Tailoring question: can a Long be converted to a Regular?

swb120 · Mar 8, 2008

[I searched past threads and didn't see this question raised/discussed]

I inherited a beautiful Golden Fleece suit from a relative, but it is a 44L, while I wear a 44R. From measuring the lengths of my other GF suits, the 44L is about an inch longer than my Regulars (a bit more in the sleeves - roughly 1.5 - 2").

Can a Long be tailored to a Regular, or will too many problems arise (positioning of the pockets, buttons, drop of the lapel, etc.)? If anyone has any insight or experience in this, I would appreciate hearing your thoughts!

breakfasteatre · Mar 8, 2008

You hit it right on the head, positioning of pockets, buttons, drop of lapel; it all has to do with the balance of the jacket, and shortening the jacket without moving everything else will make the jacket look unbalanced

tlmusic · Mar 8, 2008

Originally Posted by swb120

Can a Long be tailored to a Regular, or will too many problems arise (positioning of the pockets, buttons, drop of the lapel, etc.)?

Over the years I've had several coats shortened, with good results. Usually, it is unlikely you will be able to shorten a coat much more than an inch.

Take the jacket to a good tailor, and get their advice. The tailor can pin the jacket shorter, so you can stand in the mirror and see what it will look like.

If the balance of the coat still looks good, and the pockets are not going to be too low, then go ahead and shorten the coat.

If it doesn't look good pinned up shorter, move on.

tiecollector · Mar 8, 2008

Only time I had a jacket shortened was when it had patch pockets and with good results.

Journeyman · Mar 8, 2008

If you only want to have the skirt of the jacket shortened by an inch, then that should be fine.
However, as others have said, I think that if you alter a jacket too much more than that (depending on the jacket, of course), then you risk upsetting the balance of the pockets and the rest of the design and the jacket will look awkward.

Despos · Mar 8, 2008

The pocket and lower button position are the 2 things to consider when shortening. The more distance from the jacket hem to the pocket , more chance you can shorten the jacket without making it look like it was shortened.

Some Italian makers position the lower pockets closer to the bottom of the jacket. Shortening the jacket makes the pocket look too close to the hem and looks strange. I do not know the styling of BB and what the pocket height is. Every maker does this differently.

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Tailoring question: can a Long be converted to a Regular?

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