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Should I save this suit?

Fly1296

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I've found several suits recently at the thrift store, one of which I'm quite torn on. It's a Daniel Cremieux (high-end around here) medium charcoal 3-button SB. It has the hand-stitching detail along the lapel. Anyway, the pants are ok, just need taken in a bit, but the jacket needs some work. My best guess is that it's a 44L or 46L, whereas I wear a 42L and still need that size brought in at the sides. But this jacket is easily 1.5" longer in the body and sleeves that my other jackets. From the lower pockets up it proportioned normally, and it's presumably OTR so I have no explanation for the length. Is it too much to bring the body and sleeves up by that much? I like the cut of the suit but don't want to hold on to it if there's no real hope of getting it to fit and look right.
 

CAMPIII

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I would be hesitant to invest that much money in to altering should it not turn out just right.
 

GSaavedra

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If I were in your shoes, I would take it to my tailor and get their frank assessment of it. If he or she gives you a go-ahead in a price you like, then you'll be happy with a nice suit in a week or two. Your tailor is the only person who will be able to tell you, completely, how much work needs to be done (and how much that will cost), beyond simply shortening the length and the sleeves.

Otherwise, try to flip it.
 

GBR

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No get rid of it - its second hand crap.
 

mdg137

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1.5" in the body is too much to shorten-- you will throw the balance off.
 

Fly1296

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Originally Posted by GBR
No get rid of it - its second hand crap.

Secondhand crap how? The fact that it's secondhand, or the brand? If it's the brand, I simply don't have any better options around here. The highest-end menswear retailers for 150 miles are Dillards, Jos A. Bank, or Men's Wearhouse.
 

dragon8

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Originally Posted by mdg137
1.5" in the body is too much to shorten-- you will throw the balance off.

you can shorten about an inch at the most.
 

Fly1296

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Originally Posted by dragon8
you can shorten about an inch at the most.
An inch would make a big difference, so I can live with that. I've seen a lot about ruining the proportions if I shorten too much. I have compared this jacket to my others of proper length and all the extra length is below the lower pockets. I doesn't make sense to me but I've measured several times to be certain. I guess not much to do but consult a good tailor, if one can be found.
 

MyOtherLife

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Dump it or return it for a refund or credit note.
Invest some time to learn your sizes, then buy something that fits better to begin with.
This will mean less alterations and money spent later.
 

dragon8

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Originally Posted by Fly1296
An inch would make a big difference, so I can live with that.

I've seen a lot about ruining the proportions if I shorten too much. I have compared this jacket to my others of proper length and all the extra length is below the lower pockets. I doesn't make sense to me but I've measured several times to be certain. I guess not much to do but consult a good tailor, if one can be found.


An inch would make a difference. A good competent tailor can do wonders but everything has limits. What city are you in?
 

csoukoulis

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id probably pass. Get your measurements and look for a good deal on ebay.
 

Fly1296

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Originally Posted by dragon8
An inch would make a difference. A good competent tailor can do wonders but everything has limits. What city are you in?

Tulsa, OK
 

Harold falcon

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Take it to your tailor and ask. I wouldn't hesitate to have alterations done on a suit I liked, regardless of whether it was purchased second hand or not.

I'm not sure why you're so attached to a Daniel Cremieux suit, but that's a separate issue.
 

Fly1296

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Originally Posted by csoukoulis
id probably pass. Get your measurements and look for a good deal on ebay.

Because of my size and proportion anything I buy short of bespoke will require alterations. I'd rather be able to try something on and be able to tell where and how much it will require alteration. I can get suits for $13, which is all I have invested in this one so far, then get them altered. I'll know the color, material quality, and such before I buy. Or I can pay several hundred on eBay, fly largely blind, and still end up have to pay for alterations.

As much as I like the cut of this jacket the consensus seems to be that it's not worth the effort. That's fine with me. It was my first thrift purchase, I didn't know then what I do now about the limits of alterations, and recent purchases have been far more selective. Right now my finances dictate that I go this route, or I look like every other crappy dresser in town.
 

Fly1296

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Originally Posted by harvey_birdman
Take it to your tailor and ask. I wouldn't hesitate to have alterations done on a suit I liked, regardless of whether it was purchased second hand or not.

I'm not sure why you're so attached to a Daniel Cremieux suit, but that's a separate issue.


The brand has nothing to do with it. My options around here are limited to national chain retailers so I couldn't do much better no matter where I go. I just like the three button cut for my height.
 

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