The importance of a good tailor

**McMurdo** · 3rd June 18, 02:52 AM

I've had my gray Argyll jacket for years it might have been my first kilt jacket after my Prince Charlie. It has always bothered me that the bottom of the waistcoat would cover the sporran. I had a function coming up and decided to get the waistcoat altered. Luckily there is no shortage of alterations tailors in Toronto and I found one fairly close to work. I told them I needed it by the end of the week for a memorial service and they had it finished by Thursday well in time for the event on Saturday. I am very pleased with the result, here are a couple of before and after photos.

Before

After

The difference is clear to me and I am sure that this combination will as a result be worn more as I feel much more comfortable in it. My advice if you have a piece that does not quite fit would be to find a good alterations tailor in your area and get it fixed to your specifications. It's the next best thing to bespoke.

**Father Bill** · 3rd June 18, 04:52 AM

You’re absolutely right on that one. I had something similar done, although not with a kilt vest but another. He removed some cloth on the seam across the shoulders and then re-opened the arm holes on the vest with very similar and excellent results. My tailor and I have become good friends and my wardrobe is generally much nicer as a result.

**Blaidd** · 3rd June 18, 07:12 AM

I was trying to determine what they had done. I initially thought they had raised the shoulder seam, judging by the gap between the waistcoat line and the tie knot. However, on closer inspection, it seems they have done not only that, but also shaved the bottom line! A very professional job - and a pleasing result for you I'm sure! Looks far better.

**Manu** · 3rd June 18, 11:11 AM

Great look and great fit McMurdo!! I second your advice. With a 42 size chest and 34 inch waist, the standard kilt jacket cut looked ill fitting on me. A visit to the tailor and BAM! Perfect fit around the waist. I gotta bring in the matching waistcoat to take it in at the waist as well, then I'll have my full set ready to go.

**McMurdo** · 4th June 18, 07:18 AM

Originally Posted by Manu

Great look and great fit McMurdo!! I second your advice. With a 42 size chest and 34 inch waist, the standard kilt jacket cut looked ill fitting on me. A visit to the tailor and BAM! Perfect fit around the waist. I gotta bring in the matching waistcoat to take it in at the waist as well, then I'll have my full set ready to go.

I am almost the same measurements as you, though some recent weight loss is changing all that a few more trips to the tailor will be necessary soon.

**McMurdo** · 4th June 18, 07:37 AM

Originally Posted by Blaidd

I was trying to determine what they had done. I initially thought they had raised the shoulder seam, judging by the gap between the waistcoat line and the tie knot. However, on closer inspection, it seems they have done not only that, but also shaved the bottom line! A very professional job - and a pleasing result for you I'm sure! Looks far better.

Yes that is what they did I am contemplating taking in another waistcoat that I just acquired that is vintage and cut for Saxon dress as I am so very happy with the results.

**lschwartz** · 6th June 18, 09:26 AM

I definitely like the way they modified it. The curved line on the bottom of the waistcoat goes very nicely with the curved cut of the jacket. Much better than a pointed waistcoat bottom with a curved jacket.