Can I update this coat? - YouLookFab Forum

Is there any way this coat can be updated by reforming the shoulder area?

The story: I got this coat from my mom around 1992 or whereabouts. It is by Cacharel, and my mom got it on a trip abroad, so it was very special. I wore it and loved it much in the early to mid-90s. Then the shoulder line and shoulder pads began to look too big for the changing fashions and I put it at the back of my closet ever since, not having the heart to part with it.

Now, in addition to the overside shoulder area (the side and back photos show this is an all-around issue), it has another problem--it is a little misshapen from hanging in the closet for so long.

It is warm, though, and fits me well from the chest down...

Is it worth the effort and expense to change? Can it be reasonably updated?

PS. My husband had quite a laugh at the shoulder line as he was taking the pics... I had to laugh, too!

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11 years ago

Jennifer

Active Member

I wouldn't call myself an expert on these things, but it seems to me that it isn't a simple question of removing the shoulder pads. It looks to me like the armsyces would have to be re-cut in order to bring the shoulder line in better proportion to your body.
Also, maybe it is just me, but I feel like the whole coat is cut a little too low for you - i.e. the neck is too low and the buttons sit too low on your body. I want to pick up the whole coat and move it up on you. However, it seems to fit you well in the waist and hip, so I suspect it's a question of the early '90s cut. Obviously it would be tremendously expensive from a tailoring perspective to lift it as I am suggesting and probably not worth it, but if you yourself are happy with the way the coat fits (which is the important thing) other than the shoulders, it might be worth taking it to the tailor to ask about recutting the shoulder area.

Vildy

Veteran

I do this kind of thing frequently but let's hear what Diane G says. It looks like there's enough slack at the top of the arm that you wouldn't end up with a too-short sleeve.

Ah, now see I like the low button placement. I think it looks jaunty.

Echo

Aside from the shoulder issue, I very much like the style and shape of this coat. It is clearly quality, even after hanging in the back of the closet for so long. And because of its sentimental meaning, I do think it would be worth having the shoulder narrowed. It isn't a super easy fix, but it isn't out-of-the-question for a good tailor, either. And the expense shouldn't be OTT, though certainly more than most other things. I very much like the slight taper of the hem and the lower stance, the pockets and the overall shape. I think it would be worth having it altered.

crutcher

The coat is beautiful and has great lines...I would take it to a good tailor to have a look...Perhaps a little make-over wouldn't break the bank...It is definitely worth a try...
I have a lovely camel coat from my mom and I know what the sentiment means....

Deborah

It is a stunning coat and l apart from the shoulders I think it's wonderful. If you feel it is worth the investment, definitely take it to a tailor and see what they can do.

K.M.

Thank you all for the replies!

Jennifer, I did catch myself lifting the upper part of the coat as I tried it on--not so much the buttons but the neckline (mostly because I want to be protected from the cold!).

Vildy, I hadn't even thought that the sleeve might end up too short. I've never had this type of altering done before! I do like my sleeves on the long side...

Echo, yes, it's definitely very good quality! It is so warm and well made. Cacharel had a big cachet when I was growing up in Brazil. I know it's not couture, but it's probably the fanciest brand in my wardrobe.

And Echo and crutcher... yes, the sentimental value is huge, so even if I don't alter it, I'm never giving it away!

crutcher and Deborah, I'm glad that you also find the coat beautiful. I do love the lines and I think the tailoring is great other than the shoulders, which was just a fashion thing...

Thanks to all! I'll hunt for a good tailor around here and see what could be done... and by how much! (I just moved here so I still don't have a trusted place for alterations.)

unfrumped

Don't know what the tailor would say but I love long camel coats.
When you get your tailor advice, think if this is the coat you want to wear though. The low stance is fun but I'd be too cold on the very days I need a long warm coat, so I go for higher. And not double-breasted. And llant pockets for my hands!
But aside from that, with the sentimental value and if it can be made over so that it looks great on you, then it doesn't have to be your one and only coat or even your ideal coat, as it can be so fun to have it as an option, and for much less than you would pay for a new, long, fine wool coat (having recently looked at a few in stores).

Kristin L

I think it looks lovely as well. I like the idea of taking it to a tailor and seeing what he/she can do.

Style Fan

I don't know about alterations but I love the colour. I hope it works out for you. It is lovely.

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