Help Needed - Shrunk B15D(mod) - Solution?

[Harris HTM]

Goodmorning to all.
A couple of weeks ago I scored an amazing NOS Alpha Replica Series B15D(mod). The jacket was unworn - still it was probably kept in a warehouse for 20 years. I got the jacket to the local dry cleaner. What I got back is a shrunk jacket. It is especially the back length that bothers me.
Any recommendations on whether this can be fixed? Any (tried and proven) home remedies?
Thanks a lot!

 

[Seb Lucas]

You can't unshrink nylon. The dry cleaner must have done something strange - I've had MA-1's dry cleaned with no issues.

 

[Harris HTM]

You can't unshrink nylon. The dry cleaner must have done something strange - I've had MA-1's dry cleaned with no issues.

hi Seb. I think that it is the wool lining that shrunk the jacket. I have sent my polyester filled MA-1's to the same cleaner many times without any issues.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Verdomd vervelend, en zo'n cool jasje. So the jacket is the same length, it is the inside that has shrunk and distorted the shape at the back? I way prefer synthetics for this reason (but don't tell anyone, they tend to look down on them). You can replace the lining with synthetics? But really once you have fully determined the nylon is no shorter you need to consult a tailor. $$

 

[Marc mndt]

Damn that sucks. I've worked in the high and fashion retail business for 10 years. We had all our dry cleaning done by a specialist who was used to handle high € items. Whenever we had a specialty item like a shearling jacket that needed dry cleaning, he outsourced the job to some specialized company in Germany.
That won't help you now, but maybe of you ever need to have one of your leather jackets cleaned in the future, take it to this guy. He also tells you no if he thinks dry cleaning is risky. I always appreciate that kind of honesty.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Damn that sucks. I've worked in the high and fashion retail business for 10 years. We had all our dry cleaning done by a specialist who was used to handle high € items. Whenever we had a specialty item like a shearling jacket that needed dry cleaning, he outsourced the job to some specialized company in Germany.
That won't help you now, but maybe of you ever need to have one of your leather jackets cleaned in the future, take it to this guy. He also tells you no if he thinks dry cleaning is risky. I always appreciate that kind of honesty.

Good to know but this is a nylon jobbie, Dupont at its finest.

 

[Marc mndt]

Good to know but this is a nylon jobbie, Dupont at its finest.

Ah sorry I missed that. I somehow assumed we were talking leather

 

[Harris HTM]

Verdomd vervelend, en zo'n cool jasje

Zonde man, echt zonde...

So the jacket is the same length, it is the inside that has shrunk and distorted the shape at the back?

I'll post pics later but I think so. I'll try to make fit pics as well (if you promise you won't laugh or compare the jacket to a sage green nylon sports bra).

You can replace the lining with synthetics?

Probably I could, but taking into account the costs and the fact that I don't know any good tailor I'll think I'd bite the bullet and give it to my gf. And get myself a Bronson. And she well end up with an amazing Replica series of a great jacket, made in the US, and me with a chinese.

take it to this guy.

Any contact data will be welcome!

 

[Harris HTM]

So the jacket is the same length, it is the inside that has shrunk and distorted the shape at the back?

Here are some photos. I think that the wool blanket-type material inside has shrunk and actually, being attached to the seams, pulls the nylon due to contraction.

 

[bn1966]

Opposite here: Purchased the same and someone had shrunk the wool insulation, worked in my favour and fitted well (stupidly sold it). Found another still intact & it was a bit big on me unshrunk....I feel your pain! Looking for another shrunk B-15 Mod XL

 

[Harris HTM]

..I feel your pain!

You cannot imagine... we're talking about nos condition, literally unworn.

 

[Colin G]

Try misting the wool lining with a spray bottle then once damp enough, slowly try and stretch it back. I've done it to wool sweaters before and it has worked.

Machine wash on a gentle cycle and lay flat to dry has worked for me also.

 

[Harris HTM]

Try misting the wool lining with a spray bottle then once damp enough, slowly try and stretch it back. I've done it to wool sweaters before and it has worked.

Machine wash on a gentle cycle and lay flat to dry has worked for me also.

hehe, I just let it out to dry. I submerged it in lukewarm water with some babyshampoo and then streteched it gently. Let's see what I'll get...
Thanks for the help!

 

[bn1966]

hehe, I just let it out to dry. I submerged it in lukewarm water with some babyshampoo and then streteched it gently. Let's see what I'll get...
Thanks for the help!

If I find another one, maybe you could give me your dry cleaners details

Keep us posted!

 

[Harris HTM]

So, last Friday I tried something on my jacket. I submerged the back in lukewarm water where I had added 50ml of baby shampoo. I let it there 10-15 mins. Then I placed the jacket between 2 towels and rolled it in order to wipe out excess water. Then I spent have an hour gently (or less gently...) stretching the back. It seems I got 1,5 inch (from the 2 lost) back.
I got some selfies today, let me know what you guys think about the fit, especially back length and be honest!
In the photo's the jacket is worn over a simple white t-shirt tacked in a 25oz IH, most of my trousers have similar waist height.

 

[Marc mndt]

At first glance looking at it from the front I thought it was a bit short. But then I noticed that the knitband is wider than what I'm used to see on an a2 for example, visually the high knitband makes the upper body look a bit shorter. Then looking at it from the back seeing it relative to your jean pockets, I think the length is almost perfect. Maybe that extra half inch you've lost at the dry cleaners would make it perfect, but I don't think anyone who is not ocd on their jacket sizing like us would look at this jacket and say "hey, that's too short". I would wear it with pride. Congrats.

 

[bn1966]

Looks perfect to me, I’d be very happy indeed with that fit, just over the belt. They are a short jacket & IMHO look best worn short and not as I’ve seen some, worn hanging down someone’s ass

 

[Blackadder]

Doesn't look short but then it depends on whether one expect the original look or the current slimmer longer look.

 

[bn1966]

Harris, are you a HIPSTER?

 

[Harris HTM]

Harris, are you a HIPSTER?

no, absolutely not, why?