Tailoring a full length topcoat to 3/4s

KJT · Nov 29, 2010

I bought a full length vintage cashmere topcoat on ebay recently. It cost next to nothing, and is a nice coat, so I bought it, but I was really in the market for a 3/4 length coat in the same style. Shoulders, chest, and sleeves fit well, but I'd like to see if my tailor can cut off "1/4" of the coat so hits above my knees. Anyone ever had it done? What should I anticipate in terms of cost (I'm in DC)?

It doesn't seem like it would be all that difficult, but what do I know.

Thanks!

JhwkMac · Nov 29, 2010

I considered the same for a full length missoni coat i considered buying but the only good tailor in my town charges an arm and a leg. I know for a fact tailors -can- do it though. if the coat was cheap i recommend going to a cheap tailor!

SpooPoker · Nov 29, 2010

Wouldnt the buttoning point be awkward on a shortened full length coat?

Eustace Tilley · Nov 29, 2010

Originally Posted by SpooPoker

Wouldnt the buttoning point be awkward on a shortened full length coat?

+1

cptjeff · Nov 29, 2010

Originally Posted by SpooPoker

Wouldnt the buttoning point be awkward on a shortened full length coat?

I imagine it would depend on the coat, but that's more then possible.

Chips · Nov 29, 2010

I did it to a St Andrews cashmere coat. I'm happy with it. I think it cost about $60 to have it shortened.

mhdena · Nov 29, 2010

Why not keep looking for a shorter coat and keep this one as is? One day you'll appreciate it more than you do now.

KJT · Nov 29, 2010

Originally Posted by SpooPoker

Wouldnt the buttoning point be awkward on a shortened full length coat?

Originally Posted by cptjeff

I imagine it would depend on the coat, but that's more then possible.

I'll safety pin it up to the length that I think is right and see. I don't think it will be awkward, but we'll see.

Originally Posted by mhdena

Why not keep looking for a shorter coat and keep this one as is? One day you'll appreciate it more than you do now.

I have a much nicer full length coat. I'd like this to be a more casual coat - something that I can wear with business casual, but also with jeans and a sweater.

KJT · Nov 29, 2010

Originally Posted by Chips

I did it to a St Andrews cashmere coat. I'm happy with it. I think it cost about $60 to have it shortened.

How did you choose what length to cut the jacket?

ALFAMALE · Nov 29, 2010

Ive taken 3 inches off a full length coat(so it would be a little above me knees), I paid about 40 bucks, and the outcome was spectacular. The button stance is fairly high on my coat, which is why this worked. I wouldn't try the same thing with a coat that has lower buttons or lower pockets.

ALFAMALE · Nov 29, 2010

If you can, you should post some pics of the coat, and get some opinions from the good people of style forum.

Chips · Nov 29, 2010

I had it altered to stop about one inch above the knees. Not much of an alteration ( about 3 inches ) and the buttons are still balanced. It's a raglan sleeve coat with **** pockets, so the appearance of the pockets weren't affected by the shortening.

Tailoring a full length topcoat to 3/4s

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