Sportscoat Shortening

[Lafont]

I've just searched for threads dealing with how long a sports jacket should be and came across references to a tailor's shortening the jacket. I didn't think that is possible. How is it done? Is this something very few tailors can do well or is it a common procedure among menswear tailors who handle tailored clothing?

 

[bourbonbasted]

I recently bought a SC that I think could stand to be shortened by 0.5"-1" so I too am interested in this. I have a much older, pre-SF, SC that is just as long and I was thinking about taking that to a local tailor and see what the results are before attempting it with my new jacket.

Though if someone on here can shed some light I'd like to avoid the extra time and expense

 

[ter1413]

It can be done.

 

[Despos]

It is possible but since it is more about remaking the front curve of the jacket, remaking the vents, some tailors will do it better than others. Big difference is if the jacket is fused or has canvass. If canvassed you have to trim the canvass and redo the edge tape and work the fronts so they fall in. This and how well they duplicate any topstitching or handstitching will show you how skilled they are.

 

[Blackhood]

I used to work for T M Lewin and we had jackets shortened all the time. The trick is only shortening it less that the amount that would disturb the overall look. For example, if your bottom button is 10" from the bottom of the jacket, then -1" isn't a problem. -2" would start to look a little odd, and -3" looks silly.

Make sure its a decent tailor. This doesn't mean expensive, just attentive. I could have jackets shortened for about £15, but the guy would always perfectly replicate the original curve, and normally leave some cloth inside, so that corrections can be made. On the other hand there are guys out there who will charge £75, and just cut the base of the jacket off and sew it shut straight. These should be avoided at all costs.

 

[Lafont]

At ALL costs!

 

[malat]

I just had this done. Had about 1/2" removed from a new navy blazer. As Despos mentioned, he re-worked the curve of the jacket so the balance was not off. My bottom button is a little less than 9.5" from the bottom of the jacket. Looks great, but make sure you use a really talented tailor and not someone at your laundry/dry cleaner service. This cost me $140 (which included replaced buttons).

 

[Lafont]

I'm having two jackets done with different seamstresses. My main seamstress is doing one for $25, the other seamstress, who did good work for me several times, is charging $30. Both sound like they're ver experienced in this - for both women and men.

 

[Superfluous]



I'm having two jackets done with different seamstresses. My main seamstress is doing one for $25, the other seamstress, who did good work for me several times, is charging $30. Both sound like they're ver experienced in this - for both women and men.

 

[Aqualung]

I've just searched for threads dealing with how long a sports jacket should be and came across references to a tailor's shortening the jacket. I didn't think that is possible. How is it done? Is this something very few tailors can do well or is it a common procedure among menswear tailors who handle tailored clothing?

It's never done and even if a tailor could do it it would be stupid and expensive. Just buy the right size to begin with. The reason that you even hear about this on here is that many people buy used clothes that don't fit and then spend a $100 trying to alter the clothes.