Club Obi Wan

OK, so I've got a 42R Wested lamb and I don't really want to spend money on another jacket, is it possible to have it tailored in to 80's fit in the body and have the zipper replaced by just ANY old tailor, or does it absolutely have to be sent back to Wested? If I can bring it in to a tailor, what would I have to have them do to it to slim it down. Do they just taper the back panel and sew it back on? Or is there more to it than that?

You can change the zipper anywhere I guess.
Now altering it to 80s fit takes a lot more than what you say. I think they have to dismantle it cut the pieces smaller and resew it. I don't think anyone will undertake this or if he does will probably ask for a small fortune.

Well then, I suppose shrinking it with water is my only option.

No, wait to hear what others have to say.

I've had mine tailored with various degrees of success. First of all, make sure you go to a reputable tailor that knows how to work with leather and has the proper sewing machine for leather. Do not take it to your local dry cleaner! Try to find an upscale men's shop that carries leather garments and has a tailor on-site.

Next, have a nice long chat with the tailor and tell him exactly what you want. Also (and this is where I screwed up), tell him that you don't want him to change any of the details of the jacket! When mine got altered, the back panel didn't meet the sleeve anymore. He should then be able to take your measurements and take the jacket in the appropriate amount.

Bear in mind however that since the design of the jacket is a little complicated with the back panel, be prepared to spend anywhere between $50-$75 (or higher, depending on the tailor's rate) on the job. It's pricey I know but you should recieve back what is essentially a tailor-made jacket.

Good luck.

Thanks for the tip. Now I just have to find a tailor. $75 is way better than $400.

Or you could just sell it, take a bit of a hit on the price, and order a new one.

SD

This may or may not sound a little odd, but I've grown rather attached to this jacket. Unless it costs more than a new jacket I'd rather modify this one.

This may or may not sound a little odd, but I've grown rather attached to this jacket. Unless it costs more than a new jacket I'd rather modify this one.

Actually it doesn't sound odd at all. Not around here anyway!