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Transforming a suit coat to sport coat?

Beckwith

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I have long lost a pair of pants to pre SF blue Hugo Boss (gasp!) 3 roll 2.5 suit and want to transform this into a sport coat. I have changed the buttons to a tan/grey horn, and I am going to take it to the tailor to have it the sleeves and length shortend. Is this worth doing? or is it going to look like I am wearing the jacket of a suit whose pants I have lost?
 

bch

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I wouldn't do it with a pin- or chalk-stripe, but blue should look perfectly fine, so long as you like the coat. Why are you shortening the coat and sleeves, though? A sport coat doesn't call for any difference in these measurements compared to a suit.
 

whoopee

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If possible, consider removing a button or two from the sleeves (assuming they have four each now). If it is solid and not a twill weave, I think it will work. Hopefully it hasn't too much shoulder padding.
 

Beckwith

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Originally Posted by bch
I wouldn't do it with a pin- or chalk-stripe, but blue should look perfectly fine, so long as you like the coat. Why are you shortening the coat and sleeves, though? A sport coat doesn't call for any difference in these measurements compared to a suit.
I purchased it way before I knew anything about suits, and took it to a tailor who knew less. The sleeves are a tad long, and I prefer the cuff showing look. The length is also a bit long, and needs to be taken up a bit. It is a solid blue lightweight wool.
 

Get Smart

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I think shortening the jacket is a good idea, depending on where the pockets are placed and it doesnt throw off the proportions. Sports jackets and suit jackets are usually different in length (at least mine all are) with sport jackets cut a tad shorter. (my suit jackets mostly measure 31-2" long and sport jackets are closer to 30")
 

MilanoStyle

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Just change the buttons to less glossy textured buttons.
 

chorse123

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Originally Posted by Beckwith
I have long lost a pair of pants to pre SF blue Hugo Boss (gasp!) 3 roll 2.5 suit and want to transform this into a sport coat. I have changed the buttons to a tan/grey horn, and I am going to take it to the tailor to have it the sleeves and length shortend. Is this worth doing? or is it going to look like I am wearing the jacket of a suit whose pants I have lost?

Only if the fabric is suitable for a sportcoat. If so, definitely shorten the sleeves.
 

AlanC

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Get an idea how much all the alterations will cost. There's a point when it's just cheaper to get an actual sportcoat.
 

Beckwith

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Originally Posted by AlanC
Get an idea how much all the alterations will cost. There's a point when it's just cheaper to get an actual sportcoat.
Not to hijack my own thread, but that leads me to another question. How much is reasonable? What should I expect to pay for sleeve and jacket shortening?, I have found a good alterations tailor who quoted me $26 to shorten sleeves. He has done great hand sewn working button holes for $50, with other alterations being done at the same time.
 

j

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Originally Posted by Beckwith
Not to hijack my own thread, but that leads me to another question. How much is reasonable? What should I expect to pay for sleeve and jacket shortening?, I have found a good alterations tailor who quoted me $26 to shorten sleeves. He has done great hand sewn working button holes for $50, with other alterations being done at the same time.
That is reasonable, IMO. And $50 for 8 hand sewn working buttonholes on the sleeves is pretty phenomenal. I've heard $10 each to $100 all-in as typical prices for that work.
 

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