The problem with buying jackets online

[Alon]

I've seen several jackets on eBay and elsewhere I'd love to have but I'm always weary because I prefer my jackets to have a cut that gets tighter around the waist, highlighting the natural shape of the body, rather than the usual straight cut. What sort of information can I look for in an item description to learn if its the sort of jacket I'm looking for if the photos aren't revealing enough?

I hope this illustrates my point:

Here's a typical off the rack sports jacket, without the thinner waist. This is what I'm trying to avoid. But often it's difficult to tell from photos how the jacket is cut.

 

[Bird's One View]

An alterations tailor can shape the waist to your liking. By the way, the jacket in the picture looks too large in every way (including length, although this is hard to say for sure without a full body shot), not just in the waist.

 

[CharlestonBows]

Ditto ^^.

When looking at a jacket -- and this goes for in the store too -- you want it to fit your chest & shoulders. Pretty much everything else can be addressed by alterations.

What you're looking for (if I'm understanding you) is the jacket waist. Drops from chest to waist are pretty standard. But bear in mind that if you're a really athletic build, like a swimmer with a 44 chest and a 33 waist, it's going to be hard to get a close fit off the internet.

But generally, any tailor can give you the taper and waist suppression you want.

 

[funneman]

Don't feel bad.

I bought a suit with a jacket that fits me just like that one, right off the rack. I let my father-in-law talk me into it. :rage:

Yours looks like it fits you in the shoulders. But it looks like you got a LONG when you should have gotten a REGULAR?

 

[Bird's One View]

Yours looks like it fits you in the shoulders.

Again, it is hard to say for sure by looking at one photo, but I think the jacket does not fit the shoulders. One sleeve hangs much lower than the other. This could be because one sleeve is much longer than the other; or the guy could have one arm much longer than the other ... but the more likely explanation is that the jacket is too wide in the shoulders and is off-center on the body. Note how loose the low sleeve appears along its outer edge, as if the fabric just hangs straight down from the shoulder pad.

 

[Alon]

That photo is not of me, it's just one I found online that illustrates my point.

Are alterations to jackets generally expensive? Where do they range at your average tailor?

 

[Tomasso]

Are alterations to jackets generally expensive? Where do they range at your average tailor?

Alteration costs will vary depending on the amount of work needed to make the jacket fit properly. The geographic location and expertise of the tailor can affect pricing as well.

Here is a relatively recent (2yrs) price list from the Polo Mansion in NYC. The numbers in the right hand column (Sale Price) are pretty much market prices. Magnification may come in handy.

 

[GWD]

This Jacket was an ebay find a Hart Schaffner & Marx for $40.00 it's a 48 long with a single vent. I had it altered to fit which involved closing the vent and bringing in the sides. It cost $190.00 to have it done. Still not a bad price and it fits like it was made for me.