Can lapel widths be trimmed?

Sartorian · Dec 15, 2007

Looking at some vintage suits in my size, but some of them have disproportionately wide lapels. Can these be altered by a good tailor, and if so, is it an expensive alteration AND will it end up seeming wonky in any way?

stickonatree · Dec 15, 2007

i am not sure, but i think this would affect the roll of the lapels. also, if the lapel hole is near the edge of the lapel, it also won't work...i've read on here a few times that it should not be done.

j · Dec 15, 2007

I have no idea about the cost, but as far as I know it entirely depends on how much room there is from the lapel buttonhole to the edge of the lapel, as stick mentioned above. If it would be too close, it's not doable.

LabelKing · Dec 15, 2007

Wide lapels are fabulous. Double-fabulous if they're double-breasted jackets, no pun intended.

Sartorian · Dec 15, 2007

Originally Posted by LabelKing

Wide lapels are fabulous. Double-fabulous if they're double-breasted jackets, no pun intended.
On a skinny dude? Do they always have a buttonhole? This doesn't look like it does, but it's not a great photo.

It occurred to me that given my thin neck, I'd also have to have the suit taken it at the neck.

whatsinaname · Dec 15, 2007

As far as I know, narrowing the lapels should not affect the roll of the lapel. The tailor might have to remove some padstiches, but that would be okay. I have no idea how much this would cost, but you'd want a good job. Any wonkiness on the lapel stands out. Again, if the lapel has a cut buttonhole, game over --- unless you want a =really= narrow lapel.

You can have a suit taken in at the neck?! I would imagine that any tailor willing to attempt this could narrow the lapel in their sleep.

a tailor · Dec 15, 2007

fin out if there is a buttonhole, and if it is cut through.
if there is none or it is not cut,then your in.
its not cheap. both the collar as well as the lapel must be cut down.

LabelKing · Dec 15, 2007

Originally Posted by Sartorian

On a skinny dude?

Do they always have a buttonhole? This doesn't look like it does, but it's not a great photo.

It occurred to me that given my thin neck, I'd also have to have the suit taken it at the neck.
Look at YSL in the '70s--he was thin and wore wide lapels.

spectre · Dec 17, 2007

I had this done by a decent tailor in Melbourne a long, long time ago and the jackets came out really well. Wasn't very expensive back then. I think it's worth it if you can find the right tailor and you really like the suit - breathes new life into it.

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Can lapel widths be trimmed?

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