Sleeve tailoring

[Joefitz]

I see prior discussions, but wanted to see if any new thoughts are out there.

Many suits either have working buttons or fake working buttons. This is problem in buying both new and used suits. Can they be tailored without working from the shoulder?

Thanks

 

[papado]

I wouldn't say there are any 'new' thoughts as opposed to some limiting factors:
1- If you need to shorten the sleeves by more than .25" you may run into problems on something with functioning buttonholes depending on where they're placed on the vent and how much fabric is already folded over
2-Conversely, if you need to lengthen sleeves with working buttonholes you need to make sure there is enough fabric while also determining if you'll be OK with an increased distance between the last button and the cuff end. 1-1.25" is OK, else it does start looking a little odd. One option is to add another buttonhole if there is enough room.
3-For the 'fake' buttonholes you may run into issues depending on whether you need to shorten or lengthen the sleeve as the placement of the fake buttons could be less than advantageous. Typically the stitching is quite tight [machine made] which means it won't be easy to remove and the fabric underneath won't be clean once you're done. It works if you're putting functioning buttonholes on top of where it used to be because that fabric won't be exposed anymore, but if you're just moving them it could be a not so great look.

 

[Joefitz]

I wouldn't say there are any 'new' thoughts as opposed to some limiting factors:
1- If you need to shorten the sleeves by more than .25" you may run into problems on something with functioning buttonholes depending on where they're placed on the vent and how much fabric is already folded over
2-Conversely, if you need to lengthen sleeves with working buttonholes you need to make sure there is enough fabric while also determining if you'll be OK with an increased distance between the last button and the cuff end. 1-1.25" is OK, else it does start looking a little odd. One option is to add another buttonhole if there is enough room.
3-For the 'fake' buttonholes you may run into issues depending on whether you need to shorten or lengthen the sleeve as the placement of the fake buttons could be less than advantageous. Typically the stitching is quite tight [machine made] which means it won't be easy to remove and the fabric underneath won't be clean once you're done. It works if you're putting functioning buttonholes on top of where it used to be because that fabric won't be exposed anymore, but if you're just moving them it could be a not so great look.

Thanks. I would need to shorten the ones I have looked at. I have a 24 in sleeve, and most suits in 40R are 25 or 25.5 I'm surprised how many new suits have the buttons with many "fake" non functioning buttons.