A question for FL tailors and other experts

[skyvue]

There's a vintage clothing show going on in Manhattan this weekend. I stopped by this evening and found a late 1940s/early 1950s suit that I liked very much. The trousers are a bit snug, but there's room to let them out a bit.

But the coat is just a bit snug, too -- I can button it, but it's just a bit tighter than I'd like, and that's where my question arises: How doable is it to use extra fabric at the side seams of a suit coat to make it a bit larger?

Can this be managed successfully? Is it difficult (and therefore pricey)? Or am I kidding myself that it can be done at all?

Thanks.

 

[dakotanorth]

Sizing UP in a suit jacket

I have to say, before I answer your question, I always give the answer, then work in the implications, practicality, cost, etc. In short, almost _anything_ is "possible" but it's a question of effort, time, money, and results.

In a word, YES it is possible. Basically you would add an extension from the bottom of the jacket (on the side seam) up to the armpit, and most likely it would taper down to a point on the underside of the sleeve.

HOWEVER (biggie!): First off, where will this fabric come from? You need a piece on each side about 2 feet long, preferably running the the same direction as the jacket's fabric (up n down rather than side to side). Also, this is a lot of work to make one jacket fit; I won't say the jacket will look funny, but it's not a traditional shape/cut of the torso.
So realistically, I would NOT recommend this. Perhaps a tailor could reshape or block the jacket? You can move the buttons but if it's more than say 1/4" each side, the jacket shifts and hangs at an angle.
Another possibility- keep the suit and trade it against another similar one that fits better. Privately owned vintage clothing stores are open to bartering, if it's a suit worth their effort. Believe me, I've done it before!!

 

[CharlestonBows]

Depending on how much fabric is left in the seams (most makers usually leave a fair bit for alteration), it can be let out, no problem. If your talking about putting other, new fabric in -- not so much.

But you might want to consider any wear or discoloration of the fabric.

 

[GBR]

Better luck next time?

There's a vintage clothing show going on in Manhattan this weekend. I stopped by this evening and found a late 1940s/early 1950s suit that I liked very much. The trousers are a bit snug, but there's room to let them out a bit.

But the coat is just a bit snug, too -- I can button it, but it's just a bit tighter than I'd like, and that's where my question arises: How doable is it to use extra fabric at the side seams of a suit coat to make it a bit larger?

Can this be managed successfully? Is it difficult (and therefore pricey)? Or am I kidding myself that it can be done at all?

Thanks.