Is it possible to enlarge the sleeves of a jacket?

[Student]

I have some jackets that fit pretty well, aside from the arms being way too tight. Can a tailor "let out" the arms (in a width sense, not a length sense)? Preferably, all the way up to the shoulder? Let me know if that didn't make sense. Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[chasingred]

no

 

[Despos]

Do you mean the sleeves are too narrow and feel tight thru the length of your arms or the jacket feels tight in the armholes when you move your arms?

 

[Harold falcon]

I understand what you mean, I have muscular arms also and some jacket sleeves are a little tight. I usually solve this by buying a size up and having it taken in. It probably is not possible to enlarge the sleeves, but it all depends on the jacket. There MIGHT be enough material to enlarge the circumference of the sleeves, but that is unlikely. The only way to know for sure is to take it to your local tailor and ask. Expect to pay $75+ for something like this.

 

[Student]

The sleeves are narrow through the length, like Harvey Birdman said. A $75 alteration doesn't sound appealing even if it is possible. I usually just go a size up to account for arm size too, but it leaves me with too much space in the chest and way too much in the waist. Obviously this can be fixed to some extent, but some jackets have too much space and it's tough to bring them in sufficiently.

The biggest problem area is in the upper arms, since tightness there really restricts movement. To accommodate my upper arms, I have to get jackets with wider shoulders than I might otherwise prefer (the pads extend a little past my actual shoulders). Is it proper to fit shoulder pads wide enough to cover the upper arms when one's upper arms extend out wider than one's actual shoulders? What is the ideal, say in the case of MTM? Can wide upper arms be successfully accommodated merely by increasing sleeve size, or do the jacket shoulders have to be extended out a little bit?

 

[a tailor]

Originally Posted by Student

The sleeves are narrow through the length, like Harvey Birdman said. A $75 alteration doesn't sound appealing even if it is possible. I usually just go a size up to account for arm size too, but it leaves me with too much space in the chest and way too much in the waist. Obviously this can be fixed to some extent, but some jackets have too much space and it's tough to bring them in sufficiently.

The biggest problem area is in the upper arms, since tightness there really restricts movement. To accommodate my upper arms, I have to get jackets with wider shoulders than I might otherwise prefer (the pads extend a little past my actual shoulders). Is it proper to fit shoulder pads wide enough to cover the upper arms when one's upper arms extend out wider than one's actual shoulders? What is the ideal, say in the case of MTM? Can wide upper arms be successfully accommodated merely by increasing sleeve size, or do the jacket shoulders have to be extended out a little bit?

if you go with m2m or custom made, this can be done. but you must discuss it with the tailor.
at the start you should wear a suit you have that shows the problem.
that way he can see just where the adjustments are needed.

 

[Althis]

This happened to me when I purchased a tuxedo from TaT. The sleeves wound up way too tight and Jason offered to have the sleeves let out, but there wasn't enough material. I wound up having to send it back to have new sleeves cut.

 

[Petrus1]

Originally Posted by Student

I have some jackets that fit pretty well, aside from the arms being way too tight. Can a tailor "let out" the arms (in a width sense, not a length sense)? Preferably, all the way up to the shoulder? Let me know if that didn't make sense. Thanks for any thoughts.

no

 

[Jangofett]

Originally Posted by Student

The sleeves are narrow through the length, like Harvey Birdman said. A $75 alteration doesn't sound appealing even if it is possible. I usually just go a size up to account for arm size too, but it leaves me with too much space in the chest and way too much in the waist. Obviously this can be fixed to some extent, but some jackets have too much space and it's tough to bring them in sufficiently.

The biggest problem area is in the upper arms, since tightness there really restricts movement. To accommodate my upper arms, I have to get jackets with wider shoulders than I might otherwise prefer (the pads extend a little past my actual shoulders). Is it proper to fit shoulder pads wide enough to cover the upper arms when one's upper arms extend out wider than one's actual shoulders? What is the ideal, say in the case of MTM? Can wide upper arms be successfully accommodated merely by increasing sleeve size, or do the jacket shoulders have to be extended out a little bit?

As in all cases, it depends on whether the jacket actually has extra material or allowance for you to enlarge the sleeves. I did it before with my jacket but they probably did not do anything at the part which connects to the shoulders. Shoulder pads are so 80s. Based on what you described, you probably look like you are wearing dad's jacket to accomodate your huge guns. I think bespoke or MTM is the way to go for you if things are as bad as described.

 

[amplifiedheat]

Originally Posted by Jangofett

Shoulder pads are so 80s.

I like it when dumb people talk.

 

[Despos]

You can invest some time trying on as many different brands/cuts to find a maker with a broad shoulder and wider cut sleeves. It probably exists but you have to do some looking. The two seams on the sleeves have no outlets so sleeves cannot be let out.

 

[Student]

But do I need a wide shoulder if I get big sleeves? That is, can a well-fitted sleeve eliminate the need to go extra wide in the shoulders to accommodate big upper arms?

 

[Made in California]

Is it possible to bend the fabric of the universe? This isn't Sliders.

 

[Nicola]

Listen to Despos. Spend some time trying on different brands. Worst thing that happens is you don't find anything that fits. Best thing is you find something that fits you without any alterations.

Too many people here waste time reading about various brands and get fixated on something. No point buying the best made jacket if it's not going to fit your build.

 

[Student]

To better illustrate my question...where, ideally, would you have the shoulder pad on your jacket end? (I realize there is a little room for personal taste here.) And if the upper arm curved out away from the body more (but the skeletal structure maintained its width), would that change your sense of the ideal pad width, or would you just ask for a roomier sleeve?

And yes that is my actual shoulder.