Suit Alterations: What a Tailor Can (& Can't) Do

[@phillipmoodie9071]

Preston, back in the 1960s, when I was your age, and had my first Sales job in the emerging Computer Industry IBM and it's major competition, demanded that their Sales executives dressed to "Mirror" the dress style of the Chairman and CEO of the World largest Corporations, because in those times that's where both the evaluations and decisions were made. I could not afford to buy the number of suits required to create a credible wardrobe so I restricted my purchases to the End of Season sales, which meant that the basic alterations were not bundled into the purchase price, so I used to visit a CBD based Old-school Tailor, who one day spent twenty minutes explaining both how the retail suit sector operated and the showing me in great detail what he could alter. He pointed out to me that the ideal purchase for me was to look for premium brand/quality suits, particularly overseas imports, that were often cleared at a 50 percent discount, because the major Department Stores only carried minimum stock levels of premium brand suits. He also pointed out that often the suits discounted at End of Season sales, were often early releases of forthcoming fashion styles, which. wouldn't date as quickly as most of the suits on sale that were being cleared in volume. Using that knowledge I have spent the last 50 years wearing perfectly fitting suits of the same quality as those worn by the Prime Minister of Australia and the CEO's of the Top 20 Global Corporations, on a junior Salesman's salary. But I soon got good promotions by following the old adage ---- "Dress for the job you want, not the job you have". I wrote this lengthy comment, because I thought your very detailed presentation may benefit some young executives, in the same way that a very similar explaination given to me by a professional Tailor fifty years ago helped me to obtain the very highest level jobs in the World, in the Computer Industry and in the now rapidly changing Telecommunications industry. Phil.

[@krunoslavkovacec1842]

I always like to hear or read life stories in the comments. This one was very interesting and thank you, dear sir, for sharing. Keep safe! Cheers!

[@ubiquitouspanda4466]

Hey it sounds like you're located in Australia, like me! Do you have any tips for finding good quality suits here? I've been looking for a while and I'm losing hope

[@gentlemansgazette]

Thanks for sharing these insightful recollections, Phil! They'll certainly be helpful to many--myself included! - Preston

[@oxysoxos]

I love how much emphasis you have always put on being properly and appropriately dressed. Sounds almost suprising these days when a lot of people don't bother to put time and effort into their style and as a result often look sloppy. Thank you for taking the time to write this informative and very inspiring life story.

[@phillipmoodie9071]

@@ubiquitouspanda4466 I was in your position around Xmas 18 months ago. While I was officially retired, I was asked by the representatives of the Chinese Government to become directly involved with some high value Agribusiness projects across all States, which meant that I needed to update my entire Business wardrobe. So I headed off to the Melbourne CBD with my "Cheque Book" in my pocket, then I discovered how suddenly, and rapidly, the Men's Clothing market had collapsed nationally. While I bought a complete new wardrobe by shopping well at the numerous Closing Down Sales, that was only a temporary solution and just like you I discovered that the future appears to be based on the sale of low cost men's clothing with a one fashion season life span. But I still want to be able to create a wardrobe the equivalent of what I worn all of my business life, where my regular daily wear suits were made by Anthony Squires and my Go To --- Meetings, Court and Funerals Suits were premium quality that were not intended to be used when you were Flying a Desk. Because those new business projects have sprung wings, I have spent the last three months "Window Shopping". I found that Myer Melbourne, that in the 1970s was the third largest single site retail store in the entire World, had effectively become what Target was trying to come, before it's collapse this month, David Jones Men's Clothing Store in the CBD was sold and those Men's Clothing Stores in the Speciality Centres looked to be on the point of closing. So while all of that recent history does not address your question, that's only because the Men's Clothing Stores have totally forgotten about the basic principles of Retail Store sales. They have ignored the fact that many people like to try on new clothes and that getting a suit to fit you by buying overseas online, for business use is a perilous venture. But to give you a Broad Brush answer, my opinion is that the best Suppliers, in the current market are, in three price points; A. Every day wear -- New Zealand owned Cambridge, whose clothes are now made in Fiji, and sold by Myer. B. Premium quality business clothes -- M J Bale, who also have a custom tailored service, but I think both the style and fabric patterns are targeting a youthful market and will "date" quickly, though the manufacturing quality is the best at this price point. C. Top Bracket has two good options, particularly when they have seasonal sales. They are the Flagship store of Anthony Squires whose Collins Street Melbourne store has a very experienced Tailor and Henry Bucks. But they have just closed down the Toorak store and they may have closed in Sydney. I bought my first business clothes from Henry Bucks in 1956 and I still think that they were the best clothes that I have ever owned. So my suggestion is first go "Window Shopping" at Henry Bucks to catch up with the best available overseas imports and then look at all the options available from M J Bale. And if you just need good wearing Business clothes, just buy any of the Cambridge range that carries the full company logo, because they are now offering some lower price point clothes that are more cheaply made. So go out an enjoy some Window Shopping, but stay healthy. Phil.

[@lubricatedthimble3565]

Preston the weapon is back at it again.

[@tazzie165]

Well with a jawline as chiseled as his, he could cut straight through butter

[@BaneBalt]

I’ve recently gotten into suits, I went into a thrift store with my girlfriend and came across a black Giorgio Armani jacket that fit pretty large. I looked up the average price of Armani jackets and looked at the price tag of $25, I thought it was a steal. It was in fantastic condition. I assumed I could just get it tailored, but it’s 4 inches too long. Altering it, if possible, would throw off the jackets balance.

[@ADC96236]

That’s definitely doable, you just need to find the correct Tailor near you.

[@BasedPeter]

God-tier pick using David Byrne’s Big Suit

[@orafa.el_]

3:20 I once bought a pair of very nice unhemmed trousers, but they were medium rise, and my personal style is high rise, just as said by Preston. As there was a lot of fabric left at the bottom, I asked a seamstress to make cuffs and, with the remaining fabric, increase the crotch of the trousers without altering the waist. It turned out very good. If you want to do like so, I suggest you choose a good and experienced seamstress, but preferably a tailor, and it will work fine. But keep in mind that it will cost you time and money.

[@krunoslavkovacec1842]

Well, I can't stop watching these amazing videos. Keep going, gentlemen!

[@richardolah4363]

I bought a lovely vintage double breasted chalk stripe suit last year but the jacket was one size to big. My tailor took the jacket in to fit my torso better and also took the shoulders in. Shoulders can definitely be tailored if you have a good tailor, you just have to work out if it’s worth it due to the cost. In my case the suit cost 30 pound so I thought it was.

[@moorshound3243]

Where do you live in the UK?

[@desmondding7405]

This video is long overdue and much needed. Good work, guys.

[@nikolastepanoski8418]

Ok guys, Tailor Nick here…first of all, respect for the channel … It is VERY IMPORTANT someone to inform especially young people today about I would say kinda fashion rules invented and accepted by people thru time even though fashion doesn’t have rules, styles could be…but it’s a choice, personal preference. I’ve checked the comments here and I realized that people like to talk about styles more than how the suit fits… and that’s a mistake. As Tailors we have to know anatomy meaning some CUT is simply NOT made for everybody, people are different…also very important - people are not like the mannequins, people have to move so the garment as well. The most important is the FIT, nice expensive fabric is a maybe here…it would be nice if everybody can afford a real custom bespoke suit…. Btw, custom doesn’t mean BESPOKE, it’s kinda at least $5000 difference…these days custom means made to measure, like you can choose your colors etc. This channel is important to share info and teach and remind people that is good to be dressed well because lately many people doesn’t care. Last advice - Tailors usually doesn’t have to much time for chatting, so the best way is GO TO YOUR TAILOR and see your options, you’ll have your fitting for your suit and you’ll what is possible to be altered , is it wise to be done or not etc… I do advise my customers to come to see me even before buying a suit, ..my advice is free and we’ll have less spending money on alterations. So, learn your CUT, build your personal Style slowly and use your Tailor to pull out the best of you. Wishing you all here all the best in the future in your lifetime journey. Tailor Nick - Top Tailors USA

[@fedezzefelbudapestet6493]

Thank god my tailor was a bespoke tailor (Now too old, doesn't make them anymore,but makes alternations) and whatever I need changed in garments,he can make anything. And he is good at it. I messed with the shoulders,and everything was perfect. The finished look was perfect. And it was cheap.

[@carltrotter7622]

Just out of curiosity, do tailors make thermonuclear devices?

[@enkryptron]

I take it you haven't heard of Kingsman™?

[@ephjaymusic]

That's a brilliant question!

[@watcherwlc53]

makes me think of Garak on DS9

[@carltrotter7622]

@@watcherwlc53 just plain simple Garak…

[@thelegendofdarius]

For sure this channel deserves like a millions of subscribers

[@kentpool7414]

Preston, you excel in the area of concisely and smoothly presenting detailed information.

[@everettsalmans104]

I really enjoy these videos a lot, the are really helpful! I'm 15 years old and I've just started getting into men's wear by the end of my 14th year of life, I like to dress formally, (preferably vintage like) and watching some tips on what to wear and what doesn't look good is a great help! I own a good variety of suits and sweaters, shirts and other sorts of accessories and garments. I also never did have any square tip shoes so hearing about how they aren't attractive, has really helped me make good choices when shopping either in person or online shopping. I encourage you to keep making the great videos you all make to help others in need of what to wear to a specific event or a guide into what you should look for when you are going to buy a specific piece. Although sometimes I break the rules of fashion, I still can suit them quite well. I have a large variety of ties and silly socks I'm going to be showing my peers by the time school starts up, but if any of them need help in what to wear for an event, I will definitely reccomend your videos to help them know what looks good and what doesn't. Thank you for all that you guys do and stay safe through this whole COVID-19 time! Cheers!

[@phillipmoodie9071]

@Everett Salman's. It sounds like you have already learnt the joy of dressing in a stylish manner. It will help you get a job when the future employer has got down to a "Short List" of two remaining applicants, as long as you remembered to "Shine your shoes" for the interview. Enjoy the bright future ahead. Phil.

[@everettsalmans104]

@@phillipmoodie9071 Thank you Phil I've just always loved the vintage pictures with a lot of people dressing so nice, I love the music 1890s-1980s is only what I listen to. Just so much enjoyment in dressing up nice!

[@rlkinnard]

Very helpful; if the shoulders don't hang right, don't buy the suit. If the arms are too short, again, don't buy. Minor adjustments should be made by an experienced tailor. You need a similar one for shirts that also should be altered.

[@ardentdfender4116]

I truly find these videos fascinating as someone who enjoys classic men’s style, dressing well and good fashion. But I’ll also be honest in that I had no idea that custom trousers had extra fabric in the waistline so that they could be stretched out an extra 2-3 Inches. No idea! I have to look into this further. As well ask my tailor about this.

[@teeby123]

One of my costly mistake. I bought a 38 Chester Barrie but I’m only 36, and think it will work through alterations. After sleeves shortening, narrow the shoulder, slim down the jacket, shorten the jacket length, alter the waist and trousers length. I end up paid more than what I paid for the suits. Try to buy only what is your size, unless you get it at 10-20 per cent what it original cost.

[@phillipmoodie9071]

@teeby123. As I have not seen a Chester Barrie suit for sale in Australia for about 40 years, I don't know what the price point of the brand is. But based on historical experiences, they were stylish, well made suits that today would sell in Australia for about $A600, going on the list of alterations you had done, to a suit with a reasonable quality fabric, I suspect that you now have a suit that fits you better, and looks better, than any $1,000--1,200 OTR suit that you could have bought at the same time. It will last as long as a $1,200 suit, and look better. Phil.

[@MartinParnham]

I am having a similar issue with a vintage charcoal pinstripe Austin Reed suit I bought online. I think it’s from the 80s-90s when they were still made in Regents Street and is 100% wool in immaculate condition . It’s a 38 short and I am a 36. Fits fine through the collar and shoulders/arms but the jacket is a bit too long and the buttoning point slightly too high. Some of the issue is that the suit is just cut a bit more generously, as British suits often were in those days, but a local tailor managed to taper the trousers for me so they look much better. It’s not enough that I don’t wear it but if you look for long enough you can tell the jacket doesn’t really hug my torso as much as it should do.

[@phillipmoodie9071]

@@MartinParnham But on the other hand you have learnt a lot about the intricacies of buying and reviving vintage clothing and you have unearthed some Tailoring resources. And I am sure that the suit will give you much joy, even though it is imperfect. Phil.

[@teeby123]

@@phillipmoodie9071 Yes it fits me very well now. Your estimate is almost on point so CB is about 800 pounds retail and usually 30 percent off on sale every year. I did not felt much regrets because I see it as my beginner mistake. Ps. The reason I say not much is because I saw a huntsman 36 up for sale on ebay at 450 pounds. T T

[@iramgonzalez8358]

Well I guess this can be called early, if so what a delight to see this amazing content on time.

[@ravipeiris4388]

Love ❤️ subjects like these. The dress shirt, tie and pocket square that Preston is wearing is amazing!

[@TrailWalker03]

Great information. Details that'll save time, grief and awkwardness in conversations with your tailor.

[@shaaaairuuu]

I'm a simple girl. I see Preston, I click. 😁❤️

[@moorshound3243]

I need to start doing videos

[@majormonogram8999]

​@@moorshound3243What type of videos

[@moorshound3243]

@@majormonogram8999 well what would you like to see hehe.

[@ajx2956]

Interesting

[@Thereoncewasatv]

Who is preston

[@MaDalamery]

Rip I always wanted to resize my dad's jackets his is 54 and I wear 46 I guess the only way to wear them is to eat way more from now on

[@lewiszolna5000]

As always chaps, great video! This has been ever so helpful!

[@jazzman1626]

2:03 If a wind gets up and goes through those lapels. You could take flight. Those are wide lapels indeed!

[@sonjahickmon5203]

What a treat! I love tailoring my family's suits, and I do not do too badly. ButI have not learned how to shorten the sleeves of the suit jacket, even though I have watched videos on it. It seems beyond my understanding abilities. I thank you for the great presentation. It was very informative and professional. 👏

[@nicorusso1526]

Great content! I just graduated from college and am looking to buy a suit. This video could not have come at a better time@

[@beautifullysurprised9908]

Preston nails it again! Great job!

[@Suggestive_Carp]

Your voice is so soothing

[@thehapagirl92]

A tailor might not be able to alter your jacket but if you know how to sew then you can (couture sewing especially). My blazer is big and I need to take in the sides and sleeves and since I sew I feel more comfortable taking it in then going to a tailor. Also, it’s interesting you can go down 2 sizes. I wear a 0 or 00 in women’s clothing and often have to either take in clothes or buy from the kid’s section. I often buy from the kid’s section because at 5’3 I’m short and many women’s pants and other garments are too big on me. The kid’s section fits my thin and short body without having to hem or take in things.

[@christopheranton13]

Ethan is a great guy! I actually own 2 suits and 2 sport coats from him! All from the 1930s and 40s!

[@BadMotivator66]

I have had shoulders taken in by my local alterations tailor, so it can be done- they told me the maximum they can do is 1 inch. I lie somewhere between a 38 and 40, most jackets I come across are big in the shoulders and boxy cut, so having the waist suppressed a bit and the shoulders taken in does a lot of good. Often the arm holes are still bigger than I would like, however I think this is just how they were made ‘back then’ (I have vintage pieces from charity shops)- the fabrics are so wonderful that for me it’s worth getting them altered; I will have them for a long time

[@Ya0Yao]

Actually shoulder width and skirt shape/length can be altered but few tailors (especially in higher-wage countries) are willing to do it because that requires a lot of work. I didn't know shoulder and quarter alterations are doable until I was lucky to find capable tailors in China and the results turned out to be very satisfying. In the U.S., however, all the tailors I visited simply said NO to me. One Italian tailor agreed to shorten my jacket length. The result was mediocre and he said this job almost broke his back.

[@Andoy12]

lol lots of posturing by these tailors, i have a seamstress who knows how without all the histrionics.

[@BokuDeGallo]

Wow Preston! I just randomly stumbled on your channel. We were in G Choir together back in Gustavus, glad to see you're doing well!

[@johanjohansen7572]

I have longed for this video! And as always I am very satisfied with the amazing content you produce.

[@Andoy12]

Shoulder length on a jacket can definitely be shortened .. my seamstress knows how and doesn't make a fuss over it. nor does she charge a lot.

[@jemmanuel6674]

Yup.

[@alvinkoeswanto8622]

Thanks to this video, now I know that I can't alter my old suit because now my shoulders are a little bit wider after I workout rather regularly.

[@phillipmoodie9071]

@Alvin Koeswanto. I am sure that there are many viewers of this channel who wish that they could tell their wives that they now need to buy an entire new wardrobe, just because they were genuinely trying to improve their health. !!! Lol. Phil.

[@thehapagirl92]

7:59 No reweaver needed. Do a ladder stitch by hand. KZbin how to do it. Ladder stitching is a hand sewing technique that can’t be done on a sewing machine so all you need is thread and a hand sewing needle. The ladder stitch is easy to learn and fast to do.

[@TonyCastillo666]

I have a suit that’s super fitted, it’s 70s and it had big notch lapels. Almost overly sized. Because it didn’t have any stitching my tailor was able to cut it smaller with no problem.

[@fokkerd3red618]

This is valuable information, if you wear suits, unfortunately i just don't wear a suit anywhere, but your presentation is concise and spot on. Thank you

[@jeffhreid]

I have a velvet odd jacket that has notch lapels that I’d like to dress up as a dinner jacket. I’m thinking 💭 f having the lapels faced with satin and change the profile to peak or shawl lapels . Should be doable since the facing covers the original lapel. We’ll see how it goes

[@stylishoversixty9459]

Truly informative video lots of helpful tips certainly on what is and isn't possible when altering a suit as for the suit you are wearing in the video I would recommend having the jacket taken in at the waist shortening the sleeves the trousers length definitely should be adjusted you should also consider having the pant legs tapered from the knee down I'm not sure about the trousers at the waist didn't see much how they fit on you again thanks for sharing this video.

[@jun1217xb4]

Good to see you Preston back in the video.

[@scottcatchot1598]

you guys are helping me learn a lot, rebuiding my wardrobe and image

[@lawrencehawkins7198]

"I can no other answer give but thanks, thanks, ever thanks..." Shakespeare. I'll be hitting the tailor tomorrow!

[@claytonberg721]

one caveat. With trousers if they are pleated it's harder to taper them in, more than that the pleats won't look the same afterwards.

[@sarahhavillamelooliveira5825]

11:16 I can see you didn't grew with a sister that was a runner child. She would absolutely rip and tear clothes likecrasy and my mom wouldn't just buy new trousers every monday afther she made rags of hers. I'm quite sure I got as good at mend and repair because I would fix her stuff twice a week. At the beginning it looked not quite good, but after a while it became seamless. So yes, it can be done.

[@JoJo-xp6wr]

Is there any specific things we should say to tailors when they ask us about specifications and lengths?

[@phillipmoodie9071]

@YoussefvHEGAZY 2. If you are having the alterations done by a Tailor, not a Dressmaker, then you are dealing with someone who should be able to give you professional advice. So the first question should be "What do you think you can do to improve the fit of this suit". Then listen, because the next few questions should be based on what a professional Tailor said. Phil.

[@samle1801]

@@phillipmoodie9071 And people say choosing the right words ain't magic. Thanks you.

[@JerickTheKoa]

@@phillipmoodie9071 thanks for all the help with your comments and stuff, appreciate it.

[@ardentdfender4116]

@Phillip Moodie Those words you said are very much worth remembering in general but very much in the presence of a good tailor. Thanks so much!

[@androfanatic9548]

I make tailored garments mostly historical women's clothing Edwardian jackets are very nice but the sleeves are a nightmare there is no adjusting without ripping them out and recutting witch can take quiet a long time and be difficult so unless it's just shortening I won't do it as it would be easier to just remake the jacket. buttons are a very easy fix I do often and don't take long so changing more than 10 a button just seem strange unless it's a specific button I need to buy such as a decorative button with a uncommon design.

[@MisterRorschach90]

I want to purchase a dressing mannequin and a bunch of bargain bin suits, trousers, and dress shirts so I can teach myself from scratch the set of tailoring. Get myself a few nice sewing machines. I also want to deconstruct a bunch of different brands ranging in quality and craftsmanship so I can learn all the techniques designers and tailors use. I have a dream of making a full on 3 piece and or double breasted cable knit donegal suit. Like the material being a very tight knitted sweater/jumper style fabric. But as formal as possible.

[@tilasole3252]

6:18 what type of suit is that brownish one? The blue underneath is snazzy!

[@jamestremblett1875]

My tailor is able to take in the shoulders on jackets, even with lots of structure and padding. It's not a cheap service but the quality is impeccable, and it means I can buy jackets I wouldn't otherwise be able to purchase.

[@Ingrid0410]

Superb Preston!!!

[@sevenoranges]

I have been getting some jackets made, both odd an part of a suit, but did not realise that my request for a centre vent actually makes them look cheaper, like your video seems to imply, compared with side vents. Hmmm....

[@Hayatory]

I live in the middle of nowhere and only have 1 dry cleaner anywhere near, no tailors, I have to pretty much make alterations myself 😞 I really don't mind most sizing issues but the most common for me is long sleeves because I'm relatively short, my sleeves are normally like 22 inches from the shoulder whereas jackets in my size tend to have a 24-26 inch sleeve.

[@phillipmoodie9071]

@Dr. Pan Cakes. There are a few KZbin videos that show you how to shorten a sleeve. As a form of Mental Health therapy I have spent a lot of time during the last year buying a wide range of sports jackets from Charity Shops. Most of what I have bought is brand new that has been donated from retail stores affected by the sudden growth of online shopping. While I have exactly the same problem as you, my problem is that I have always had a 40 inch chest and a size 40R, or 40L, depending on the style would fit me off the rack. But now anyone with a 40 inch chest is 2-4 inches taller than me and all of the current fashion styles are too long in the sleeve and the placement of the sleeve buttons is often expensive to rectify. Because I am doing this for therapy, I have made some of the simpler modifications based on what I learnt from the YT videos. While I am using a Tailor to completely remove the sleeve at the shoulder, then replace it on my top quality buys, it's been both relaxing and enjoyable, tackling the simple alterations. Phil.

[@veronicianyveronica5290]

Great show Preston!

[@tulipfever8]

When he is describing what he is wearing at the end it's like watching a scene from American psycho!

[@pennylynn4299]

Hi, I would like to adapt a suit jacket for a gentleman who is a paraplegic. He would like to look good at his brother's wedding. His other modified suit jacket barely closes in the front at the top and, because of distention in his stomach (which is common in his situation) the front at the bottom really flares out. I'm able to do the sewing but am looking for solutions to this problem. Also there is a V shaped addition at the back that helps a little bit but not enough. I can take this out and close the seam up if necessary.

[@edwardhisse2687]

This channel is so amazing❤

[@SteveOnTheEastCoast]

This was a really instructive video. I'll share it with my son as well 👍🏾

[@mariobravo8253]

Such a well thought out video 📹 👏 Thank You ❗️

[@VeryBadReputation]

Saw a nice jacket yesterday. It was a grey birdseye that I was ready to buy. But me and my wife both agreed that it was almost one size up around the waist. Not front but at the sides, under the arms. Is it easy to slim it from the side seams?

[@williamcabot]

Gentlemen, I expected bold and aggressive advice. Unfortunately, we all have many questions. Let's try one: Besides personal taste, how much shirt cuff should show out of the jacket when arms are down and resting at the sides? How does this get accomplished at the tailor? Do you have the tailor "pin" the desired resting posture? Then, how much shirt cuff should show when the arms are raised or stretching out to hold something? Altering jacket cuffs is hard. You really need to make sure the tailor will give you the desired effect. A lined jacket with buttonhole sleeves is probably the most expensive alteration/tailoring work with a minimum cost, from a "good" tailor, of about $30 to $35 and up. So, if not done to your satisfaction, you may have to pay the tailor again for a better adjustment. I think you need more explanation and detail on this subject.

[@sweeper442]

Hi, seamstress here. Jacket sleeve should always rest at wrist, so very little shirt sleeve should show. And yes, on a matter of personal preference I want to see how the person moves or sits inside the garment, just to be sure that it doesn’t look strange when I pin to make alterations. (if it’s ready to wear. If it’s custom, likelihood decreases of that happening.) I also want to know what shoes they’ll wear with the suit most often, and what occasion they’ll be taking the suit most often to (event, work, dinner)

[@luciaiglesias1456]

I love this channel!

[@zoukatron]

Very nicely done. Great video.

[@alexisestrada5221]

Sir, you give me hardcore Bill Evans vibes, and that, my friend, is a compliment.

[@markmaiello9180]

A truly useful video. Very educational. Well done.

[@acealexandermccloud2024]

Answered my question! Shoulder divots. Thank you

[@mrbill780]

I would probably give up on that suit Preston. If you really like it it I would take in the center seam in the back as that can tighten up the shoulder a hair but its pretty loose.

[@aronhegedus]

Very nice video, answered all my questions!

[@jbarres80]

Had to get suit today last minute and Went to buy suit today and the guy measured me but told me they didn’t sell suit separates so I would have to bring In pants 2 sizes which I felt like wouldn’t be good idea I left store with out buying and went to Dillards and found a suit that fit better and taking it to tailors tomorrow to clean it up

[@jaimezamudiomendez9426]

También se puede reducir el ancho de la espalda. Gracias maestro Preston

[@ArseniyTestin]

Yeah, unfortunately this is beyond reality. I am in Germany and it is Impossible to repair and alter anything more complex than curtains and flip flops. So far I had three suit jackets ruined, one pair of boots destroyed and one pair of loafers that ended with a different color between them. Stellar bills and puffed cheeks to accompany all this - "We are the masters!" Now I have a lineup of jackets to tailor and shoes to repair, and am totally paralyzed by fear. If someone has ever experience at least decency (not hoping for mastery) please share the address.

[@martian9999]

ask any quality haberdasher such as Masskonfektion Jourdan in Wiesbaden, and they should be able to help you.

[@Stephen_567]

Fixing shoes almost always waste of money.

[@Kennybooy9]

We have a superb tailor. But I have to say. It’s better to have a suit taken in than let out. But the reverse with trousers in my view

[@OzymandiasRex]

If the sleeve buttons are functional, will this cause problems when altering the width of the sleeves around the biceps area?

[@ShawnsterVideos]

Excellent delivery. Thank you.

[@RichardDouglas]

Very informative, however, is there anything that can be done in terms of a waistcoat? Am assuming that shortening may be possible (depending on style).

[@rajaryansingh2519]

Love your information.

[@zulusmith]

Did I miss where you discussed the armholes? I found a fairly unique, new suit that I like, but the armholes are tight around my armpits.

[@Tomatohater64]

I always learn something new from your videos. This one was excellent.

[@andreleverettejr3747]

So usually suit jackets can fit me in the shoulders and chest but never the waist, how much can you bring in the waist before you can't do it?

[@phillipmoodie9071]

@Andre Leverette Jr. I buy a 40 Regular suit which for the 50 years I had Tailors altered to fit my 5' 10" height, 39" chest and 32" waist, without any problems. But due to some health issues, during the last 10 years, I am now wearing casual trousers made with a 34" waist. The problem is that with a bit of extra weight, I now need to buy a 42 Regular suit, which creates two problems, which are; A. It is not practical with most 42R suits to recut the pants to suit my now 34" waistline, but with some brands the jacket and pants are sold as separate items, which solves the problem. But the real problem is that nowdays a 42R suit is made for someone who is 6' 2", so the sleeves are too long and the placement of the cuff buttons means that often the only way to shorten the sleeve, is to remove it at the shoulder joint. Phil.

[@ardentdfender4116]

@@phillipmoodie9071 it’s interesting to read and learn from what you wrote, their in I learn a few things. Yet A question of curiosity as well relating to the trousers. Since your waist size went up 2” in this instance, was their any way in the waistline fabric of the trousers that it could be expanded out an extra 2”. Was that possible? Until I watched the video and Preston takes about it briefly, It wasn’t as obvious to me that dress trousers waistline do have some room where it could maybe be expanded just a little bit. Not with all trousers but often with custom bought trousers. I was aware you could take in the pants waistline, not expand it until the video. Thus my question of curiosity in your instance and to learn from. Over the years I’ve bought many dress trousers all of which were custom trousers that had to be hemmed and with elasticity in the waistline. At first they were size 33 waistline. Many those pants are of very good wool fine thread count fabric or patterns. I now of a size 36 waist and have had to buy many new trousers to fit the new waistline. I’m now also working out more to skim down a bit. Those 33 waistline trousers I still have and many I never wore at least 4 times at best. So my question of curiosity was wether it’s possible with tailoring to have the waistline of those size 33 trousers expanded in any real way. As they still hang in my closet. Slimming down I don’t know if be possible again to wear them at current waist size. But it’s a curious question in what is possible with custom bought trousers. At best, I’ll just end up donating maybe 2 dozen exceptional fine quality Wool fine thread count and patterned dress Trousers to my local Goodwill store. Including some suits that were also bought at that smaller waistline size when I also wore a 40R Jacket at 5ft 8 in height. At best maybe I ask my tailor what’s possible and go from there. Unless I actually drop 30-40 lbs slimming down and not all that easy to do.

[@dustinzozaya4144]

Tips for someone with very broad shoulders and chest? Either things fit my midsection and not my shoulders/chest or vice versa

[@ChimneySwiftFan]

Is it very possible to decrease the size of the waist of a jacket?

[@Cliffordrussellpsyc]

Raphael is wearing a suit that I love ......grey and white check do you guys sell those

[@smoodcruz]

Thank you for making this video.

[@johnsantello9731]

Can a 44 regular jacket or sport coat be altered to a 44 short?

[@oxysoxos]

Very helpful and informative video. Much to learn here. Thank you! :-)

[@TruthFLA]

What about getting more room in the bicep area?

[@BeckBeckGo]

I inherited my father’s ancient wool Hudson’s Bay coat in 2018. It’s too large for me. Trying to get this thing altered has been an exercise in futility. It’s possible it can’t be sized and proportioned to fit me.

[@mikeward1701]

What determines the number of buttons on the cuff, and why are four and three the most common?

[@noahjasgarszewski7432]

What about Armholes though? When it comes to making a higher arm hole?

[@ladydee4692]

Perfect timing, I am going to remove the padding of my tweed suit

[@phillipmoodie9071]

@Lady Dee. That's what Armani first did 40 years ago. But it's a shame to change the original shape of a tweed suit. I have a handmade one from the 1960s, that I found in a Charity Shop, along with a spare pair of trousers. The quality of the Tweed is so good that the suit will outlast me. Phil.

[@nikosspyris]

I'm guessing it's possible to reduce the perimeter of "sleeve" holes in vests, maybe an inch?

[@THEpoppaSAUCE]

I once got a vintage versace tuxedo at an antique store for $80

[@THEpoppaSAUCE]

Still need to get it altered.

[@-RONNIE]

Nice video 👏👏👏

[@redmike142]

Do you need to dry clean it before you take it in?

[@pm7775]

Top tier video, I've been looking for this type of content for ages

[@timeminecraft6019]

Possibly a stretch, but I have this morning tailcoat (and an evening tailcoat) which is pure wool but has a polyester lining. Would anyone know if it’s possible for a tailor to replace the lining in entirety with a natural fiber (cotton)?

[@deneancard7055]

How do you address the stride? I haven’t seen anyone explain it. I worked in a tailor shop and we did them.

[@simplebrownguy5675]

Late to the game in watching this great video, but is it possible to change the fabric of a jacket lapel from a fabric lapel to a Satin lapel?

[@wisconsinwoodsman1987]

What about arm holes being too large? I need mine to be smaller in circumference. Thanks