Would you alter a really good leather jacket to fit your size

[NamoAmituofo]

Let’s say I’m looking at a LW jacket in heavy HH but it’s a size or two bigger for me. Let’s also assume I know of a jacket maker who has spent 30 plus years machining leather jackets. Let’s say the cost for buying the larger size jacket plus and alteration cost is like 60% of a new jacket by LW.

Would you do it? If not why not?

 

[Pandemic]

Shortening the sleeves and bringing in the waist/torso up to the armpit, yes I’d definitely consider depending on the pattern. Slimming the sleeves is also maybe. But once you start talking about the shoulders and chest, then you are spending a lot of money for something you’ll never really be happy with. Jacket patterns aren’t a simple X% increase with each size increment, it’s a series of complex ratios. Your jacket maker will not only have to completely tear down the jacket and remake it, but they will have to create a new pattern that fits you.

 

[postman10mm]

If you trust the tailor, go for it, and document the process here. I don’t know where you are based, but in the US, there is a shortage of skilled tailors capable of altering leather jackets - I’d love to find one.

 

[TartuWolf]

It's fine to tailor a leather jacket in some scenarios if you send it to someone qualified. For example if you've worn a jacket for many many years and built a strong connection to it, but it no longer fits (and likely no longer will). Wouldn't do it to a new jacket, that's for sure.

 

[navetsea]

depending on the style of the collar/ neck hole, usually the collar gap is the visible sign if the jacket is too big but let say if the jacket is buttoned then you can easily move the buttons to make it smaller

 

[El Marro]

If you trust the tailor, go for it, and document the process here. I don’t know where you are based, but in the US, there is a shortage of skilled tailors capable of altering leather jackets - I’d love to find one.

I agree. I would first talk to the tailor and make sure that they feel comfortable with the alteration you are planning and they think that it will be a success.

 

[NamoAmituofo]

Thanks guys. I’ll have a think. I’m based in UK. No way I’m going to order a new LW and pay import taxes on top of the sky high price.

Plus pre owner LW jackets in my size 40 just don’t appear for sale!! So when I see a 42 it got me thinking!

 

[tweedydon]

I’d strongly advise against this; LW patterns are fantastic, and one of the main reasons for their quality. Altering one would lose this.

 

[bigmanbigtruck]

What kind of LW jacket are you looking at? I ask because my usual size is a 42. But I can wear a J23/Leathertogs with 44 tag and they fit great - no alteration needed.

Have you compared the measurements with your other jackets? In general that’s more important than the tag size.

Hard to opine on bringing the entire jacket a size down - depends how familiar you are with and trust the jacket makers work.

 

[Edward]

I don't think it's likely to be viable - and there's the very real danger that once so altered, it would be difficult to sell if that didn't met expectations. I'd probably be happier with a jacket a size larger than my usual than take the risk, tbh.

 

[bigmanbigtruck]

I don't think it's likely to be viable - and there's the very real danger that once so altered, it would be difficult to sell if that didn't met expectations. I'd probably be happier with a jacket a size larger than my usual than take the risk, tbh.

I agree. Without alteration, easier to just resell it. Plenty of demand for LW jackets, especially with a 42 tag lol

 

[Harris HTM]

I also see nothing but risks here. Better wait till a jacket your size pops up.

 

[NamoAmituofo]

Hear hear !! I’ll stand down this risky idea

 

[ProteinNerd]

I've tried more than a few times to tweak a used leather jacket, Aero's, Diamond Sportswear Co and others and I would definitely recommend against it.

For example, I had the waist taken in on one, the body length shortened slightly on another. Not "major" tweaks for most clothing items but with heavy leather, it never works out quite right, you've then spent the money on the jacket, plus expensive alterations and its still not quite right. Then when you list it to sell you need someone that is willing to take a jacket that has been messed with and has "non standard" measurements.

It's not like they weren't up to the task either, she makes custom motorcycle racetrack suits here in Australia so is used to working with thick leather and customizing fits.

You're much better off either spending the money on new or searching a bit longer.

 

[Bfd70]

Save money. Buy new. Have it shipped conus to a trusted member and forwarded

 

[navetsea]

I've tried more than a few times to tweak a used leather jacket, Aero's, Diamond Sportswear Co and others and I would definitely recommend against it.

For example, I had the waist taken in on one, the body length shortened slightly on another. Not "major" tweaks for most clothing items but with heavy leather, it never works out quite right, you've then spent the money on the jacket, plus expensive alterations and its still not quite right. Then when you list it to sell you need someone that is willing to take a jacket that has been messed with and has "non standard" measurements.

It's not like they weren't up to the task either, she makes custom motorcycle racetrack suits here in Australia so is used to working with thick leather and customizing fits.

You're much better off either spending the money on new or searching a bit longer.

because leather is a learning material, once worn it will stretch or sag, or crease, and then all these has happened and you alter the seam, it will ruin the whole thing, brand new jacket or as long as the panel is still pristine looking can be altered much easier than already heavily worn broken in jacket, I think the same like altering the seam on a raw denim that is already broken in and developing creases, it too will ruin the wear and the look. imo

 

[jchance]

Leather is not meant to be altered. If you buy it right, you’d only need to buy it once.

 

[NamoAmituofo]

Thanks all!! All very sound advice! This is what makes this forum great!

For those of you own/tried LW - I heard LW size 42 cross zip is significantly roomier than size 40 (a big jump in size). Is this also your experience?

What I’m getting at is - I have a 42 Vanson as winter jacket to layer a fleece under and it’s perfect. But I suspect with LW 42 it may still be too big for me even when layering?

I would prefer a jacket to layer due to UK long winters. I’m quite happy with my aero jacket as summer jacket and I don’t want it to have any competition in the wardrobe!

 

[tweedydon]

Best person to ask about LW sizing is Stu, at LW. In my experience he's great at getting back to you by email; send him your chest size, waist, and height.

 

[bn1966]

Ruined a lovely ELC Hartman jacket by altering, great tailor and well executed, sleeves shortened from the shoulder end, altered the shoulders fit & then it didn’t really fit anymore despite sleeves ending up the right length. A road I’d avoid if possible though I have had some success stories with cheaper end jackets that I still own and wear regularly.