Full Tailor's Sleeve Shorting Tutorial | How to Properly Shorten your Sleeves

Bear with this video and its length. But the goal here was to make a video that covers every aspect of the processes. Even so, you may have a few questions so feel free to reach out wherever is most comfortable for you!
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[@jotacalvo]

Excellent video! As a short male (5'3") I’ve never, ever bought a suit that didn’t need hemmed. Just started sewing, so this will be a great help to me when I’m brave enough to tackle it. Thanks!

[@bakermario7339]

i know Im asking randomly but does anyone know of a way to get back into an instagram account..? I was stupid lost my login password. I love any help you can give me!

[@koleterrell2171]

@Baker Mario Instablaster ;)

[@bakermario7339]

@Kole Terrell thanks so much for your reply. I found the site on google and I'm in the hacking process atm. Seems to take a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@bakermario7339]

@Kole Terrell it worked and I finally got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thank you so much, you really help me out!

[@koleterrell2171]

@Baker Mario You are welcome :)

[@YSmommy]

I'm a self taught tailor and your videos are the best help. LOVE THEM thank you

[@AspiringGent]

You are so welcome!

[@mauidiver21]

This is excellent. I have been learning how to do my own alterations for a little while, but I haven't been able to find a really good resource for jacket sleeves until now. I tried it once on a coat I bought at a thrift store just to practice on, and I got stuck at some point. I'll have to go try again now. Thank you!

[@ejm6122]

Another excellent topic for every gentleman to be fully informed of. Especially if you aren't interested in self tailoring because even man needs to be confident in his taylors skillset.

[@jooniordo5173]

Thank you so much. This video has helped me so much even for someone who went to design school! I’ve never worked on a suit but your simple explanations really helped me complete (as you said) one of the hardest alterations on a garment. Thank you again😊

[@lindalilly5086]

Thank you so much for this video you have done an excellent job at explaining. I'm 61 years old and and I have learned this from you. Been sewing all my life but just recently got into taking up jackets you know jackets . Because I'm 61 I have to come and watch it again and again so thank you very much

[@ajsissenstein]

Hey man, I just found your page and wanted to say I'm loving your content. Keep up the great work!

[@linsimpson5916]

So very glad I have found your videos! I'm a part time seamstress and have been making my own and family's clothes for over 40 years. Just recently I've started to do alterations for customers (just simple basic stuff), but current customer needed men's suit altered too. Your videos have saved me so much frustration and angst doing these alterations. The suit came out perfect, customer was very happy and I'm breathing a sigh of relief! Now I want to hit the thrift stores for some suits to practice more of your tutorials!

[@GentStyle]

Fantastic video! I tried doing this about 2 months ago, it looked good on the outside as far as keeping the original look but the lining was done up ghetto 😂 after seeing this I know how to do that part next time. Thanks!

[@tommywright-field5577]

Excellent content! I started tailoring my clothes - wish I would have had these at the time. GOOD JOB 👍🏽

[@shameekmiller4251]

great video, this was easy to understand, keep the tutorial coming!

[@kathleenquinn6174]

Excellent instructions. Your directions are very clear. Thank you for the step by step tutelage.

[@valeriecutler3671]

You are so brilliant you have just saved my sanity. Something you did was so expertly shown and easy to understand. Thank you so very much.

[@LeftyLeoLaura]

Thank you for this video. I make my own clothes and a friend just asked me to shorten sleeves on her husband’s blazer. I took on the challenge not knowing if I could actually tackle it, but this video will definitely help!

[@laurabrand3007]

Thanks so much for this, I've been able to alter my partner's new suit for him ready for attending a friend's wedding and it looks just as good. Really helpful and clear!

[@hawjfamily321]

That was amazing. Best tutorial I've seen.

[@Rachaelloper]

Wowww! Good job explaining this! 👏

[@nancysaggio4587]

I can not thank you enough for these videos. They are very detailed and easy to understand.

[@donnagould4870]

Thank you! This was exactly what I needed to see. I learned how to do this 25 years ago but had forgotten many of the steps. Thanks for a great, Easy to follow resource!

[@YahuahLives]

You are so clear!! Thank you!!

[@OttawaInHD]

Your videos are getting better and better. Keep up the good work.

[@ejm6122]

I totally agree, you were obviously a talented Taylor but you have become a man to be listened to simply because he is an authority in your field. Can't wait to see you become a leader on KZbin. Impressive display of mastery of style!

[@yiayia1071]

Great video. Thank you. Now, I can tackle my sleeves.

[@sandykay6067]

WOWZERS! You really rocked it here. Thank you. I especially like not doing the mitered corners. Great kob.

[@sandykay6067]

Great Job!

[@jamesbrown8766]

Great video! I have a Harris Tweed jacket I got at the thrift store that needs sleeves shortened. Otherwise, it fits well. Although I’ve never tailored sleeves before, I feel confident I can make this gem of a jacket look like it was made for me. Thanks!

[@usewnsew1]

Excellent tutorial. Thank you, it was exactly what I needed!🙌

[@AspiringGent]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tubagal]

Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

[@AspiringGent]

Glad I could help!

[@kira_death_god]

Need more stuff bro! Love it! Teach us everything

[@valeriecutler3671]

Very good tutorial so informative. Thank you

[@pennycoleman9908]

Thank you very much. Very well done and I feel I can do this.

[@StormChasingNinja]

As a bridal seamstress I’m here early morning trying to expand my knowledge to suit jackets. Literally the one thing I don’t know how to alter. This video is so helpful!

[@ailiyahm.espinosa4281]

Very helpful video. Thank you so much. I just had a suit jacket dropped off by a coworker (from my day job) to shorten so he can wear it to a wedding in 2 days 🤦🏽‍♀️ But it will probably only take half a day now that I’ve seen this video 😁 Much appreciated!

[@theowoo]

Hi, thanks for the tutorials! Super helpful! Is it possible to go further up with the placket using the method you demonstrated in shortening the sleeves of a dress shirt? The triangle of the placket meets the narrower seem at 9 cm from the end of the sleeve, but I want to shorten the sleeve by ideally 8 cm (or 7 cm if 8 is not possible). What would be your advice?

[@glennhynes5263]

Love this difficult to find content. Thanks

[@BelgraphicaStudio]

I am a professional bridal seamstress who has started doing men's alts as well. This video and the one about shortening/lengthening shirt cuffs are about the clearest ones I have ever seen. Thank yo so much for this!

[@StormChasingNinja]

Hey I’m in the exact same spot! I’m also a bridal seamstress trying to learn men’s tailoring. Suit jackets is literally the only thing I can’t do. I know how to do pants. Just not jackets.

[@BelgraphicaStudio]

check out George the Tailor- his video on suit jackets if very clear@@StormChasingNinja

[@daydreambeliever6603]

Thank you so much. You have saved me!

[@guitarz6562]

Thanks so much for the awesome video! I’ve watched others and they get into doing it the professional way with all of the miters, etc. and it’s just way too hard for me to figure out. Your video is made for people like me who don’t know much about sewing at all. I did get a little lost on the part right after you sew the button side of the placket together. I can’t tell which way you have the sleeve turned when you’re sewing the opposite side so I’m not sure how to sew it. If you can explain which way you have tge sleeve turned it would be easier to follow. I feel like I should understand but for some reason I just can’t tell which way you have it turned. Other than that everything is excellent in your explanations. Thanks so much for the tutorial!

[@tuxedosbymike2784]

Thank you 🙏 The best explanation

[@waic1639]

Ty for the video, I got some suit sleeves to shorten!

[@johng1097]

Great info !

[@eileenturner9932]

Fabulous video thank you x

[@omarcorres7687]

watched this vid like 15 times but definitely helped me tailor my sleeves and they look great! thanks!!

[@rachelanderson2665]

Awesome I'm a fashion designer seamstress and and learning more about taloring, mitered edges and for the first time altering blazer sleeve. So thanks now I will try this from beginning to end. I have an interview at Nordstrom for a seamstress position. Thanks you are amazing at showing a how to. CHEZ RAZ fashion for Life.

[@bjornpersson1172]

Thanks Louis! No need to apologize about the length of the video. People have no patience nowadays. Excellent advice! I feel it's a little different to sew in the buttons when the jacket is already sealed. The linked video adds no information about that. However, I am thrilled to have come that far! Also, I don't get how you sew all the way around when fastening the lining.

[@heidimoore4209]

Thank you. Great information.

[@maryayres2417]

Beautiful work.

[@AspiringGent]

Thank you very much!

[@ninjadudeofficial]

Really funny start watching you use the length from the thumb guide, which honestly I was never a fan of and always compared to the shirt sleeve or the wrist bone. And good job too, because the problem for me is that there's already only about 4-4.5 inches between my thumb and sleeve length. Admittedly, not the smallest hands but not absurdly large either. Either way I really appreciate your guides especially since I already have plenty of knowledge and experience in how it should fit

[@j.davis1007]

Finally got out of my comfort zone and spent some serious money on two mid level suits. Had the sleeves shortened and the tailor cut corners. He basically skipped the flap portion at the bottom of the sleeve and just sewed opening together. 🤦🏾‍♂️I’m big on convenience and this guy is right around the corner but I’ll be looking elsewhere for future alterations. Enjoyed your video

[@leechan9255]

You are amazing bro tnx so much

[@MariaRamirez-id2hu]

I just loved loved this video. You explain it so well. I haven't seen anybody take the time you took to do this video. I mean everyone just rushes through, not giving us a chance to really see or follow you throughout the video. Please continue what you're doing and how you're doing it. SATXNana 01/15/2021

[@katysimon2407]

Good job 👍🏻

[@manayb8050]

Hi, i need to shorten my son’s suit jacket sleeves but i would need to cut 3 inches and it will remove 3/4 part of the placket. What do i do? Do i need to make a new placket? Is it easy to do it? Thank you so much 🙏

[@callistaorme280]

Is it possible to shorten a suit sleeve past the existing placket? I have a customer who is needing more than six inches removed from the sleeve which will go beyond the existing placket. What would be your recommendation for this?

[@bridgettebaar5437]

Excellent video! I am not a fan of altering any men's garments. I stick to bridal and the ladies. I have to say that your video was easy to follow. Sleeves can be so tricky. With your video I landed a beautifully altered suit. I appreciate your skill and passion for your talent. thank you.

[@AspiringGent]

Thats wonderful to hear! I'm so glad my videos can help. Let me know if there is anything else you'd like to learn.

[@NatalieStile]

My brother fits perfectly into a suit jacket size 52 regular fit. Except for the sleeves, which need to be shortened drastically. Is it practicable & even perhaps easier to take the same suit jacket in short size 26 and taper the larger "belly" cut?

[@AspiringGent]

If you're deciding on taking in the sides over the sleeves it's always easier to do the sides.

[@danieldonoghue8722]

lifesaver

[@Revadiva11]

Thanks so much did you make that flat thing you put inside to iron on is there a tutorial for that

[@AspiringGent]

We can try and put something together

[@glendaphillips-hickman2376]

Thanks!

[@AspiringGent]

It’s our pleasure!

[@sophiecouturiaux3805]

Thank you so much for your excellent video, it helps me a lot ! Greetings from Belgium :)

[@AspiringGent]

Glad it helped!

[@briancobbold5021]

Could you not pull the sleeve through the jacket, take a military tunic with a aleeve pattern. Un pick it from the join at the sleeve top/shoulder, then shorten it from that end?.

[@mokwit]

Hi, I'm looking at a high end Jacket on ebay with the buttons cut (working) Sleeve is 26 1/2 inch and needs to be 25 1/2. The buttonholes are far enough from the sleeve that I suspect 1/2 inch is possible but at 26" I will still look like I am wearing my older brothers jacket. Any pro tricks or nothing to be done with cut buttons? Putting a strip of material over the buttons is not an acceptable option.

[@loewesandberg5033]

I have a smoking jacket, which needs to be ready in two days for the Don Giovanni Opera. Hope this will work.

[@TheFatSonny]

I just bought two new suits online. They hemmed the pants. Thought I MIGHT could do the jacket cuffs. Looks way too complicated. What does this cost to have done? If I can find someone to do it.

[@ffjokere3]

Question: when you lay out the placket, could you just make functioning buttons and button holes at that point?

[@nicholasscoville839]

Yeah, this is what I do.

[@AspiringGent]

Yes you can!

[@relaxrelax981]

Hello, perhaps you can advise me on a problem I have had a few times. The top vent is not sitting flat on the bottom vent. There is a fold of material about 1 cm next to the 3rd button up from the cuff. What am I doing wrong and what can I do to fix it? Thank you for any help you can offer

[@AspiringGent]

Im having trouble with this. can you send me a pic? [phone]

[@inapowell8205]

Thaaaankk yoouuu!!!!!!

[@relaxrelax981]

Hello, great video. I have a problem possibly others are having as well. I need to shorten the sleeves on most jackets. I am 5,7 with a 42' chest. All the jackets I have need to have a few inches off the sleeve. This is leaving me with hardly any placket to no placket to play with. This means that the mitre hardly exists and the mitre corner is usually sticking out to the side. Is it possible to shorten the sleeve length from the join by the shoulder instead? Please advise on what is the best thing to do. A video would be great. Thank you

[@AspiringGent]

In that case you want to make a new placket. A great idea for another video!

[@relaxrelax981]

@@AspiringGent How the heck would I do that? It surely is a problem shortish armed guys are having.

[@schwjenn]

Excellent video! Question, is there an EASY way to get out the stitching from those fake button holes?

[@AspiringGent]

yes and no. Some sleeves can be done fast but others can't and require one-on-one time with a seam ripper lol. But for the others you can usually find the right thread towards where the button sits and it all comes out easily.

[@schwjenn]

@@AspiringGent thank you so much. I have a 10 needle Embroidry machine and after I posted the question it dawned on me to use my little battery operated seam ripper. Just make sure you have a solid surface under the fabric.

[@siuhoihui1040]

can you make a video where is shortening a surgeon cuff please

[@DavAAAAAA]

What brand of interface tape did you use? Do they sell it on Amazon?

[@AspiringGent]

Yes they do. But I buy from wawak.com

[@terrijimenez3729]

Great skill teaching. Clear language, slow and close enough to see and do. Thanks!

[@rachaelellingston9740]

This was a lifesaver. Thank you! Keep the videos coming.

[@LoreneHaynes-lm1jp]

How can I save this video

[@relaxrelax981]

Hello Lewis, can you tell me please which interfacing you use. Which companies you recommend. Thank you.

[@AspiringGent]

I use wawak.com

[@relaxrelax981]

Ok, great. Thank you for replying

[@glendaphillips-hickman2376]

I did a lousy job on a guy's tux. The fabric was also cheap and the old threads from the original button holes still showed my handwork wasn't the best as I was really rushed. He wore it anyway and returned it with no problems as he knew that I did not really have a lot of time and there were gussets also to put under the arms sleeves as these new suits don't give a guy with muscles under his arms any extra fabric or room. Anyway, I am restarting with you as my guide, thanks. Next problem I also had the wrong type of interfacing, as the one I had you could not use steam from the iron. What type of inter-facing should I use on a medium-weight/lightweight tux? About how much should I be charging? I am on my way again with time, Glenda on the Hills of Candor

[@AspiringGent]

You should never feel rushed tailoring, it is about doing it right not quickly. For price it all depends on where you live and the cost of services in your area but bottom price should be $30-$35 and go up depending on your skill and work load. Here are is some interfacing options for you www.wawak.com/garment-construction/interfacing/?Product+Type=Fusible+Interfacing+Narrow+Rolls

[@glendaphillips-hickman2376]

@@AspiringGent Thanks, You use WaWak I live a county over from this company I wish there was a tailoring school close by. You are great. Glenda

[@ejm6122]

Hey buddy, I went to play your latest post about Tailoring the seat of our trousers and the video was removed by you. I was hoping that you would reload the post???

[@AspiringGent]

Ej M should be up!

[@ejm6122]

@@AspiringGent I appreciate it, it actually popped up the following day. Thank you for touching base and creating the content!

[@doodlezzable]

What about a jacket with functional buttonholes?

[@dreamonrockon1216]

Hello，which price range of sewing machine could do this? The cheap one could do it?

[@AspiringGent]

Eugene de rock yeah I’d say just about any machine could do it. Just have a decent needle.

[@dreamonrockon1216]

Aspiring Gent thank you, your video will save me lots of money if I do it correctly!

[@tailors7949]

Best.

[@Nickporter17]

Thanks so much! I really need to get a few thrift store jackets and go through these tutorials. Unfortunately in southern California it's hard to find quality jackets cuz everyone dresses like a slob! 😂

[@MrRocky7882]

You forgot to make the buttonholes. It was faster to do the shortening from the top of the shoulders so you had the original buttonholes as they were made from the factory.

[@SuperNeo005]

How do you learn all these?

[@AspiringGent]

Lots of practice 👍🏻

[@EagleKeeper86]

Yup that settles it, 60 dollars well spent in my book.

[@l.a.7990]

❣️❣️👍

[@karynsarbach1570]

I liked your video......just one thing....you don't mention about lining length. If I have to shorten sleeve by 2 inches, how much do I take off lining? I have taken 2 inches off jacket and 2 inches off lining and lining ends up too long?

[@AspiringGent]

When you turn up the sleeves to it’s finish length and press it pull the lining out of the bottom of the sleeve. With everything laying flat the lining should only come out 1 inch from the sleeve opening. Any questions?

[@neffrahcs]

@@AspiringGent I agree with Karyn. Still it's not clear instruction with the written word. I wish you would have shown what to do with the lining in the video. From Aspiring Gent reply, it doesn't read that you cut the lining at all?

[@waldensiansylph4869]

Cut some of the lining

[@karynsarbach1570]

Thank you for your reply Aspiring Gent, yes taking extra off the lining works! Great video, easy to follow, great to get feedback, love your work. Kx

[@marymagdalene3004]

Why not show us how to do the mitred finish? There was so much detail otherwise I would have expected that the mitre would be included. That really is the most complicated thing to do so, for me, would have appreciated that inclusion.

[@AspiringGent]

I normally don’t do the mitered finish. And with the video already being so long I was planning on making it it’s own video.

[@sourivongkhemphet5252]

👍👍👍🙏💕❤️💐

[@chucks2018]

Might be easier to take in at the shoulder.

[@AspiringGent]

if you have functioning button holes but with fake ones this goes way faster!

[@EasternElectric2012]

Ya, I’ll just pay the tailor thanks

[@speedingpenguin]

15:51 _You should probably see a doctor about that..._

[@wdiddy1]

Not sure this is the proper way, no miter??

[@sunhuizart3821]

It's really confusing how you keep rotating and flipping the jacket with jump cuts. I had to rewatch every segment 10+ times looking for visual clues to tell which part of the jacket I was supposed to be working on. In future I think it would be a good idea to clarify which part you're working on in each video cut

[@AspiringGent]

Love this idea! this video is due for an update.

[@sunhuizart3821]

@@AspiringGent Always good to seek improvement. I apologize if my comment was a bit rough, I was frustrated at the time of writing it as I had made a few mistakes, but I got the jacket done in the end.

[@oyesimon8112]

Enough with saying professionally done

[@sewwhatseamstress9076]

A really good video with a ton of information. The only thing I would suggest is have a LEFT HANDED person do the video WITH you on your videos. I did NOT get any of the part where your were making the placket because of the angle of your hands and you don't say which sleeve YOU are shortening. I am TOTALLY LEFTY and not being able to see the angle from the perspective of a left handed person is a disadvantage. Example - my grandmother was all the time making beautiful hand made crocheted afghans and baby blankets . When told her I wanted her to teach ME, she sighed and said, "and you are left handed, too". It took her quite a while to figure out the only way I would be able to learn what she did, a RIGHT HANDED person, was for her to be my "mirror" and sit directly in front of me. Something to think about because there are a LOT OF LEFTIES IN GEORGIA! Since she taught me over 50+ years ago I now know if a RIGHTY wanted to learn all I had to do is what she did! Be A MIRROR!

[@disturbed4ever2]

Shart arp

[@sewwhatseamstress9076]

Not sure what comment meant, but video was very informative

[@erdnaavaip]

Nooooooo! This is not the right way to shorten a blazer's sleeve.

[@rodboggess]

Just a wee bit of constructive criticism on making video tutorials. I know why I'm here, so you don't have to spend so much time telling me why I am. It doesn't really matter much why I will "frequently find it necessary" to do this. Again, I know why I'm here, so you don't have to tell me. I've hit the forward button four times now, and we're still discussing why I'm here. If this were a paper you're submitting (or a video you're submitting) for a college class, then this type of introduction is expected. In the real world, you will never be able to guess all the reasons someone may want to take up a jacket sleeve, and people that want to take up a sleeve, don't want to be told why they're taking up a jacket sleeve. We just want to know how to do it. So, if this intro helps you get the words flowing, then by all means, record it. But when you edit it before posting, consider, "How will it be viewed by someone coming here?" I did a search on how to take up a sleeve because "reasons". You can definitely skip the part where you tell me why this is common. Instead, tell us (preferably while you're working) why /you/ are taking up the sleeve you're showing us on. That said, I want to make sure to thank you from the bottom of my heart for making this video. At 57, I /desperately/ need to take up my sleeves so I don't feel like a 6 year old who dressed up in his daddy's clothes.

[@CaptPoco]

Yeah, this video is great and in-depth but MAN does this guy like hearing the sound of his voice. I had to run it at 2x speed to cut down on the babbling but then the actual parts where he's doing stuff are too fast...

[@amersadik3926]

It’s too complicated!

[@doinadoina5923]

Not exactly profesionall. U must cut also up

[@rosalourenco805]

Well...the sleeve looks weird with the buttons sewn in without the button holes...if it is a truly proper "professional" job, why not make new buttonholes? Any good sewing machine has that function! For me, if you're not going to bother to replace the buttonholes, best not sew the buttons back on, leave them out.

[@AspiringGent]

No no! Unless you have a tux you got to put the buttons back on. I leave the button holes off because in most cases its not worth it and more and more suits are coming without them anyways.

[@marymagdalene3004]

Irritating!

[@steelflex]

Slow down. Move less.