Tailor for Motorcycle Jacket

[volleykinginnc]

I have a motorcycle jacket that I am taking to a tailor as it is too big for me. Do any of you have suggestions on what to ask for? I want it slim fitting but still need movement. What about the stictching.....any special thread that they need to use?

Any suggestions? This is my first experience with anything tailored so I'm not sure what to tell them other than "it's too big".

 

[Grayland]

I'm not sure how many tailors are capable of working on leather motocycle jackets. I would imagine that special sewing machines would be needed.

 

[volleykinginnc]

Yes....I can't find one here in Charlotte so I'm taking it to one in St Louis when I travel there next week for this exact reason.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Yes....I can't find one here in Charlotte so I'm taking it to one in St Louis when I travel there next week for this exact reason.

You haven't explained how poor the fit is so its hard to answer but work of that kind is almost impossible. Easier to get a new jacket.

 

[volleykinginnc]

that may be true but the jacket has sentimental meaning to me. As far as the fit goes that was the feedback I was looking for from you gents. I've never really analyzed it but the jacket is just plain big. The shoulders are about an inch too long which makes the sleeves about that long too. I can pull the jacket away from my body and there is probably 6 inches worth of space between the jacket and my chest. The arms are large especially around the writsts. I'm not sure how to describe to the tailor that I want it close fitting but still movable if that makes sense.

 

[Seb Lucas]

that may be true but the jacket has sentimental meaning to me. As far as the fit goes that was the feedback I was looking for from you gents. I've never really analyzed it but the jacket is just plain big. The shoulders are about an inch too long which makes the sleeves about that long too. I can pull the jacket away from my body and there is probably 6 inches worth of space between the jacket and my chest. The arms are large especially around the writsts. I'm not sure how to describe to the tailor that I want it close fitting but still movable if that makes sense.

From what you're saying I would be surprised if it can be done. Once you start taking away here, it begins to look out of proportion there, etc. It's very complex work to retailor a jacket. I did hear of a couple of tailors who would remodel a jacket for around $600. If money is no object, youmayh be able to find someone. How about posting a picture of the fit for some more specific feedback.

 

[Graemsay]

Look for someone who does repairs and modifications to motorcycle leathers. There are a few places in the UK, and I'm sure if you asked on bike forums then someone could point you in the right direction.

A quick Google brought up a repair shop above Shady Jack's Saloon, and Starz Leathers in Independence.

 

[HighandDry]

Insurrection in Seattle does alterations. I would give them a call and see if it's possible to alter it.

 

[crimsonofsam]

I'd have the tailor take about an inch off the sleeves.Have him reduce the chest area down to where it fits you snug but comfortably.As far as the the wrist,I'd have him reduce them as well.

 

[CodeRed]

I had a leather motorcycle jacket made smaller...it can be done, you just need a very competent tailor for that sort of work.

 

[volleykinginnc]

I had a leather motorcycle jacket made smaller...it can be done, you just need a very competent tailor for that sort of work.

why specifically....I'm going to a tailor that says they've done motorcycle jackets before but I'm unsure of the questions to ask that might guide me if they are competent or not

?

 

[Seb Lucas]

why specifically....I'm going to a tailor that says they've done motorcycle jackets before but I'm unsure of the questions to ask that might guide me if they are competent or not

?

If you manage to find someone to do it (and I'm not sure you will) all you do is put the jacket on and let them see. They are the tailors and can identify bad fit - with your suggestions. But you can't just mail a jacket to a tailor and say "make it smaller". It's about them seeing it on you and making their chalk marks for where they need to cut and make good. How do you tell if they are good? The best clue will be if they work with leather. If they don't, forget it.

 

[alfyman]

If you are ever in northern California, I have taken my jackets here at an excellent price.http://www.snowcleaners.com/consumers/contact.html