Help Me Reconfigure This Bespoke Tweed Jacket (Lots of Pics)

[Eustace Tilley]

On a recent trip to Asia, I became seduced by all the cheap tailoring and decided to commission a casual tweed jacket for weekend use with jeans.

Using a beautiful green Donegal tweed from John G. Hardy, the tailor misunderstood my intentions and came up with this quasi-Nehru jacket thingy. Frankly, I don't like it - the collar is too high and stiff and the fly front makes it more suitable for Blofeld's highland retreat.

So, what can I do (alterations-wise) to make this cooler? I don't think I can convert this into standard lapels given the fly-front (see third pic - the lining is the backing). Any easy changes come to mind? I intend to change the buttons to dark-brown horn.

EDIT: Can't get any more of the fabric - its from the old Alsport.

 

[Slewfoot]

Interesting...what about buying a small bit more fabric and converting the collar into a shirt collar and making it a shirt-jacket? You could also add an additional patch pocket to the right hand side if you choose. Wherever you purchased the fabric originally just try to see if you can have them cut more from the same bolt.

Good luck!

 

[SpooPoker]

I dont have enough expertise to offer on the recut of the jacket, but I will say that the lining is super cool, and you have nice hands.

 

[Eustace Tilley]

Originally Posted by Slewfoot

Interesting...what about buying a small bit more fabric and converting the collar into a shirt collar and making it a shirt-jacket? You could also add an additional patch pocket to the right hand side if you choose. Wherever you purchased the fabric originally just try to see if you can have them cut more from the same bolt.

Good luck!

Thanks - sadly they no longer make the fabric. I bought it from the old Alsport.

 

[Eustace Tilley]

Originally Posted by SpooPoker

I dont have enough expertise to offer on the recut of the jacket, but I will say that the lining is super cool, and you have nice hands.

Ha. Thanks - the lining is silk and is from Beckenstein's in NY.

 

[Slewfoot]

Originally Posted by Eustace Tilley

Thanks - sadly they no longer make the fabric. I bought it from the old Alsport.

Hmmm...perhaps you could ask the tailor for any remaining fabric that he didn't use? He may have thrown it out, but perhaps not. It also might not hurt to contact Andrew Rogers or John G. Hardy to see if they have a very small (.25 meter-ish) piece lying around that could never be used for anything else.

 

[srivats]

Don't reconfigure. It is an interesting piece and will be great for casual wear. Get another jacket made per your original specifications elsewhere.

 

[Eustace Tilley]

Thanks Slewfoot - not a bad idea.

Srivats: Really don't like this one. Would rather spend $100-$200 in alterations to get this working right.

 

[Panzeraxe II]

If fabric is a constraint, I don't think there is much you can do. The collar is the big thing for me - can you have just that turned down. Maybe get the lining out?

 

[robin]

It would look better without the scarf under it I think. What does it look like with the collar folded down?

There is a similar design in the Engineered Garments collection, however the collar is slightly different:

 

[F. Corbera]

Originally Posted by Eustace Tilley

Frankly, I don't like it - the collar is too high and stiff and the fly front makes it more suitable for Blofeld's highland retreat.
...

I intend to change the buttons to dark-brown horn.


I wouldn't muck with it too much. Embrace your innner Gorsuch-alpine-yodeler and swap the buttons out for pressed horn buttons with a hunting design, or maybe rustic-finished stag horn buttons. Then wear as a light outdoor jacket.

 

[George]

Leave it. It something different.

 

[GBR]

I think reconstructing it without any or the original cloth will be far from easy.

Whilst a disappointment to you it does not look that bad and would make a fine jacket with jeans - certainly unique and casual.

I would urge you to get to like it.

 

[Panzeraxe II]

The core problem imo is the monochromatic look to the coat (forget the lining). Swapping the buttons is a good idea, but maybe line the pockets / collar in leather? Just thinking out aloud.

 

[Eustace Tilley]

Originally Posted by Panzeraxe II

maybe line the pockets / collar in leather? Just thinking out aloud.

Really like this idea - can this be done easily, now that the jacket has been completed?

Thanks to everyone else for their comments.