Wested question: Turning a "Long" into a "Reg

sebas · Post by **sebas** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 5:31 am

Hi guys

Quick question. I bought a lovely Raiders Wested about three years ago. When I gave my measurements to Wested they said, based on my height (6.1") that I should go with the "long" instead of "regular." Not being an expert on jacket measuring, I agreed. However, my frame is not exactly proportionate: I have a shorter torso and longer legs. So, that means the jacket hangs a bit too low beyond my belt/waist line.

Question: Is it possible to turn the jacket into a regular (taking off an inch and raising the pockets and side ajusters an inch?)

In any event I'm used to the length by now and I adore the jacket, so it's just a hypothetical question,really. If it's possible, however, I might do it.

Thanks!

Sebas

FLATHEAD · Post by **FLATHEAD** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 7:14 am

You could probably find someone to do as you are asking,
but it will cost about as much as just ordering a new jacket.

You will have to shorten the jacket, and the zipper, which
is not too easy.

You will have to move the pockets up, which will leave
the small stitch holes in the leather under the pockets once
they have been moved up.

You will have to have the lining fixed, and shortened.

You will have to have the back panel, the pleats on the
bi-swing back, and the side vents fixed.

You will have to have the straps moved up, which will
leave stitch holes in the leather where they used to be
after moving them.

And you will have to get all the interior leather facings
fixed in order to fit the shortened jacket, as well as the
shortened lining.

Even if you can find a person to do all of this, they will
have had to practically take the entire jacket apart and
put it back together again. This will cost you BIG time!

Also, do you really want a jacket where all the little stitch
holes are all over the place, pointing out to anyone who
sees the jacket, that hey, this jacket was fixed? And the
fact that the jacket will no longer have the same proportions
as it should once it was shortened. It will not look too good.

You are much better off just selling this jacket, and getting
a new one, that is the correct size.

And, you will also get all the new improvements that have
gone into the jacket over the last few years.

Flathead

sebas · Post by **sebas** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 7:21 am

Thanks Flathead! I think your wel thought-out observations pretty much rule out any alteration in the jacket...
Anyway, I'll just hold onto my jacket the way it is. I couldn't part with it: it's like an extension of me by now. I'm sure many here can relate to that.

Cheers,
Sebas

FLATHEAD · Post by **FLATHEAD** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 10:44 am

I have a U.S. Wings Old Cow that I ordered before I got my new
Wested Raiders Authentic Lambskin, and the Wings jacket was
pretty much just as you described your 3 year old Wested.

Since the Wings jackets are not custom made, they are just
made to fit a wide range of people, and in doing so, the sleeves
and the bodies are about an inch and a half to two inches longer
than an equivalent Wested.

I went thru just what you asked, and a leather tailor near me
told me just what I passed on to you. I had wanted to shorten
the jacket by two inches, and he pretty much put the brakes
on it when he quoted me the price!!

So, you can do what I do now! I use the longer jacket in the
colder weather, so it covers your butt more to keep you warmer,
and wear a new Wested when the temps are warmer!!

You can never have too many jackets in my opinion!! Plus you
will get all the new things that are incorporated into the designs
now. It really is a much better Wested than it was a few years
ago.

Flathead

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Nov 19, 2003 11:17 am

I find it interesting you were advised to take a Long. I'm 6 feet 1 and 1 1/2 inches tall, and I've never been told that's what I needed by ANY jacket maker. Sounds like you have nice car coat instead of a jacket. Good for the, uh, backside on those long winter car drives.

Regards. Michaelson