Shrinking a jacket to fit

[Tangfastic]

I just picked up a tweed Norfolk jacket from e-bay. It's just what I wanted except its a 40r not the 38r advertised. The seller was an online charity shop so I don't want to go back to them.
The fit isn't too bad, but I'd prefer it a touch smaller. It has an 'action' back, which may make it tricky for a tailor to take in, I don't know enough to say. The shoulders aren't too bad, just a barely noticeable touch big.

My idea was trying to shrink it by soaking in hot water. The fabric is a heavy 50 / 45 / 5 wool / acrylic / other mix derby tweed, so it probably won't go down to action man size. Common sense says this is a really stupid idea, but there's a devil on my shoulder saying 'give it a go!'
Cleaning instructions say dry clean only.

I suppose I'm most likely to either completely ruin the shape of the jacket and achieve no better fit or over shrink it, but I'm still tempted to try.

So should I: Try to get it tailored, put up with it (it looks and feels ok, just not a perfect fit), or try the shrinking?

 

[Ataturk]

My vote is to get rid of it.

 

[ManofKent]

Originally Posted by Tangfastic

I suppose I'm most likely to either completely ruin the shape of the jacket and achieve no better fit or over shrink it, but I'm still tempted to try.
...
So should I: Try to get it tailored, put up with it (it looks and feels ok, just not a perfect fit), or try the shrinking?

I can't see trying to shrink it working at all (and if it's got a lining that will be ruined). I'd either try to get it tailored, ditch it or wear it over a sweater.

 

[Tangfastic]

Thanks, the madness has passed, no shrinking will be attempted.

Its just right to wear over a thick jumper, but I'll see what the tailors can do.