Getting my blazer tailored tomorrow; advice?

[ramair57]

Im taking my new Ermenegildo Zegna blazer to get tailored tomorrow. Im getting the sleeves shortened, obviously, to show about a half inch of cuff (I like a bit more), but I was wondering if there were any other "must do" alterations that you guys do with blazers? Im a bit of a newbie with the fashion stuff, and this is certainly the nicest blazer Ive ever owned (way out of my price range), so needless to say, I want it to look great. I recently moved home, and dont really have a tailor I am familiar with, so I dont wanna leave it up to chance if they dont know what theyre doing (but theyre pretty good from what I hear, just not "high fashion" being that its in Buffalo and they dont have alot of experience around here with those kind of clothes). Thanks ahead of time guys; I appreciate your advice

 

[penguin vic]

Unless you post pics so people can actually see how the thing fits people aren't going to be able to offer you any advice.

 

[lee_44106]

Biggest secret to tailoring: make sure to make the jacket look fit.

How to do that? POST PICTURES

 

[ramair57]

Ill try to post some pictures; I dont have a camera, but Ill see what I can do

 

[Happydayz]

for someone who doesn't know what he wants you certainly started off with a bang by picking up a Zegna blazer.

Would probably have been safer to just go with a blazer from J Crew and wearing that until you're more comfortable with your personal style

 

[aldica]

You may choose to ignore my post, but I think I am spot on, here; 1) go to the BEAST mens' clothing store in Buffalo and ask who they recommend as a tailor. 2) Go to that tailor. 3) Follow his/her advice!

 

[ramair57]

aldica, thats a good idea, but the best stores have their own tailors, and I dont think theyd do items that werent purchased there

 

[saint]

Originally Posted by ramair57

aldica, thats a good idea, but the best stores have their own tailors, and I dont think theyd do items that werent purchased there

Better stores want to keep their tailors busy, if sales are slow after the holidays they'll probably be very happy to alter your jacket for you. I've had clothing altered by high-end stores in Boston, NYC and Chicago that I did not purchase at those stores, so it can be done.

 

[indy116]

In Buffalo, it'd certainly be worth giving the folks at O'Connell's a talking to. http://shop.oconnellsclothing.com/ If their tailor is busy, maybe they can point you towards a trusted one. But if you trust your place, then let em at it.

 

[Charley]

Be sure to wear a shirt that has cuffs that fit correctly and that stop the sleeve from sliding over your hand. Generally the tailor will mark to show the amount of cuff you want. that will be different depending upon how the shirt cuff fits. If I try to jut my thumb directly and flat out to the side of my hand, I want the shirt cuff to stop just about where the thumb bone is joined into the hand. For me, the jacket sleeve length will then be about just on the hand side of the wrist bone to show the cuff I want. Also, make sure that they measure amd mark both sides as your arms can be a bit different in length. Once you are satisfied with the jacket (after the work) have the tailor measure the length of the sleeve from your thumb tip on each side. Those will always be the same place no matter how the shirt fits.

You may need to have the collar adjusted so that it does not stand away from your neck. Put the jacket on and walk a few steps while giving your arms an exagerated swing. Then check to see if the collar is lying flat at the neck and not standing away from the shirt collar.

Little can be done is the shoulders are too large or broad. However, the body can be tightened up a bit. Also check to see if the vent(s) hang correctly. If they are gapping then the tailor can make some alterations to correct that.