How to Tailor a Tuxedo Jacket
While tailoring a tuxedo jacket can seem like a challenge, it can be a great way to save tailoring costs for those who have a knack for sewing. A tuxedo jacket usually fits like most suit jackets, so the adjustments are very similar. Careful measurements and close attention to detail can make for a well-tailored tuxedo jacket that fits snugly and complements the wearer. By following a few simple steps, you can tailor a tuxedo jacket so that it fits perfectly, and in the process avoid the extra cost of professional tailoring. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Straight pins
- Chalk and fabric tape
- Measuring tape
- Iron
- Thread (matchign the color of the jacket)
- Needles
- Sewing machine (if you prefer using one)
- Stitch ripper/remover
Instructions
-
-
1
Take measurements for the sleeves of the jacket. Tuxedo sleeves should fall right around the middle of the wrist bone to leave room for the shirt to be seen just past it. It is usually recommended to have about 1/2 inch of shirt sleeve showing past the tuxedo jacket.
-
2
Rip the seams from the cuff and mark the new measurement with pins or with fabric chalk. Measure the length of the sleeves again before sewing the new seams down to ensure that the sleeves are even on both sides.
-
-
3
Iron the seam down, and then hand-stitch or use the sewing machine to secure the new seams. Fit the jacket again once the seams have been sewn down but before trimming any seams. It's important to make sure the fit is good before trimming seams. Have the wearer try on the jacket with the shirt that will be worn to see the full effect.
-
4
Take the measurements for the hem of the jacket. A tuxedo jacket should just cover the backside. If the jacket is too long, use pins or fabric chalk to mark where the new hem will need to be. Measure carefully to ensure an even measurement around the back.
-
5
Rip any seams in the back hem, and iron down the new hem. Use a sewing machine (or hand-stitch, if you prefer) to secure the new hem. Fit the jacket again to make sure the hem is even and the jacket falls in a good place.
-
6
Trim all seams up to 1/4 inch once you are comfortable that the fit is exactly as it should be.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Any type of tuxedo or suit jacket requires a fairly competent level of sewing ability. If you are unsure of your own sewing skills, consider taking the jacket to a professional tailor. Measuring and altering the fit of a tuxedo jacket around the shoulders can be a challenge if the back of the jacket has to be refit. The seam running down the back of the jacket will have to be ripped and re-measured, and the sleeves might have to be removed and refit. Only proceed with this part if you are very experienced with tailoring.
References
More Like This
Comments
-
Harry Yabbats
Feb 12, 2011
Nothing looks sillier than a dress jacket and/or pants that hasn't been tailored to you. Most of us can't buy a perfectly fitting jacket right off the rack. Also, even jacket labeled the same size will fit differently and you may get luck on occasion but don't count on it. When buying a jacket make sure the lapels don't pucker or puff out. If they do you need to try the next larger chest size. But don't go any further until you determine if you need a short, regular, long or extra long in your size; any good men's department will help you out with this. Finally, before tailoring your jacket, find a perfectly fitting shirt, where the neck size does not choke you but a tie feels comfortable with out you being able to stick all four fingers into the collar up to your knuckles. Then check that the cuff of the shirt hits your wrist joint generously without the cuff covering any part of...
