New (to me) Himel Bros/Goodwear Californian

[bretron]

Just don't go with the low ball bid my guess is a reputable leather jacket specialist/tailor wouldn't touch the cuffs apart form temporarily removing them to trim up the sleeve. I've seen bad things happen when sleeves are altered by JUST altering the cuff

 

[Monitor]

I may have the sleeves shortened, but am wondering how that would work with the cuff cinches. Might throw off the proportions and/or functionality of the cinches. I'll think about it. I may also just live with them the way they are...

You're right...

Leave them. The sleeves might pick up a few more creases anyway so it will be good.

 

[Carlos840]

I might go against the grain here, but to me this jacket is a size too large...
It doesn't fit you badly, but i think you would have a much nice/neater fit in a size 42.
The stomach area isn't bad, but the back and shoulders are too large, and the sleeves appear very baggy.

I know it's a personal thing, and some people like a slightly oversized fit, but IMO you would look much better in a size smaller.

Regarding the sleeves, in my experience shrinkage will never make up for that much extra length.
With very thick leather (aero styl FQHH) you might lose an inch or so, but with thinner leather like Shinki i don't see it happening, at least it hasn't on any of my jackets.

Regarding length, i think body length is good and doesn't need adding, and i would remove 1" to 2" from the sleeves.

 

[handymike]

You might contact Himel Bros to ask about the alterations.

 

[Cooperson]

I've always loved the Ventura and I agree with the majority, it just needs the sleeves shortening. It's a beauty!

 

[Sloan1874]

Lovely jacket, great colour.

 

[Gav]

I agree with Carlos. Certainly would need sleeves shortened. I couldn't live with them that long if it were me.

 

[Monitor]

The sleeves could be shortened by moving the whole panel with the cuff straps up. That way neither the proportion nor the functionality of the cuffs would be compromised. I think...

 

[lina]

Wrote to John Chapman at Goodwear and got some very good, concrete advice on how the cuff alterations should be done, and who I might send it to in order to get them done. What a nice guy he is...

 

[Monitor]

Wrote to John Chapman at Goodwear and got some very good, concrete advice on how the cuff alterations should be done, and who I might send it to in order to get them done. What a nice guy he is...

I'm genuinely curious - how?

 

[Sloan1874]

I'd be tempted to remove the arms, shorten them, and then replace.

 

[Monitor]

I'd be tempted to remove the arms, shorten them, and then replace.

The arms tend to taper straight away so then they would have to open and restitch the front and back panel as well in order to avoid bunching. At least that's what I have been told...

 

[Carlos840]

The arms tend to taper straight away so then they would have to open and restitch the front and back panel as well in order to avoid bunching. At least that's what I have been told...

That's the way it was done on the two jackets i had altered.

 

[Fanch]

Lina, your arms need to grow another 1 1/2 to 2 inches to reach my length. Right now your new Himel Ventura probably would fit me better than you.

 

[lina]

I'm genuinely curious - how?

"The trick to make a sleeve like that shorter is this:

* open both long seams of the sleeve about ten inches
* remove cuffs
* cut main sleeve panels down 1.5"
* taper sleeves by trimming two sleeve panels to have the same end width as when longer
* attach cuffs
* close up seams and lining ends

It's not extremely hard, nor it is really easy, as un-doing the seam sewing is really the hardest part, and will take the most time. My stitching is quite harsh and tight, and takes a long time to de-thread, but once that's done, the rest is much easier."

 

[lina]

Lina, your arms need to grow another 1 1/2 to 2 inches to reach my length. Right now your new Himel Ventura probably would fit me better than you.

No doubt! I am surprised at how long they are making the sleeves on these. I guess they are basically custom making them for you..!

 

[Sloan1874]

That's a lot of work right there.

 

[Monitor]

"The trick to make a sleeve like that shorter is this:

* open both long seams of the sleeve about ten inches
* remove cuffs
* cut main sleeve panels down 1.5"
* taper sleeves by trimming two sleeve panels to have the same end width as when longer
* attach cuffs
* close up seams and lining ends

It's not extremely hard, nor it is really easy, as un-doing the seam sewing is really the hardest part, and will take the most time. My stitching is quite harsh and tight, and takes a long time to de-thread, but once that's done, the rest is much easier."

Exactly what I thought. Thanks, man!

 

[nick123]

As much as I love jackets, I have no idea how to visualize what you guys are talking about.

 

[pauleway]

Wrote to John Chapman at Goodwear and got some very good, concrete advice on how the cuff alterations should be done, and who I might send it to in order to get them done. What a nice guy he is...

My guess is he recommended Dena at Greatleather, she just did alterations on two of my jackets and they turned out perfect!