacket recut, shoulders, chest, waist, and sleeve. $180. Looks great.

Originally Posted by Infinite42

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I purchased a Burberry suit last year when I was a 40 and never had it tailored. I'm now a 38 - would this suit have to undergo the same kind of extensive work, or would this be more workable since the size disparity isn't as large?

have the waist pinched in and then hit the gym hardcore to build up your shoulders and chest.

Originally Posted by Joel_Cairo

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have the waist pinched in and then hit the gym hardcore to build up your shoulders and chest.

Ah, funny you mention that - I'm in the process, so maybe I'll just have to hold out on it for a little longer. I suppose the reciprocal question would have to be asked at that point - 38 to 40?

Originally Posted by Westley

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First post, so I do hope I'm not doing anything appallingly wrong here - if I am, please let me know.

My situation is that I've just inherited a very nice Dunhill suit from my grandfather, who recently passed away. The only problem is... I wear a 38, he wore a 42 or so. As such, his suit fits slightly better than a large burlap sack. Now, I realize that the general rule of thumb is "if a suit fits in the shoulders, anything else can be fixed, but if it doesn't you're screwed," but I'm also aware that, for the right amount of money, anything can be done. In this case, it's an issue of how much the 'right amount' is and whether it'd be stupid of me to not just get a new suit that fits instead.

So how much would I be looking at, in general, to get a 42 suit recut for a 38 guy?

4 sizes makes the results more chancy.
the price depends on how the tailor values his time.
get an estimate then buy a new suit.

Originally Posted by Sator

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You do realise you are looking at total recut, don't you? The entire suit will have to be disassembled, recut and put back together again. Many of the key elements in the original construction will be lost. The end result will be a new suit made by virtually recycling the old fabric.

Would it still be your grandfather's suit?

If are going to have this done make absolutely sure you have it done by a bespoke tailor to whom you will have to fully explain the sentimental value of the suit. Make sure you get down on your knees to beg him to do it for you and have rehearsed a good sob story to gain his sympathy while you are at it (eg childhood memories of your grandad bouncing you on his knee while wearing this suit). Offer to pay at least three or four grand to take on the job.

Do not let the local Chinese/Mexican etc alterations tailor butcher the suit if it really is heirloom quality, as your post seems to suggest. Any second rate alteration tailor will claim they can do the job - 'no problems'! Beware of these claims.

The only time I could see this sort of thing being justified were if the suit were made of vicuna or a similar extraordinarily rare and valuable fabric. A bespoke tailor would then surely sympathetically offer a full recut.


i have known some great chinese/mexican tailors.

Originally Posted by mack11211

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This is several hundred dollars at least.

For the same money, you could purchase and alter someone else's old bespoke suit, provided it is closer fitting to start with...we can't all be like Lapo Elkan, sadly.

If grandfather's suit has strong sentimental value, the easiest thing to alter may be the trousers alone.

the trousers would have to be a full recut also.

Originally Posted by southbound35

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As others have said, this would likely be a costly undertaking with a less than certain outcome. I think having your grandfather's suit hanging in your closet is plenty to remind you of him. Also, it's very likely that your grandfather was around a size 38 at your age, then "matured" to a 42; with that line of thinking, it's very possible that you will "mature" to that size as well. I'd leave the suit as is.

great idea !!!!