Advice needed on this suit

[Nick D]

I just recieved this suit in the mail, this is straight out of the package. When I bought it I forgot to look at the sleeve length :eusa_doh: I'm not sure if I should shorten the sleeves, or sell the suit.

I've been wanting a db, and it's a good weight for summer, dated 1958 (belonged to a rear admiral, even), and is in great condition. The trousers waist (fishtail back) could have been tailored for me. The legs are about 1.5" too long, and were tapered at some point, but I have experience letting legs back out and shortening, so that's not a problem.

The jacket fits well in the waist and across the chest, I think, it's just those darn sleeves. The bottom two buttons are functional, which complicates things. There's a fairly large hole on one cuff, which I've photographed.

I don't think I'm yet ready to shorten sleeves at the top, but I know I could shorten them at the cuff, and frankly with that tear I'm inclined to. I could stitch the bottom buttonhole closed so that it wouldn't be seen except on close inspection, otherwise the button would be on the edge. It wouldn't be a perfect solution, but I don't have the money to get them taken up at the shoulder.

Here's a picture of the right sleeve pinned up about an inch. It's not exactly what it would look like, of course, it's a bit bunched here, but it gives the general idea.

So, what should I do? Is it worth it for me to alter this suit so it fits?

 

[John in Covina]

So, what should I do? Is it worth it for me to alter this suit so it fits?

*************
I'd say talk to your tailor first, if he thinks you can adjust it to your fit then go for it.

 

[scotrace]

I think it's worth a shot. It seems to fit well otherwise, and is a handsome suit. You'll heave to deal with the tear in any case, so why not?

 

[Jerekson]

Leave the sleeves how they are. Shorten the pants, maybe take in the waist of the jacket, and you're good to go. That's a beautiful suit, and looks killer on you.

 

[Baron Kurtz]

The jacket seems way too big for you all over. Too long in the body, too big in the shoulders and chest, too big around the hips. With it being too long in the trousers, the conclusion is that it was made for someone taller than you, and bigger in the shoulders and chest.

Move it on. Suits in that fabric (Is this the Hogspear suit?) are not too rare.

bk

 

[Nick D]

BK, it may be the pictures. If the jacket were any smaller around in the hips it would be to tight, the waist fits perfectly, the jacket length is the same as other suits I have, both vintage and modern. It's just the way I'm shaped. It is the Hogspear suit, so one way or another it doesn't set me back much [huh]

I had my wife look at it when she got home, she thought the shoulder on the long sleeve looked a tad wide, but the shoulder on the sleeve I have pinned up looks spot on. I guess it's a proportion thing.

 

[Bourbon Guy]

You now have the definitive answer, which is exactly the same answer everyone gets for every question posted anywhere on this or any other forum:

Talk to your tailor; shorten the sleeves; leave the sleeves alone; sell it and forget about it.

My recommendation: wear it once, then eat the coat and burn the pants. Or the other way around. [huh]

 

[GBR]

Working purely from your photographs and taking no account of why one might question your posture - the right sleeve and both legs need shortening. Quarter inch or a slight bit more for the sleeve and 3/4 - 1 inch for the legs. You have indicated that the right sleeve may be damaged: If so then a small adjustment to ensure that the damage cannot be seen would be fine - no more though. Otherwise it is a fine suit of which you should be proud.

On a different tack, is your hair rather shorter than the last time you posted? If it is then that is rather sad because the longer hair looked good with vintage clothes.

 

[Jerekson]

On a different tack, is your hair rather shorter than the last time you posted? If it is then that is rather sad because the longer hair looked good with vintage clothes.

Judging by the way it sits on the sides, I'm willing to bet that he has it in a ponytail or other rig. I could be wrong though, I'll let him answer...

 

[reetpleat]

I say it is too big and too long. True, not too long in comparison, but this cut seems intended to be shorter than most. It looks out of balance. On the other hand, you seem to have room for a little shortening of the jacket skirt. I also think it is too big in the shoulders and chest, under the pits.

My suggestion would be shorten it at the sleeves by removing the sleeves and taking in the jacket at the same time, then shorten the cuff a little to take care of the hole.

If that costs too much, then sell it. I think the style is such that it should bring a good price. At lest in the states. Or do a trade with a fellow lunger. Bigger should get you a pretty good smaller suit.

You do like quite handsome in it, and if it is tailored to fit, it will be smashing on you.

 

[Tomasso]

Leave the sleeves how they are.

Really. I couldn't live with the hole. Not even to mention that the sleeves are way too long.

 

[Jerekson]

I really don't think that the sleeves are too long, I have most of my suits at that level regardless of whether or not it's "correct".

The damage however is a point. That would be an easy fix with a half-inch taken off.