Do you alter your coats? - YouLookFab Forum

Two years ago I ordered this coat. I'm wondering if I should get it altered to a smaller size before investing in another coat? (Especially since I always seem to go for the same look.) I hate it when coats feel stiff in the upper arms/shoulder area and this one has just the right amount of room, however I would really like to avoid looking sloppy. I'm still learning and advice would be greatly appreciated! I went with the smaller of the two sizes I generally go for (I am in between a 6 and 8, this is a 6.) Here is a photo of the coat on me vs the one on the model. There is another black coat I am in love with that just went on sale, but it's still expensive and I'm wondering if they are too similar that I should just get this one altered or should I get the new one and enjoy both the way they are? The third photo is the new coat I'm looking at (Valentino) I really need to get over my classic coat obsession so I can move on to building other essentials. TIA!

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8 years ago

Echo

Veteran

Hmm, in comparison to the model, the stance of the jacket begins much further below the bust on you. It looks too big (with the exception of the length of the sleeve). The new coat you are looking at looks almost identical to the one you have, so I wonder if the new coat is the "Holy Grail" of coats for you, or simply whether the one you have isn't tailored enough. Consider that before you go to buy another...

Jenni NZ

I thought the new coat was the same coat, just looking at the photos before reading properly. I think the one you have looks too big on you.

Katie ryan

Active Member

I will try to find a good tailor. Thank you for the replies.

Anonymous

The coats look very much alike. It would not hurt to take the coat you own to at least a couple of tailors to see what could be done for the coat to fit you. You might show them rpthe photo on the model and the Valentino coat so that they know what your expectations are.

Thank you Joy!

karen13

Would the coat you might alter allow an additional button above the current 3 (depend on cut of lapels)? Maybe experiment with pinning it to see if it looks good. I like the higher stance on the model, but it might too high with an additional button?

Elle

I only do minimal alterations on coats - shortening sleeves or moving buttons. Otherwise, the cost can get too expensive. So I second the recommendation to get different estimates.

This coat is more of a cocoon style and the one you have pictured is a more tailored menswear style. I like both but if you are wanting a tailored coat, you might need to get a different coat rather than alter.

Thanks for the response Elle! I am not necessarily looking for a slim fitting coat. I just would like to make sure the coat I chose was chosen "on purpose" instead of looking like I chose a poor fit. I actually love the over sized look. I would still like to someday get the Valentino coat, but I would like to make sure the clothing I already have fits me. My rule is if I don't wear it, get rid of it. I really try to choose clothing carefully so that I will wear the pieces for a long time. I have always heard that you should get clothing tailored, because everyone is different. I just want to be confident in adding my future items to my wardrobe. Working out helps so I'm working on that part as well! Thanks again everyone for the advice.

Gaylene

I frequently get items tailored, especially jackets and coats, if the item is of good quality. Narrowing sleeves; adjusting sleeve length, waists, hips, and hems; and changing buttons are relatively easy alterations and can make a big difference in my enjoyment. I'd be a bit more careful of adjusting shoulders and bust areas because they can be trickier. But a good tailor will tell you if something is harder to do or might not be worth the expense.

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