Bad idea?

[ton312]

Sending my recent vintage acquisition to Dena today. My question is this. If I shorten the hem to 27” all around (eliminate the front drop)…is this, as the title states, a bad idea? Needs a liner and longer zipper for sure but something about shortening up the jacket a bit has me wondering…
Length as is:

Mock up shortened:

 

[Guppy]

That's basically an Aero Wayfarer's granddad. I personally like it at the longer length, but I think it works shorter, too, as long as the lower pockets aren't chopped shorter inside. Who's the original maker?

 

[ton312]

That's basically an Aero Wayfarer's granddad. I personally like it at the longer length, but I think it works shorter, too, as long as the lower pockets aren't chopped shorter inside. Who's the original maker?

I wish I knew. Thankfully the pocket bags are plenty deep. I could put an ironing board in them. My concern would be bring the hem to close to the flap but I think it looks OK and not out of proportion?

27” length front and back:

 

[jglf]

I prefer the shorter length

 

[Guppy]

I don't think I'd take any more than 1" off the hem, if that. I'd probably just leave it as is, rather than risk butchery of an original.

 

[Monitor]

I wouldn't mess with it partially because it's a genuine vintage piece but also, to be completely honest, scrolling back and forth between the two photos, the difference in length seems very insignificant to me. Maybe even unnoticeable.

Sure, numbers would indicate there's a lot of difference but visually, extending past the sleeves, this style is just long enough to surpass that too long leather jacket look and both variants make it pretty much the same kind of coat-ish jacket.

That is to say, if you'd just done it and posted a fit pic, I wouldn't be able to tell anything was done to it. Thus I feel it'd kinda be a waste of money.

 

[JMax]

I’d leave it OG. Unzipped, it looks awesome from the front.

 

[Marc mndt]

To my eyes the shortened back indeed looks better proportioned, but I'm not sure the front does too. The pocket flaps look too big relative to the shorter front length. I would keep the length as-is.

 

[ton312]

To my eyes the shortened back indeed looks better proportioned, but I'm not sure the front does too. The pocket flaps look too big relative to the shorter front length. I would keep the length as-is.

I agree and that's my conundrum! If these were slash handwarmers I'd have less trepidation about eliminating some length. Here's my other question...The main Talon zip is literally time machine new and functions perfectly. You'd think it were a repro. Is it sacrilege to replace it for a longer zip? It would help the look of the jacket tremendously to have a longer zipper....but sacrificing a mint Talon feels like bad Karma....

 

[Harris HTM]

I wouldn't touch it!

 

[Marc mndt]

Is it sacrilege to replace it for a longer zip? It would help the look of the jacket tremendously to have a longer zipper...

Why do you think I'd look that much better? I think it goes well with the style. It's also very practical when sitting down.

This Hercules has the same proportions give or take. I think it would look weird with the zipper starting any lower.

 

[Peacoat]

I think the shorter version looks better, and you have plenty of pocket to absorb the shortening process. It also reduces the amount of material under the zipper, which I wouldn't touch.

But the old standard: Ask Dena what she thinks; she has an eye for these things.

 

[Canuck Panda]

+1 for shortening to 27" length

It will look more updated. Easier for everyday wear. If you are already spending big bucks to reline it, might as well get it exactly customized. The extra leather can be folded up as an inside hem to hold the new lining.

These vintage surcoat worked as a coat with the old Urkle high waist pants. Today's pants are more mid rise, making this 30" length look too either too long as a jacket or too short as a coat. If Bane were wearing this jacket/coat in Gotham he would either go short 27" or 36" with fur out!

Team 27" here.

 

[ton312]

Why do you think I'd look that much better? I think it goes well with the style. It's also very practical when sitting down.

This Hercules has the same proportions give or take. I think it would look weird with the zipper starting any lower.

View attachment 346691 View attachment 346692

It's funny because the zip length is similar to my Windward as well, but the Windward doesn't bother me....it’s also an inch longer.

 

[Carlos840]

Personally i would not change a thing.
I don't have a problem with zipper length, and i think the length looks good as is.
I would just reline it and wear it.

 

[Marc mndt]

This looks awesome.

 

[Marc mndt]

Maybe you should add a poll to this thread. Let tfl choose

 

[jeo]

I would leave it as is

 

[ton312]

Maybe you should add a poll to this thread. Let tfl choose

Oh I know what I’m getting into when I ask a question like this. The mental gymnastics in my head right now are nearing Olympic levels.

 

[Psant25]

I would chop it. What kind of liner are you adding?