Tailoring a leather jacket? - YouLookFab Forum

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Tailoring a leather jacket?

Janet

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Veteran

Since losing weight, I've been ruthlessly cleaning out the closet, and I've gotten rid of a huge percentage of the clothes that no longer fit my body and/or my style. I've also taken a number of things to be tailored so I can keep them.

But the items that are now giving me pause are two nice leather jackets -- one is a grey Tahari and the other is a black Bagatelle. Both were purchased last winter, so I haven't worn them a whole lot yet. When I put them on now, I can definitely tell they're roomy unless I wear multiple layers under them.

Has anyone here had leather jackets successfully taken in? I imagine it's not cheap. I got both jackets on good sales so I didn't pay a lot for them. I'm wondering if it's more worthwhile to sell them since they're in such good condition and shop for replacements.

Dressing

17 replies

Latest reply was from Isabel

DressLover

Veteran

You would probably have to find a specialty tailor/purveyor of custom made leather goods to have the alteration turn out properly. With leather, you can't undo a mistake as the leather will be permanently punctured by the stitching so you need someone with a lot of expertise. I honestly think the alteration could be over $100 a jacket, so you are likely better off selling and finding replacements.

missvee

Veteran

It's worthwhile checking with a good tailor, but I agree the cost vs. benefit might not make sense. I'd suggest you check and see what else is out there before you make the final decision.

Angie

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Fashion Stylist

It can absolutely be done! One of my clients successfully tailored two moto jackets. But it costs a pretty penny

Janet

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Veteran

Thank you, DL and missvee. I'm getting dressed for the day now and have found yet another jacket that is really too roomy. And that's layer over a dress AND a denim jacket! I'm a little surprised, actually.

I think it's a combination of going down almost two full sizes and my increasingly discerning eye. What once would have seemed acceptable no longer makes me feel fab.

Losing weight is expensive!

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Sorry, the only alterations Ive had done on leather jackets is having the sleeves shortened (cheap.) Would belting them work?

Janet

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Veteran

Angie, we posted at the same time. I'm not sure it would be worth it -- I think I'll start eyeing the newer options out in the stores now. Theree might be something out there I love more than what I currently have!

Janet

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Veteran

BM, they're not really a belting type of jacket -- one is sort of moto style, and the other zips up the front, has some nice slimming vertical detailing, and a cute little peplum detail in the back. I actually saw thst very jacket on one of the online sales sites yesterday (gilt, maybe? Or hautelook). A belt would really ruin the effect. It looked great on me a year ago! :-/

modgrl

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Veteran

Janet it sounds like you are not attached to these jackets. Tailoring them is going to be pricey, it could cost close to the price of a new jacket. I've had work done on leather and fur. I took them to a furrier to get them redone. It was expensive but I loved the pieces and never looked back. That was 10 years ago and I am still wearing my 20+year old leather blazer. You have to be really committed to the piece to make it worthwhile.

Angie

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Fashion Stylist

Yeah. Better strategy.

Suz

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Veteran

Janet, no advice, but I feel your pain. It's a nice problem to have (needing new clothes following weight loss) but at the same time, it can be really hard to part with certain pieces that used to make us feel wonderful, and you are right. It is SO expensive.

I've also had alterations done (fortunately not expensive ones) and still didn't feel as wonderful in the item because it no longer worked as well with my overall body proportions or didn't suit the direction that my style is developing. It sounds as if these jackets wouldn't be like that for you, but it's worth considering with other too-large items.

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Oh, I see! No, that wouldnt work then...I would bite the bullet and buy new ones in smaller sizes. The tailoring can be done, but as others have said it is pricey and theres always the chance it wont turn out just right....maybe go to a consignment shop or put them on eBay?

annagybe

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Veteran

I've had it done. It's very expensive. And go figure I haven't worn the pieces since. Hmmm.

rae

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Veteran

Consign/Resell and put the proceeds toward new jackets.

Janet

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Veteran

Yeah, I'm leaning toward the consign/sell and shop strategy.

Darn, a reason to go shopping.

citygirldc

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Veteran

I know what you are going through since I've lost a few pounds myself and nothing fits (that's a good thing) but now have to replace items that I love. I too bought a brown leather moto jacket from Italy and hate to let it go but it's just to big. so it sits prettily in my closet. I may have to consign it.

JennyAnne

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Veteran

I'm sure you could get an estimate of how much it would cost at a tailor. Get the estimate and then decide how much you love them.

Isabel

Veteran

I might be a little late here, but yes, a good seamstress can do anything !!! My mom has tailored leather coats for my husband and a seamstress had added a lining and fixed tattered cuffs. It is not cheap. If it is something that you absolutely love then I think that it is worth it.