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Joffrey

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Hey guys. I recently bought a suit from the Buy-Sell Forum and failed to adequately take sleeve length into account. I'd say its about 3" too short so its showing alot of cuff (most of the barrel if my memory serves me well). However I tried it on last night with a pair of jeans and a white shirt underneath and i thought it looked pretty good. Also, I know there has been a thing about people going with shorter and shorter suit sleeves; so i was wondering people's thoughts on this matter. I may be able to take camera phone pics later tonight but thats going to about 8-9 hours as Im at work.
 

chorse123

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I'm not a big fan of the naked wrist under a jacket, though in the summer I'll wear a few sportcoats with a polo. If I were you, I'd take the jacket to a cheap but serviceable (or a good) tailor and have them take down the sleeve as much as possible. It's an easy and common alteration and shouldn't cost you too much (top end, around $40). I can't imagine they'll be able to add 3", but an inch and a half could help.
 

Despos

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With your arm hanging relaxed and natural at your side, bend your thumb up like you are hitch hiking. Most sleeves are the proper length if they stop right at this point. Go up from there if you want the sleeves shorter. Shirt sleeves fall below this point.
 

Get Smart

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I'm not usually a fan of showing 3" cuff either but I also have a bumfreezer one button vintage jacket (early 60s made for Saks 5th) that I LOOOOVE which has sleeves that show about 3" (odd the sleeves are so short since it was deadstock) and when worn with a white shirt, nice cufflinks, and jeans it actually looks really good, like it was meant to be that way. So depending on your style, it *could* be pulled off with good effect. But if you can lengthen the sleeve that would be ideal.
 

Joffrey

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Originally Posted by Get Smart
I'm not usually a fan of showing 3" cuff either but I also have a bumfreezer one button vintage jacket (early 60s made for Saks 5th) that I LOOOOVE which has sleeves that show about 3" (odd the sleeves are so short since it was deadstock) and when worn with a white shirt, nice cufflinks, and jeans it actually looks really good, like it was meant to be that way. So depending on your style, it *could* be pulled off with good effect. But if you can lengthen the sleeve that would be ideal.


So what exactly takes place when lengthening a sleeve? It sounds pretty drastic.
 

Get Smart

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well there has to be enough fabric in the sleeve to let out....realistically, if your sleeves are 2-3" too short you probably arent going to have that much extra fabric, but it's worth a shot to have your tailor look at it.
 

chobochobo

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3" is a lot. I think it'd be optimistic to think you can get that much material out of the sleeves. If your idea of an 'ideal' sleeve is the 'usual' down to the thumb joint standard then perhaps there is hope, but you would have to get used to the 'sartorial' standard sleeve that shows a bit of cuff.

In general, sleeve lengthening is fairly straightforward and cheap unless working button holes are involved.

You may be better off trying to return it or sell it on.
 

Joffrey

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Originally Posted by chobochobo
3" is a lot. I think it'd be optimistic to think you can get that much material out of the sleeves. If your idea of an 'ideal' sleeve is the 'usual' down to the thumb joint standard then perhaps there is hope, but you would have to get used to the 'sartorial' standard sleeve that shows a bit of cuff.

In general, sleeve lengthening is fairly straightforward and cheap unless working button holes are involved.

You may be better off trying to return it or sell it on.


Well like I said in my OP, I actually like the suit (not to wear to work though), and was just wondering the general consensus on extra short sleeves. I will have it looked at by my tailor though.
 

chobochobo

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Just to resurrect this thread. I recently bought a T&A dinner suit from a fellow SF'er and the sleeves are a touch short. I've had several jacket sleeves lengthened and most have turned out fine; one however continues to have a 'crease' where the old fold used to be no matter how much steaming etc I inflict on it. I'm hoping to wear this DJ to a wedding at Easter time and want it done right, should I try having it lengthened at the sleeve again or ask to have it done from the shoulder? I'm a little wary of the latter, in case they ruin the shoulder - is it a fairly big undertaking?
 

a tailor

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Originally Posted by chobochobo
Just to resurrect this thread. I recently bought a T&A dinner suit from a fellow SF'er and the sleeves are a touch short. I've had several jacket sleeves lengthened and most have turned out fine; one however continues to have a 'crease' where the old fold used to be no matter how much steaming etc I inflict on it. I'm hoping to wear this DJ to a wedding at Easter time and want it done right, should I try having it lengthened at the sleeve again or ask to have it done from the shoulder? I'm a little wary of the latter, in case they ruin the shoulder - is it a fairly big undertaking?

sorry cant lengthen from the top. there is no cloth inside..
steam will not do it. you must wet the old crease. and press with a press cloth.
if there is a fusing inside the sleeve bottom,it must be removed.
 

a tailor

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Originally Posted by Jodum5
Hey guys. I recently bought a suit from the Buy-Sell Forum and failed to adequately take sleeve length into account. I'd say its about 3" too short so its showing alot of cuff (most of the barrel if my memory serves me well). However I tried it on last night with a pair of jeans and a white shirt underneath and i thought it looked pretty good. Also, I know there has been a thing about people going with shorter and shorter suit sleeves; so i was wondering people's thoughts on this matter. I may be able to take camera phone pics later tonight but thats going to about 8-9 hours as Im at work.

you wont get 3" but the tailor can get the most length by adding cloth inside.
 

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