I got two sets of separates to wear for job interviews, one in grey and one in charcoal. The jackets are the same style, because that was the only one that pretty much worked although it was not “perfect”. I got the gray one altered and they did a good job. Then I went to get the charcoal jacket altered (shortening of the sleeves). I did not try it on as I figured they did a good job with the first one so what could go wrong.
A few weeks ago I went for a job interview and when I was putting on my jacket there were holes inside the sleeves, at the end of the sleeves, and my thumbs got tangled in them. That was not a surprise I needed on an interview day. I still wore the jacket as I was running out of time and the outside looked OK.
I took it back to the store (if I can say what store, it was Nordstrom’s) and they took it back and said they would fix it. Maybe they can fix the holes but they cut the lining too short in one of the sleeves and then they sewed a bit extra for the length. I don’t think they can fix that part.
A jacket for interviews is supposed to look professional an feel that way as well. Even if it looks good from the outside, the lining will always be wrong.
I will pick up the jacket today or on the weekend and will see how it looks and will try it on.
What would you do? Just compromise and accept if the repair is not too bad?
Or return the jacket and proceed to look for a new one? Jackets that fit right and work for interviews are not an easy find but the jacket has to make you feel your best and I don’t think a botched jacket will do that for me.
The take home message for me is to never receive an alteration without looking inside out and trying on the garment. They just made me even more discerning (like I needed that )
I am enclosing pictures of the inside of the sleeves.
In all fairness, I am very surprised that this happened at Nordstrom’s. They had done good alterations for me in the past, they shortened the sleeves of a leather jacket that has zippers and they did a perfect job.
I will appreciate your input.

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