https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coat-questions-altering-fit-length-brands Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 12:39:28 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coat-questions-altering-fit-length-brands#post-36191 Sun, 23 Nov 2008 08:02:14 +0000 BLB 36191@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the advice, ladies! It sounds like tailoring is probably not an option for me right now. </p> <p>I went out with my sister today and tried on about 30 different coats. I didn't love any of them. I'll check Winners (a Canadian chain that sounds like the equivalent of a Marshalls/TJ Maxx) and see what they have. If I don't have luck there, I'm going to go back and try on the shorter black consignment coat on Monday (if it's still there). I'll wear a skirt and see how it looks. I'd say it's around the length of this:<br /> <a href="http://shinysquirrel.typepad.com/shiny_squirrel_/images/2007/04/27/zoomdetails3php.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://shinysquirrel.typepad.c.....ls3php.jpg</a></p> <p>Or this:<br /> <a href="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p48/exquisite09/sk1.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://i125.photobucket.com/al.....09/sk1.jpg</a></p> <p>Shorter than a pea coat, but longer than what I think of as "cropped." There is a waist belt.</p> <p>Nicole, I am near the US border. I may make a trip to Seattle after Christmas if I have no luck before then. The Canadian dollar is now worth less than the US one, but it might still be worth a try. I've put "contributions to the Coat Fund" on my Christmas list, so I might have more wiggle room by then! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coat-questions-altering-fit-length-brands#post-36076 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 14:07:11 +0000 Nicole 36076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>BLB, Are you close to the US border? Your CA money will go a lot farther in the US. (Unfortunately for us, but fortunate for you!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coat-questions-altering-fit-length-brands#post-36074 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 13:54:06 +0000 shiny 36074@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Does the $75 include cost to tailor?</p> <p>Tailoring prices are all over the map. Before buying, I'd find a tailor and talk to them about their prices, and what can be done, and how much they charge. The usual advice is that as long as the coat fits in the shoulders, you can get the rest tailored. </p> <p>However, my tailor told me she can do "anything" - including tailoring a coat that's too big in the shoulders!! </p> <p>Last time I was in picking up my jacket, she was in process of doing just that for another client, who has similar issue that I do: if it fits in the shoulder, it may be a tad too tight in chest/waist area. For me, a simple fix might be moving buttons. But this client buys one size up - to fit her chest - then has the shoulders taken in. My tailor told me this is a very expensive alteration, quite tricky and best to avoid if possible, but she knows how to do it. (She originally came from a country where all clothing is custom-made, so she can do that too). </p> <p>I should think taking a coat in at the waist should be fairly simple and straightforward - if all you need is to have the side seams taken in. </p> <p>As for buying on consignment, the shops here don't allow returns. So you need to be absolutely sure that it is tailorable without breaking your budget, before you purchase. It may be smarter to buy something on sale at regular store, then take it to the tailor. If the tailoring is too costly, you can always return the coat to the store. </p> <p>Finally, my tailor advised me that I should focus on the material more than the cut and fit. If the material is high-quality and, in case of consignment item, in great condition, then she can do virtually anything with it.... and if the material is worth it, then the cost of tailoring should be too. For example the material of my Mango coat is really NOT worth anymore than moving buttons or shortening the sleeves. But a cashmere wool coat in the right color and in excellent condition found on consignment - even if it's the wrong size - would be worth extensive alterations. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coat-questions-altering-fit-length-brands#post-36060 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 04:40:15 +0000 Anonymous 36060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The stores here are having incredible sales right now with the economy the way it is. You may be able to find a new coat for $75. I was in Nordstroms today and there were sales everywhere. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coat-questions-altering-fit-length-brands#post-36016 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:14:08 +0000 Maya 36016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Altering a coat, especially one that has a lining, would likely be incredibly labor intensive and expensive. If $75 is your budget, you'll probably end up spending more in alterations. Have you tried any that have a belted waist?</p> <p>I'm having trouble envisioning what you mean when you say "waist length." Do you just mean it's cropped? I know what you mean about wanting to avoid black. Maybe if it fits perfectly you can get a brooch or something to punch it up a bit. I think a cropped jacket is fine. Knee length doesn't look good on everyone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/coat-questions-altering-fit-length-brands#post-36014 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:08:13 +0000 BLB 36014@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm looking for a new winter coat. My budget is only around $75, which is tough, but it is what it is. I've found two beauties at local consignment stores that fit perfectly except for at the waist (too large). This seems to happen with almost every coat I try on--if the arms and shoulders fit, the waist is several inches too wide. Does anyone know if coats can be taken in at the waist, and if so, what that type of alteration would cost?</p> <p>Can you recommend any brands of coats that can be found in Canada and that would be likely to flatter an hourglass with a strong shoulder line? </p> <p>Finally, can I wear a waist-length jacket/coat with skirts? I found a nice one that fit me beautifully (Vero Moda) but it's waist-length, not knee-length. It's also black I'd really prefer red, plum, cream, grey, herringbone, tweed, teal, or purple. </p>