Opinions: Jacket Remod...?

[Deil the Yin]

DISCLAIMER: Well, I dont know if this technically is the right place for this thread since I didn't do this work myself, but I wanted to get opinions from the DIY folks...

I had a standard sport coat altered for kilt length etc, but they didn't quite cut enough curve for the sporran as I requested. I think that had to do with a button hole in the way. At any rate, I'd like to get opinions on the cut and look of the jacket. Feel free to use a 1-to-10 scale with 1=worst & 10=best.

I really like the jacket overall, the material and fit etc, and though it was bought at GoodWill it is a very well made jacket. BUT... I've mixed feelings about the alteration for the kilt. So I'm either gonna be really pissed that I had a good looking coat butchered, or very pleased that I have an excellent new kilt jacket...

Two big questions: Should the pocket flaps be moved? Should I try and get a more severe cut to accomodate the sporran?



I penciled in some red lines to show the pocket flaps which were not moved, and the buttons and button-holes...


...compared to my storebought daywear kilt jacket below:


Sock it to me boys...and ladies, too, of course. Dont be shy!

[JimB]

I think this coat has definite possibilities.
In my opinion though, it still needs a little work. Nothing that can't be fixed though!
You definitely need more of a cut for the sporran and to give it the right look. That cut will probably go right though or very near the lower button hole. That shouldn't be a big deal for anyone who knows what they're doing. Heck, I handled it, and I'm no tailor!
Making more of a cut for the sporran will in my opinion require the pocket slashes to be moved. There are a couple of ways to do that so it looks ok.
My method is to use the leftover material from the chop and use it to fashion patch pockets to just cover slash at the bottom of the patch pocket. There are other ways to handle it too if you'll look at several other threads on the subject.
Good luck with it. I think with a little more tailoring you'll be very happy with it.

[cavscout]

It sounds like you know what needs to happen. The sporran cut-away does need to be a bit more exaggerated. I think you can get by with just putting a wider radius on the cut-away. I'd drop down from the bottom button hole the same distance as it is from the vertical edge and start my radius there. Sweep it back so that the end of the curve is still toward the front of your body (not around the side. let the radius get right up to the top corners of the sporran when the jacket is almost closed. Then smooth out the radius around those three points and you should have a fair sporran cut-away.

This still may not look perfect but it will be much closer.


Great effort! I bought a clearance jacket last year and still have not gotten the courage to cut into it yet Maybe this year.

[Tattoo Bradley]

I agree, the sporran cut-away is just not quite right. It can certainly be rectified though.

[billmcc]

I give the jacket an 8. It doesn't look like a sporran-cutaway is needed as the bottom of the jacket doesn't appear to interfere with the sporran. This jacket isn't a clone of a traditional kilt jacket, but that is not a bad thing. It is a unique and nice looking jacket. I would wear it proudly.

[beerbecue]

The sporran looks like it is sitting too low, so the cutaway needs to be redone.... The waistcoat/jacket are quite smart together... Excellent color and texture.....

[Panache]

I give it a 7. It works fine as is. A more pronounced sporran cutaway would be nicer, but it certainly works.

Cheers

[David Dalglish]

I think your jacket is ok & can be worn proudly. When I alter a jacket, I cut the sporran cutouts above the lower button hole, this gives a better look & the cutouts are more pronounced the jackets ends up with one button only.

[cloves]

I quite like it. More pronounced cut-aways would make it look more like a traditional daywear jacket, but I think this is a good alternative to that traditional look. I'd give it a 7 or 8.

[Deil the Yin]

Thanks to everyone for their constructive input (no pun intended). It has been a great help. I think I can probably live with a 7 or 8 rating on the jacket as is... When initially constulting with the seamstress, I requested the bottom button be cut away, and thought that I demonstrated a more severe sporran cut-away. I even had my store-bought kilt jacket with me for reference. What do ya do with a head-strong Tailor??? I'm thinking I might just leave well-enough alone unless/until I learn to do this myself. I certainly dont feel like spending anymore money on the project...

Thanks again for everyone's input.