Blazer Alterations: Enough Fit Improvement? - YouLookFab Forum

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Blazer Alterations: Enough Fit Improvement?

Chris987

Veteran

I have this grey herringbone blazer that I would like to wear more. It looks too boxy in the first picture, also the sleeves are too long. I wanted to wear it recently but decided against it due to the fit issues. I decided to think about alterations, and found that it has two seams in the back, on either side of the center, which makes for a pretty easy alteration to give it a slimmer fit. I took in those seams with pins and also pinned up one sleeve.

Does this improve the fit enough? Should I do more?

(I would probably wear it with straight leg jeans/pants, not the skinnies shown here)

Pic #1 is pre-pinning, 2 and 3 are after pinning

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Dressing

15 replies

Latest reply was from JAileen

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Definitely would help, Chris. Even just the sleeve adjustment. I'm not 100% sure about the need to narrow it. Admittedly I have a high tolerance for what many people call "boxy" and I tend to like my tailored fits so that they "glide" with no pulling. Buttoned, it looks like it pulls now, although I know you would not wear it that way and if it feels better pinned then absolutely do it.

Vix

Veteran

Hi Chris --

You have extra fabric even after the pinning; I'd take in a bit more and then definitely alter one way or another since you don't have to pay AND you're not wearing the current version.

Have you tried narrowing the sleeves, too? They look pretty roomy on you, and I find that often changes a fit from not-quite-right to sleeker. You may need to experiment with where to start the narrowing.

Signed, Envious of Your Sewing Skills!

chadya

Veteran

to me it depends how much would you want to invest in tailoring vs. possibly finding a new that might fit you

Chris987

Veteran

Suz, thanks, you are right that I would not wear it closed.

Vix, yes you are right, I was just trying to see if there was a fairly simple alteration that would make enough of a difference. Slimming the sleeves would not be so simple because the buttons along the hem of the sleeve are functional so I'd have to deal with that.

Yes Chadya that is definitely another option. I don't think I want to buy a new jacket like this, a bit too conservative for me although I don't mind the idea of wearing this one occasionally.

Maybe I'll do the alterations I have shown and wear it as an outdoor jacket over a heavier sweater....

Anonymous

I think the pinned body and sleeve length looks good. Re-sleeve width...what about taking the sleeve in a little bit down the front sleeve seam? I can just about see it in #3 and by using that seam you wont have to faff with buttons

Anonymous

Coming back to add that if you do use that sleeve seam you'd have to make the new stitching peter out to nothing where it joins the armhole.

Chris987

Veteran

Thanks Diane for the suggestion, I will go look at the sleeve a little more carefully, hadn't noticed exactly how the sleeve seams were set up but of course you would notice that detail being the superb seamstress that you are

Echo

Veteran

I like it with the body narrowed, but I do not think the sleeves are too long to start with. I do agree that they are a little wide, but narrowing the sleeve would take care of that without shortening. At the very least, I'd narrow the sleeve first before deciding if you want to shorten it.

Anonymous

I agree with Echo.

lpr200

Veteran

I'm just so impressed by all of you with "the tailor's eye"! It's really helpful

Chris987

Veteran

Thanks for all the thoughtful replies! I've decided I will take in the back seams and they try wearing it with the sleeves rolled for a slightly more casual look, and see how I feel about it. If I end up wearing it a lot and want to go further then I will go for sleeve alterations. If I don't end up wearing it much then I didn't invest much time.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Chris, that makes perfect sense. I often wear my sleeves scrunched or rolled and that helps to make a blazer "dressed down" enough for my casual life. I think you may enjoy it that way. It's a lovely jacket.

approprio

(website)

Veteran

I know this is not much help, but I really like it without the alterations. I like the "boyfriend" vibe, and I think you could glam it up nicely with contrasting colours and textures - over a cashmere sweater, or with a faux fur scarf if that's your thing.

Are you sure your problem is with the fit, and not with styling options?

Chris987

Veteran

Approprio that's a good question. I'm trying to wear streamlined fits and this jacket just seems too wide through the torso to me. Hence the alteration discussion.

JAileen

Veteran

I think that the jacket just needs shaping that "hints" a little more at a waist. While #2 is an improvement, #3, the unbuttoned look, still looks wide. You might need a tiny adjustment on the sides seams, only 1/2 inch (or less) on either side, tapering to nothing above and below. Definitely pin it first to see how it looks.

As to the sleeves, I would be concerned about making them too narrow to allow a sweater underneath. I do like the shorter length sleeve. I hope your adjustments work because the jacket looks like a nice quality jacket, and is a good color on you.