What to do about my overly square shoulders

[GoClick]

Here's the problem, I have crazy square shoulders… no squarer than you're imagining right now… nope squarer still… envision classic RoboCop… that kinda square.

As a result, every off the rack jacket is basically unwearable. If I do up the button the shoulders jack way up off mine, the collar lifts 2-3" away from my neck and there's all sorts of unsightly distortions going on all over the place.

What my wardrobe really lacks is a couple of casual cotton blazers I can wear to BBQs or family functions.

Going with an MTM line that allows for super square shoulders is fine for a sober suit for business, but it's not fine for a cotton jacket that's going to get cola dumped on it some day.

I don't imagine it's possible to actually make the shoulders more square on a jacket is it? I think that'd cause everything else to go all wonky.

Advice? Other than massive shoulder pads under my shirts?

 

[JLibourel]

The first question that comes to mind is why would you need any sort of tailored garment for barbecues and family functions if you expect cola or ketchup to get dumped on it sooner or later. Wouldn't a windbreaker or similar garment, such as can be cheaply gotten, serve this function about as well? (I mean, I consider myself to be something of clotheshorse, but I don't own any cotton blazers at this time.)

If you feel you absolutely must have a garment of this sort--a structured, tailored cotton blazer--you might try some of less expensive itinerant Asian tailors, somebody like Ravi, who will make tailored garments from cotton cloths at reasonable cost. However, lack of experience with these people prevents me from vouching for the level of satisfaction you might receive from their services.

I note that W.W. Chan, whom I do use, charges prices for cotton garments similar to those for less expensive wool fabrics. (I have never been able to savvy paying high-dollar tailoring prices for inherently cheap fabrics like cotton.) Have you considered getting a tailored jacket of lightweight wool and simply getting it dry cleaned if and when the cola gets spilled on it?

 

[GoClick]

Is it even possible to square the shoulders on a jacket?

 

[JLibourel]



Is it even possible to square the shoulders on a jacket?

That is usually the function of padding. However, if you have broad, square shoulders as you state, that's the last thing you want in a tailored garment. You would want a fairly natural shoulder with little to no padding to balance your head against the width of your shoulders.

 

[Nicola]

I'm guessing the OP problem is not trying on enough different brands. Slope of the pattern varies.

 

[GoClick]

I'm guessing the OP problem is not trying on enough different brands. Slope of the pattern varies.

You do realize that's a non-constructive statement right?

 

[Nicola]

No and if you think it isn't pointing out the likely issue then :s