Tailor Help! (Odd Suit from Paul Smith)

Alright, so I just picked up one of the Paul Smith Mainline suits that was on sale on Gilt last week. Just received it in the mail and am quite bemused. I'm trying to decide whether I should return it or not at the moment.

It has working buttons, but the sleeves are unusually long - easily 26-26.5 inches, which seems pretty extreme for a 36R suit. Also, the configuration is extremely unusual: I've uploaded some pictures:





This length problem is actually apparent in the Gilt photos -- even their model couldn't deal with the sleeves:



I'd like to solicit the forum's opinions, particular the tailors here. I know that normally working buttons cannot be adjusted for length, b/c you can't just bring the sleeve right up to the edge of the first working buttonhole.

However, I'm contemplating more radical surgery -- would it be possible to literally lop off two inches off the top of the sleeve, cutting off the top two buttons altogether (so that four remain)? The top two buttons are bizarre anyways, one being larger than the others, and one being differently colored -- it's almost as if it's a joke and they are meant to be taken off so that it fits people with normal-length arms who also want a normal button configuration on the sleeves (i.e. four buttons).

I suppose your suggestion could be made possible, but it ould be easier to take the sleeve up from the shoulder.

There's only so much it can be brought up at the shoulder without losing the shape of the arm.

Originally Posted by NewYorkRanger

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I suppose your suggestion could be made possible, but it ould be easier to take the sleeve up from the shoulder.

No. It's never easier to take a sleeve up at the armhole. Besides, the sleeve begins (usually) to narrow immediately after leaving the shoulder and you'd have to make the arm hole opening (scythe) smaller. Minerveau, your idea of cropping the sleeve after the end two buttons just might work.

Originally Posted by minervau

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Alright, so I just picked up one of the Paul Smith Mainline suits that was on sale on Gilt last week. Just received it in the mail and am quite bemused. I'm trying to decide whether I should return it or not at the moment.

It has working buttons, but the sleeves are unusually long - easily 26-26.5 inches, which seems pretty extreme for a 36R suit. Also, the configuration is extremely unusual: I've uploaded some pictures:


This length problem is actually apparent in the Gilt photos -- even their model couldn't deal with the sleeves:


I'd like to solicit the forum's opinions, particular the tailors here. I know that normally working buttons cannot be adjusted for length, b/c you can't just bring the sleeve right up to the edge of the first working buttonhole.

However, I'm contemplating more radical surgery -- would it be possible to literally lop off two inches off the top of the sleeve, cutting off the top two buttons altogether (so that four remain)? The top two buttons are bizarre anyways, one being larger than the others, and one being differently colored -- it's almost as if it's a joke and they are meant to be taken off so that it fits people with normal-length arms who also want a normal button configuration on the sleeves (i.e. four buttons).

What is their return policy?

Originally Posted by minervau

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would it be possible to literally lop off two inches off the top of the sleeve, cutting off the top two buttons altogether (so that four remain)?

This shouldn't be a problem as long as you don't mind the remaining buttons being very close to the end of the sleeve.

Originally Posted by Sanguis Mortuum

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This shouldn't be a problem as long as you don't mind the remaining buttons being very close to the end of the sleeve.

Indeed, this was what I was intending. I think it would be fine to have the buttons close to the end, that's not a dealbreaker for me.

Those cuffs arent intended to be turned up??

Originally Posted by Peak and Pine

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No. It's never easier to take a sleeve up at the armhole. Besides, the sleeve begins (usually) to narrow immediately after leaving the shoulder and you'd have to make the arm hole opening (scythe) smaller. Minerveau, your idea of cropping the sleeve after the end two buttons just might work.

Not easier but certainly can be possible. I've had it done, it cost a lot but the result was great. Not the sort of thing you get your standard alterations place to do.