Alterations on an old suit?

[Clench Million]

So I have this pretty killer old suit that was my grandfather's. It fits me pretty well except I could really use another inch or so in the waist.

However, I wonder if this is even a real option for an old suit? It must be at least 40 years old. Will the color be totally off in the unexposed fabric?

The suit is a gray herringbone wool suit.

Any thoughts?

 

[Bird's One View]

Take a look inside the pants at the back of the waistband (and just below). You will be able to tell if there is enough fabric to let out the pants, and you may be able to see if there is any color issue. I have never had the type of color problem you mention on an old wool suit. Wool holds color better than cotton and is not cleaned anywhere near as frequently as cotton is washed. I doubt you will have this problem unless the suit has been exposed to direct sunlight for months or years at a time (e.g. in a shop window display).

If you like the suit and there is enough fabric, have the alteration done. It can always be undone later.

EDIT: I am now trying to imagine what sort of shop display might prominently expose the seat of the pants.

 

[Clench Million]

Cool, yeah I couldn't notice any color difference in the extra fabric, but I wasn't sure...

thanks

 

[alliswell]

If the suit was regularly worn by someone who fit it snugly there may be wear around the stitching at the rear center seam. This seam will be exposed if you let the pants out, and the wear will show. You can check for this.

 

[Mr T]

If you do get this to fit right please post a pic. I know many of us would love to see such an old suit that is passed down from another generation still being worn.

 

[tlmusic]

Originally Posted by Clench Million

So I have this pretty killer old suit that was my grandfather's. It fits me pretty well except I could really use another inch or so in the waist.
Do you mean the trouser waist or the jacket waist?

Or both?