Save me! PC conversion from a Tux jacket

[Detroitpete]

Uh-oh!

I found a tux coat in my size at a local thrift store for $29.00 (with pantz). I'm wrestling with the gnawing urge to capture the beast and bring it home to somehow convert into a Prince Charlie. The coat isn't a shawl collar--it has pointed lapels, so I think this could actually work.

Somebody help me or stop me--please!!!!!

[auld argonian]

Go for it! There have been several good tutorials here on conversions so you have plenty of reference.

Best

AA

[sydnie7]

Surprisingly easy, especially when you have the p@nts to provide extra material. If it fits well and seems to be a well-made jacket, you are halfway there. Grab it and we'll hold the net!

[piperdbh]

It's not as difficult as you might think. Go for it.
That seems kind of a high price, though. It might be worthwhile to shop around some, if you haven't already.

[MacLowlife]

Here is where language can be confusing. Did you find a TUXEDO / DINNER SUIT or a FULL DRESS SUIT / TAILS?


If you are starting with a tux jacket ( shaped like a blazer only black, with peaked lapels) you can surely create a PC, but I suggest you poke around eBay for a tailcoat ( shaped like a PC only with longer tails) and save yourself some steps. You can make a nice-looking Argyll dress jacket from a tux / dinner jacket, but the fabric is there to make the shorter tails and then you just have to decide what you want the front to look like. The advantage of a tailcoat is that it already looks like you want it to.

Careful shoppers can find tailcoats for about what you are talking- you just have to be careful about fit and condition over the internet.

Good luck

[Detroitpete]

Here is where language can be confusing. Did you find a TUXEDO / DINNER SUIT or a FULL DRESS SUIT / TAILS?


If you are starting with a tux jacket ( shaped like a blazer only black, with peaked lapels) you can surely create a PC, but I suggest you poke around eBay for a tailcoat ( shaped like a PC only with longer tails) and save yourself some steps. You can make a nice-looking Argyll dress jacket from a tux / dinner jacket, but the fabric is there to make the shorter tails and then you just have to decide what you want the front to look like. The advantage of a tailcoat is that it already looks like you want it to.

Careful shoppers can find tailcoats for about what you are talking- you just have to be careful about fit and condition over the internet.

Good luck

Thanks Maclowlife and everyone else. Seems like I MAY be able to do this--or find someone to help me do this. Good point Maclowlife about the differences in coats. The one I'm looking at is a tuxedo blazer, single breasted, 3-button, pointed lapels--lapels are satin, coat is wool blend. If I could find a coat with tails--I'd just bob them off, right? Who knows--this just might work.

I've seen the tutorials on Braemar and Argyll conversions from suit coats/ sport coats here, but don't recall seeing one on a PC. If anyone knows if there is such a tutorial thread here, please pass it along.

[Bugbear]

Those three buttons may be an issue with converting to a PC cut.

However, there would be nothing wrong with making a formal evening jacket that doesn't neatly fit into a jacket type. For example, you could, as I understand it, cut the bottom of that like an Argyle and leave the sleeve cuffs as is, and it would be fine, asuming it looks generally well done. All kinds of possibilities...

[sydnie7]

Ted has the right idea, it's more about making your formal jacket into a kilt-length garment and perhaps adding some doo-dads vs. trying to force it into exact PC form. Along the lines of one of my favorite race driver quotes, "You can't turn a pig into a race horse, but you can make it a d@mn fast pig." You might not be able to turn your tux jacket into a PC but you can make it a very nice looking formal kilt jacket -- and it will be uniquely yours, unlike all the cookie-cutter PCs out there.

[Detroitpete]

Great insight guys! I'm either going to wind up with something unique made from a 3-button, or I'll chase down a tail coat and STILL have something unique!

My sewing abilities however were learned in the Navy. I'm glad I don't faint at the sight of my own blood

[sydnie7]

Great insight guys! I'm either going to wind up with something unique made from a 3-button, or I'll chase down a tail coat and STILL have something unique!

My sewing abilities however were learned in the Navy. I'm glad I don't faint at the sight of my own blood

Shedding some blood is a requisite part of any Scottish-inspired garment creation. I even manage it while machine-sewing casual kilts!