The Tailors' Thread: Fit Feedback and Alteration Suggestions

[Flyswatter]



Got this Alfani Red suit for under $100. Should I return it or keep it and get it tailored?

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

You should probably post some better pics, but for under 100 bucks, I'd say the fit is not bad. But unless you really need a suit right away or you can't budget to spend any more, I'd say return it for no other reason than Alfani sucks. But otherwise, after the requisite tailoring (sleeves shortened, pants hemmed), you should have a presentable suit. The jacket might be slightly too large in the shoulders for you, but probably not to the extent that it warrants sizing down. Could just be that they are overly padded, like most cheap department store suits are.

 

[kushburner]

The shoulder sticks out because of padding. Is this something a tailor can fix? I wish I can post better pics but all I have it my camera phone on a overcast day.

Thanks for the feedback

 

[Flyswatter]



The shoulder sticks out because of padding. Is this something a tailor can fix?

Having a tailor attempt to alter shoulder padding is NOT advisable. I learned this the hard way when I had a tailor try to remove some padding from a cheap Lands' End jacket one time, despite reading numerous times on this forum that such an alteration rarely achieves the desired results. It certainly did not in my case. I don't know why the cheap suit makers (or any suit maker, for that matter) insist on using excessive amounts of shoulder padding; it looks good on no one, and you'd think it'd be cheaper to use LESS padding anyway.

 

[gambit50]

Mostly what Flyswatter said. Also, jacket is long. Did you try a size down? Wondering if it mattered or not re: shoulder padding.
If you have time, try a different size or different brand/cut. If not, sleeves, pants hems and you will look OK. Not upper crust SF OK but not completely buffoon style either which you
may throw into your value equation.

 

[kushburner]

Hmm looks like I should return the thing and just invest in a nice suit already. Ive been wanting to wait for a good job offer but I can always get it sooner. I'll do some research and see what I can find in the $500 range.

 

[gambit50]

Nice. Yes, some research first I appreciate it as I already gave someone a bit of the business about asking an infinitely open question as OP for which there are already too many answers.
Good luck. Oh, and I don't mean not to ask a question. But I think the forums are better off without "What suit should I buy?", barely, if at all, more explicit in form, every page.

 

[Garasaki]

So I have a question about what is possible by tailoring slacks.

I thrifted several pairs of wool slacks, which all fit nicely in the waist, but the legs are much too large (ie too large around my leg). They sort of look like MC Hammers parachute pants. My chicken legs don't help.

Is it possible, or reasonable might be a better question, for a tailor to refit the legs giving them a much slimmer fit through the thighs?

 

[OTCtailor]



Thanks OTC! The front darts are the "lines" that go from the chest to the pocket? Is it an easy fix? It is full canvas.

Possible, reasonable, and common.

 

[OTCtailor]



So I have a question about what is possible by tailoring slacks.


I thrifted several pairs of wool slacks, which all fit nicely in the waist, but the legs are much too large (ie too large around my leg).  They sort of look like MC Hammers parachute pants.  My chicken legs don't help.

Is it possible, or reasonable might be a better question, for a tailor to refit the legs giving them a much slimmer fit through the thighs?

Possible, reasonable, and pretty common.

 

[OTCtailor]

Sorry about strange reply above. Every time I use the mobile site I have a problem.

 

[Garasaki]

Re: De-parachuting pants legs

Possible, reasonable, and pretty common.

Ballpark cost: 10 bucks, 50 bucks, 100 bucks, 200 bucks?

 

[NeedStyleHelp]

I've been waiting to make this post for awhile now.

Looking to get some great advice from everyone here.

The first suit I'm going to post (grey suit) I would like to know about what alterations I should consider in the jacket. I know the sleeves for sure, and am thinking about taking it in a bit. Any thoughts? I am also contemplating putting on a ticket pocket.

As for the pants, I obviously need them hemmed, I am thinking of doing a 2 inch cuff with little to no break. Thoughts?

For the second suit (blue suit) I am looking for suggestions on the jacket. It is not a great suit (Calvin Klein, before I found Styleforum), but I still think it likes good, and warrants a better fit.

Any additional suggestions would be much appreciated.

Cheers.

Grey Suit:



















Blue suit

 

[AdamWill]

all clear for take-off!

 

[gambit50]

Roger that, proceeding to runway Delta.
Over

 

[gambit50]

That's a dupe, control tower. Disregard.
Over