Possible to alter shoulder pads?

[Neo123]

I have just received a double-breasted Brioni suit, which I found on Ebay. Although the overall fit is good (size 40r), the style looks like something out of Donald Trump's closet ... in the 80's... if only he were taller.

I'm thinking that a tailor will be able to slim down the pants and jacket and let down the sleeves without any problem. However, I am a bit concerned about the shoulder padding. I'm fairly broad shouldered as it is, and the jacket has substantial padding - more that I'm used to at least - which makes me look a bit like Gordon Gekko. I can return the suit for 30 days, but overall, it's really nice and I paid a reasonable price, so I would love to keep it, provided that it can be tailored to my taste. Do you guys know if it's possible to alter the shoulder padding. I'm not necessarily interested in no padding at all, but definitely something a bit more natural (and modern).

I'm not too concerned about the cost (within reason) if it's possible to achieve a good result.

If it's doable, can anyone recommend a tailor in NYC; preferably on Manhattan?

Thanks.

 

[comrade]

Yes, it is doable. A very skilled tailor is necessary.
I have had shoulder pads reduced, removed, many times.
However, in your case "substantial padding" may mean
a major recut. In my experience it is advisable to buy
jackets that are close to the look you want, so that the
alterations are less extensive. Based on what you say,
the suit should probably be returned.

 

[Caustic Man]

Pictures would help. Shoulder pads can certainly be removed or replaced, but if the shoulders are too wide this may not have the effect you are desiring. Shoulders can usually be recut but don't dismiss the cost of it yet. In a place like Chicago it can end up costing several hundred dollars to do, and it still might not look the way you want. I have to imagine that the cost is comparable in NY.

 

[Neo123]

Pictures would help. Shoulder pads can certainly be removed or replaced, but if the shoulders are too wide this may not have the effect you are desiring. Shoulders can usually be recut but don't dismiss the cost of it yet. In a place like Chicago it can end up costing several hundred dollars to do, and it still might not look the way you want. I have to imagine that the cost is comparable in NY.

Thanks for the reply. I'm not sure if the shoulders are "too wide" exactly. The overall fit is actually quite alright. They are more like too "elevated". I will try and upload a picture when I've figured out how.

 

[Neo123]

I'm not smart enough to figure out how to embed the image, but here's a link

https://ibb.co/iO20Q7

 

[HansderHund]

I'm not smart enough to figure out how to embed the image, but here's a link

https://ibb.co/iO20Q7

You can just his “Attach file or images” and select the file. It will appear below the text box and you can insert it into your post by hittin “full image.”

 

[Caustic Man]

Hmmm... Those shoulders actually look pretty good to me. I'm not sure I'd change them one bit. You might be able to get away with removing the shoulder pads, but sometimes it can wonk up the shoulders and make it look worse.

 

[HansderHund]

The shoulders aren’t nearly as bad as I would have thought based on your description. The typical Brioni shoulder is, in fact, somewhat structured (depending on model). It isn’t a typical Neopolitan shoulder that is ithout padding.

 

[comrade]

The suit fits you very well.
If you can put up with the shoulders,
I would leave them alone. On the
other hand, if you don't like the look
the suit might languish in the back of your
closet unworn.

 

[jdp234]

Shoulders look great, don’t touch them. Sleeves an inch and a half too short though.

 

[jdp234]

Actually other than the sleeves I think that I’d alter anything. Certainly don’t slim the jacket or trousers. They hang very well now and altering it would likely mess that up.

 

[Neo123]

Thanks for your input, guys.

Admittedly, the shoulders might not be that bad, but they are still significantly more structured than all my other suit jackets. I also appreciate your recommendations regarding the overall fit, but if I end up keeping the suit, I will definitely have the pants and jacket slimmed down (and of course the sleeves let down), and I'm afraid that this will further enhance the shoulders?

Here's a picture from behind - I do believe that they are too structured.



All in all, I'm hearing that it's a possible, but expensive operation - but also that I should consider keeping the suit as it is. I'll probably take the suit to a good tailor here in New York (any recommendations?) and get his (or her) thoughts as well

 

[aj805]

I'd think about it for a few days, then if you're not happy return it. I disagree with the other assessments, those shoulders are a bit stout, and if that's not your thing, then it's not your thing. And I'd be surprised if you could get worthwhile results trying to alter them.

 

[Caustic Man]

Even from that angle the shoulders look fine to me. But yeah, if you really don’t like the look you should probably take it back. Or you could do what I do and keep everything forever. I’ve come back to items after years and used them regularly.

 

[jonathanS]

Take it to Wazin on 57th. See what he can do.