Taking in sides of Leather Pea coat?

[pgoat]

I have a Schott leather pea coat, black "Naked cowhide", model 140. I love the basic rugged workmanship and the leather quality. But it has a very boxy, square line look - I prefer the tapered, narrow waisted silhouette of the old WWII USN Kersey pea coats. Assuming I bring the old wool coat and my Schott to a good tailor, is it feasible to get the leather coat to fit like the old ones? Aside from the different fabric, the wool coat has a center vent; the Schott is ventless. I asked (at Wilfred's, a few years ago when having some other work done) and they said this job would be no problem.... anyone have any experience with this, or thoughts? Thanks!

 

[pgoat]

bump

 

[j]

I can't see why it would be a big deal. They'll just take it in at the side seams. You may want to take it to someone who deals with leather regularly though, since it will be somewhat different than cloth to work with.

 

[pgoat]

Thanks

so, would you look for a leather place (cobbler, bag repair, etc) or just a place that does alterations, but hopefully is good with leather?

And if the latter, is that just a word of mouth thing or is there some way to know if they are good?

 

[j]

I dunno. Probably wouldn't go to a place that mostly deals in bags and shoes, unless you see leather jackets hanging in their 'done' rack. I'd ask a trusted local tailor or leather cleaner type person and go from there.

 

[laphroaig]

Leather is very different to sew than cloth. I'd be surprised if just any tailor will have the right equipment to be able to do it.