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Buying Second Hand Suits In A Much Bigger Size and Having Them Tailored, Good Idea?

maseace007

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I recently purchased a worn once mainline Corneliani tuxedo that was a US size 52R. I wear a 42L. The tuxedo was in such great shape (only worn once) and such a great deal (only $50.00) that I scooped it up. I spent another $100.00 to have it tailored so it would fit. I am happy with it.

However, I've been warned by friends recently that purchasing suits that are way too big and then having them tailored to fit me is not a good idea. One of the concerns that was brought to my attention was the arm holes. Thoughts on that? I often find second hand suits not in my size that are high quality, relatively inexpensive and in fantastic shape.
 

aravenel

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Yeah, I'd say that's not a good idea. I don't know how your tailor managed to alter that--it's not an alteration, it's a whole-sale recutting, effectively taking the entire suit apart and using the fabric as base for a new suit. There are a WHOLE lot of things that can go wrong there--armholes are but one of many. Literally every single thing about the suit would have to be recut. Not sure who you found to do it for $100...
 

UrbanAesthetics

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I'm glad that your satisfied with the overall fit, but yes. Buying suits larger than your original size is a dangerous gamble that you don't want to get yourself into. Arm holes are generally the biggest problem because there's nothing tailors can do to alter it without completely destroying the suit's blazer. Just think about the risks in case you think about gambling like this ever again. But hey, you got it at a bargain price, it fits, and your satisfied...Well Done.
 

DerekS

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I tried it. Never again. Just buy one that fits.
 

gladhands

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Originally Posted by maseace007
I recently purchased a worn once mainline Corneliani tuxedo that was a US size 52R. I wear a 42L. The tuxedo was in such great shape (only worn once) and such a great deal (only $50.00) that I scooped it up. I spent another $100.00 to have it tailored so it would fit. I am happy with it.

However, I've been warned by friends recently that purchasing suits that are way too big and then having them tailored to fit me is not a good idea. One of the concerns that was brought to my attention was the arm holes. Thoughts on that? I often find second hand suits not in my size that are high quality, relatively inexpensive and in fantastic shape.


Troll Post
 

DerekS

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Originally Posted by softy
I do this with underwear.

haha. bringin teh lulz
 

softy

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The tailor was kind of skeptical at first, but he quickly came on board once he realized that by cutting down the oversized briefs and reassembling the excess fabric, he could net an extra pair for himself.
 

Wolfador

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Originally Posted by softy
The tailor was kind of skeptical at first, but he quickly came on board once he realized that by cutting down the oversized briefs and reassembling the excess fabric, he could net an extra pair for himself.



I recommend this only when the larger sizes are the same price, some companies charge more for the larger sizes and thus this becomes cost prohibitive.
 

WorkingOnIt

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I would recommend against resizing. The armholes are just one of several issues that will throw off the balance of your suit. The armhole may be tightened up when they take it in from the sides, but still. The front pockets very likely will look too far off to the sides if you are resizing such a large jacket. Also, you better have a REALLY good tailor as they are basically reconstructing the suit.

I would only consider resizing from one size up after most.
 

GradSchooler

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How is it possible that your tailor turned a 52R into a 42L for only $100? I can't imagine it actually "fits." The shoulders have to be HUGE and the pants must be a mess.
 

thebac

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Agreed, I can't imagine how that would be possible. It's one thing turning a small 44R into a 42R, but going from 52R to 42L? The tailor basically charged $100 to make a new suit using the fabric of the original suit.

Originally Posted by GradSchooler
How is it possible that your tailor turned a 52R into a 42L for only $100? I can't imagine it actually "fits." The shoulders have to be HUGE and the pants must be a mess.
 

GBR

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It is a very silly idea - you cannot recut a suit to that extent -= balance and proportion simply will be lost.
 

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