Can a trench be tailored up?

jenanded

I have finally found "the" perfect jacket to replace the faithful which bit the dust last trip... Colour style quality price are right and I have been looking for a long while... I guess going up a size would solve the problem but I am at the top of the size range.... While it fits, moving my arms is a little constrictive. Since I will want this for travelling I need to be ready for action. Does anyone know if or had success with tailoring to increase top of back? Being a trench with that flap thing, it might be possible to make it invisible... Any insights? Sorry I am not able to get photos of it on me...

12 years ago

Shopping

8 replies

Latest reply was from rae

Diana

Veteran

I think that shoulders/back is probably the hardest part of a trench to tailor, especially if you want to increase size rather than decrease it. When we were at the Burberry store today, the SA seemed to be fitting the coats on us for shoulders first. In the body, buttons can be moved around and things taken in if necessary, belt moved, etc. However, the shoulders are probably the most structurally complicated part of the coat. Even if there was a generous seam allowance (which I'm not sure is possible in the shoulders, because where would you hide it without getting unwanted bulk?) I suspect you can't let it out too much before the seams don't line up.

But let's hear what some of our sewing experts have to say! Most of my garment construction knowledge is based on knits so it could be different.

12 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

Feeling constricted across the shoulders in a coat would be a deal breaker for me because I can't think of any way to add width without destroying the appearance of the coat.

12 years ago

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

I'm with Gaylene. Even if you do manage to get some alteration done, sounds like you would never be able to layer freely under your trench.

12 years ago

jenanded

Veteran

weeping as its a great trench.... The shoulders are fine - its more across the top of the back back/top of arms that fit but don't give total movement nor allow for layers as you say Ornella...Diana that is good to hear that burberry tailor on lots of the elements....

12 years ago

Vildy

Veteran

Check with a tailor - there's probably a way to add a fish eye gusset under the back cape part. It could be in the form of an inverted pleat that would necessarily narrow to nothing where it begins under the collar, so as not to mess with the collar.

12 years ago

jenanded

Veteran

weeping turning to hope Vildy... thank you... ivwill report back on how it goes. jenx

12 years ago

Anonymous

I think Vildy may be right. That's probably what I would do if a customer presented this job to me.

12 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

I had the same idea as Vildy, though I am not sure I quite understand where the restriction is. Agree that the tailor will know by looking at it! And then you will know if the price is still right after an alteration.

12 years ago

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