Altering suit sleeve length

intent · Apr 26, 2009

My tailor can't let out suit sleeves without sewing the sleeve shut all around (without the split at the cuff). Needless to say, this will ruin working buttonholes and look weird for my other suits/sportcoats.

She says it can't be done any other way. Is she right? I have long arms and find that my shirt cuffs stick out far too much for my liking.

Also, anyone know a tailor in downtown Minneapolis? I don't have a car. I have a whole bunch of suits/sportcoats that need alterations.

StopPolloition · Apr 26, 2009

Can't be done any other way? That's bullshit. I have my sleeves lengthened at least an inch on a regular basis and would never allow someone to alter my jacket in that manner.

ysc · Apr 26, 2009

If you have working cuffs then the sleeve has to be taken up at the shoulder, which is a more serious operation, if she can't do that you will just have to take them somewhere else if you want to keep the working cuffs.

satorstyle · Apr 26, 2009

If the button holes have not been cut the sleeves can be lengthened with no problems. If the sleeves are already finished the material my be to short to use so the tailor will add material and refinish the sleeve.

intent · Apr 26, 2009

Just to clarify: I need them lengthened. She says she can't do it (or it can't be done) without sewing the cuff shut, so there is no overlap of fabric. I don't really believe her.

king_pen · Apr 26, 2009

Originally Posted by intent

Just to clarify: I need them lengthened. She says she can't do it (or it can't be done) without sewing the cuff shut, so there is no overlap of fabric. I don't really believe her.

are there functioning buttons? if so there isn't a whole lot that can be done. if not, she's just not willing to take the extra time to re-taper the placket. take it somewhere else

rfawcett · Apr 26, 2009

What is the make of the suit? Sometimes it's best to take it to the store you bought it from or sells exclusively the same brand. I bought a Hugo Boss that was tight in the seatpant and Nordstroms didn't want to touch it. I took it to the HB store in Fashion Valley, San Diego and they did the alterations perfectly.

intent · Apr 26, 2009

Originally Posted by king_pen

are there functioning buttons? if so there isn't a whole lot that can be done. if not, she's just not willing to take the extra time to re-taper the placket. take it somewhere else
Thanks, those were the terms I was looking for. She probably doesn't know how to re-taper the placket. Is it hard? Do most tailors know how? What would be a reasonable cost to most tailors?

minnesotamoon · Apr 26, 2009

Go to Stephen Dean in Minneapolis. He's located in the Kenwood neighborhood which would be an easy taxi fare from downtown. He's by far the best tailor I've worked with here in Minneapolis. I'm sure he can help you out. PM me if you'd like more info on him.

a tailor · Apr 26, 2009

Originally Posted by youngscientist

If you have working cuffs then the sleeve has to be taken up at the shoulder, which is a more serious operation, if she can't do that you will just have to take them somewhere else if you want to keep the working cuffs.

he wants the sleeves longer not shorter.

a tailor · Apr 26, 2009

there should be at least 2" of cloth to use for lengthening unless there was a previous alteration.
it is possible that the button holes were sewn in through the cloth turned up at the bottom. that would complicate things, but it still might work.
if the sleeves had been lengthened before then there may not been enough left to lengthen.
although some length could be gained by facing the bottom of the sleeve.
talk to your tailor.

Enfo · Apr 27, 2009

The fabric is folded inside on the cuff, but if you have surgen cuffs, the button holes are punched through the reverse side as well.

generally, functional cuffs are seen on MTM or Bespoke suits and not RTW for that reason.

king_pen · Apr 28, 2009

Originally Posted by intent

Thanks, those were the terms I was looking for. She probably doesn't know how to re-taper the placket. Is it hard? Do most tailors know how?

What would be a reasonable cost to most tailors?

they should all know how. lengthening the sleeve isn't that hard. cost-wise it should be anywhere from $15-25

Sebastian · Apr 28, 2009

I never heard of a problem like that.

I had my tailor do this with three jackets quite recently and he never had to sew the cuffs shut. I paid around 20â‚¬ for the job for each jacket. So everything up to 35$ sounds reasonable to me.

My honest advise: Change your tailor! This is a basic alteration and is not hard to do at all.

Altering suit sleeve length

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Distinguished Member

Member

Member

Distinguished Member

Well-Known Member

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Well-Known Member

Member

Senior Member

Classic Menswear Featured products

FEATURED PRODUCTS

Similar threads

Featured Sponsor

Definitely full canvas only

Half canvas is fine

Really don't care

Depends on fabric

Depends on price

Forum Sponsors

Forum statistics

FOLLOW STYLEFORUM ON: