Inherited suit too large - recutting?

[a tailor]

Originally Posted by Infinite42

I purchased a Burberry suit last year when I was a 40 and never had it tailored. I'm now a 38 - would this suit have to undergo the same kind of extensive work, or would this be more workable since the size disparity isn't as large?

just as much work, just more cloth to be cut.

 

[a tailor]

Originally Posted by Tomasso

If you do decide to have it re-cut, do take some before and after pictures. I'd like to see how they deal with the breast pocket, going from 42 to 38.

the breast pocket would most likely be kising the armhole.

 

[Teacher]

Welcome to the board, Westley. Unfortunately, the others are right (and we have some extremely knowledgable people posting here). The major problem here is the collar area, which must be completely resculpted. The curve of the collar itself probably won't be quite right unless another is cut (naturally, a virtual impossibility unless one can be salvaged from another part of the suit). Most of the rest of the suit isn't so problematic, but it would be very time-consuming. Sorry. Perhaps you have another relative (that you like) or a friend who is deserving of such a treasure.

 

[mack11211]

Originally Posted by a tailor

the breast pocket would most likely be kising the armhole.

Sounds hhhhhot.

 

[taillfuzz]

I have had several suits changed 2 sizes (38 to 40 and 42 to 40). The alteration turned out very well, but was very expensive. As others here have stated the tailor must be very capable. Changing the shoulders a difficult and time-consuming alteration.

I would not attempt to change a suit by more than 2 sizes. Changing a suit by more than 2 sizes will be prohibitively expensive and the result will probably be disappointing.

Trousers are a different matter. I have had several pairs of trousers taken in by more than 10 inches with great results. I bought a pair of huge damaged trousers on ebay for about $10 because I knew the fabric was exceptional (top quality from Oxxford). The tailor did a full remake for about $250 and I had a perfect pair of custom trousers.