Remove back darts from shirt

[ezx3000]

I got a Eton shirt from a recent sale on Gilt. The shirt is contemporary fit (slim) with back darts, I can see the extra material on the inside of the shirt. It's a bit too tight around the belly area (second to last button) can I take out the darts/would that help?

 

[razl]



I got a Eton shirt from a recent sale on Gilt. The shirt is contemporary fit (slim) with back darts, I can see the extra material on the inside of the shirt. It's a bit too tight around the belly area (second to last button) can I take out the darts/would that help?

It will probably help a bit, but maybe not enough.

Yes, you can easily remove the darts by just carefully removing the thread. A seam-ripper is the best tool for the job, but a good sharp knife will do if you're careful. Note that, when you pull the thread out you'll probably still be able to see the small holes in the fabric where the thread went through (it will be more evident on lighter colored plain fabrics rather than darker and/or patterns) but a washing/ironing or two should "massage" the area enough to where you can't see them any longer. You might even be able to do it by rubbing the fabric by hand between your fingers for a bit, you'll see what I mean.

 

[a tailor]

removing the darts will return the fullness that that they were there to remove.that be there in the middle of the back.
how much of that cloth will come to the front, you will only know when you try it.
i would check inside the back. there may be holes hidden inside the darts.

 

[shilleck]

You can easily remove it by yourself.

 

[Blackhood]

it is theoretically possible but there are two things to consider:

1. Darts may not be the only slimming method. If Eton made the shirt using "French Seams" - that is seams that curve at the sides in order to pull in the material for a slimmer fit - the darts will make little difference.

2. Depending on the density of the cloth the holes may never be invisible. From what I remember of Eton they use a fairly fine poplin so you may get away with it.

The best way to make a choice is to do the following:

1. Put the shirt on
2. undo the button that is pulling
3. When it is sitting naturally measure the distance between the centre of the button and the nearest edge of the button hole.

4. remove the shirt and lay it flat.
5. Find the point on the dart that is exactly parallel to the button.
6. Measure the depth of the dart. Times this by 4. (x2 for the amount of fabric in the dart, x2 for the number of darts)

If number 1 is greater than number 2 it will provide a good result.

Darts tend to get shallower as they taper off, so at the end its not unusual to have less than 3/16" to let out, which is hardly worth it.

The other option would be to go for a run. By the time you've done 5 miles your shirt should be fine!

 

[greger]

If there has been some fading the part let out will be darker.

 

[ezx3000]

I think I'm going to just return it, based on your advice it seems like there won't be much room.
Thanks!