Irritating shoulder pads

Gigi

I just got this jacket from WHBM. I love it and it looks great on me...but I find the shoulder pads in it extremely uncomfortable, like someone has their hands on my shoulders and is pushing down. The shoulder pads are not actually all that big; I'm not sure why they're uncomfortable. Any advice? I'm assuming I can't take them out because they would ruin the fit of the jacket. Do I need to have them replaced with shoulder pads of a different material? Or should I just return the jacket?

The fit of the jacket is otherwise good, FWIW. I don't think I need a larger size. I checked the back of the jacket in the mirror, and it's not pulling, and the shoulders do not look tight.

White House Black Market

Coated Moto Jacket

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5 years ago

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12 replies

Latest reply was from RobinF

Runcarla

Veteran

I’ve removed shoulder pads before, and it has improved the fit of the garment for me. FWIW, I have broad shoulders and long arms, and removing the shoulder pads gave me extra length in the sleeves. You have to be careful about where the bust tailoring falls however.

Usually shoulder pads are held in place by two or three very thin threads. You can snip them out to audition the fit, and replace with a few stitches if you need them. Or, replace with different (smaller) shoulder pads that can be got at most sewing supply stores.

If you aren’t crafty, a tailor can advise you.

5 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

Hmm, I'm not very crafty with a needle and thread, so I'm a little worried to start snipping...but I won't lie and say that didn't occur to me!

One of the things I like about the jacket is the length, so I'm guessing I would need to replace the pads. Getting rid of them will presumalbly make the jacket longer, yes?

Maybe a trip to the tailor is in order.

5 years ago

nuancedream

Veteran

Definitely concur with Runcarla's recommendation for advice from a tailor. A reputable tailor can give you an opinion about the structure of the jacket and what you could expect it to look like without the offending shoulder pads. Good luck!

5 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Is it difficult to lift your arms?

5 years ago

cindysmith

Veteran

I have had a tailor remove shoulder pads before, with great success.

5 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

Rachy, it's not difficult to lift my arms, but it is uncomfortable because it really makes me feel the bulk of the shoulder pads. I think WHBM cut corners and used a stiff material for them. I have another jacket from WHBM that has silky shoulder pads, and those aren't nearly as irritating.

5 years ago

Marilyn

Veteran

I removed the shoulder pads on this leather jacket. I wore it for several years with them and have worn if for several years since removing them. The pads were quite sharp and structured and I felt they made my shoulders look too broad (I'm an IT). It's an old, broken in Danier jacket that I love. Black with black hardware. I wore it today, actually.

Anyway, I just opened up the lining enough so that I could reach up and snip the threads holding the pads in. Still looks great. This may not work for all garments but I think leather has enough structure on it's own.

If you love the jacket enough to put a few more dollars into it perhaps you can have a tailor replace the pads with more comfortable ones.

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by Marilyn

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5 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

Thanks for the input, Marilyn. My shoulder pads are easily snipped out, so I can remove them and then call in a tailor if the results are less than stellar. I don't mind how my shoulders look with the pads in, but I'd rather be comfortable.

I love your Danier jacket, btw. It will never go out of style!

5 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Hope you get this sorted. Fab jacket!

5 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

Well, I decided to snip them out tonight. I'd already decided to keep the jacket, so I figured the worst that happens is I have to go to a tailor to get them put back in.

After snipping, the fit of the shoulders doesn't seem to be appreciably different. I barely notice a difference in appearance. But it feels so much better, especially under a heavy coat. I think this jacket is going to be a workhorse. It's a great way to add extra interest to an outfit without adding a lot of bulk.

5 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Nice!

5 years ago

RobinF

Veteran

I was going to say take them out and if the fit is off put smaller ones back in - sounds like you have it figured out though! Glad to hear it!

5 years ago

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