Leather jackets have been a fashion essential for men and women for decades. Leather jackets will only look good when they fit perfectly to the body. Hence, knowing how to tailor a leather jacket is important. Tailoring your leather jacket will make it fit like a glove, and enhance appearance and comfort. In this blog, we will take you through the steps, tips, and considerations for tailoring a leather jacket, including what alteration might need to be done for a leather jacket to get the perfect fit.
Some people think that their jacket might fit perfectly. Some will feel it's a little loose or too tight. However, resizing makes it work like magic and turns an unfit jacket into a personalized piece. Whether you purchased second-hand leather jackets or wanted to adjust slightly the fit of your current one, mastering leather jacket tailoring is a thing to get. This guide tells everything you need to know about the alteration and even the leather jacket alteration cost at the end of this blog. Keep reading and find out useful tips!
How to Know If Your Leather Jacket Can Be Tailored?
Leather jackets come in different styles and sizes. There are multiple sizes available in the market but even after such careful planning, not finding the perfect leather jacket in an ideal fit can be frustrating. If you get your perfect style but do not get the perfect fit then leather jacket resizing is a go-to solution. Well, before making those alterations, you should first find out if your leather jacket can be tailored. Here is how you can check whether your jacket is good for tailoring or not:
Check the Fit and Areas of Concern
Firstly, assess how well the jacket fits. Consider areas such as the shoulders, arms, waist, and chest. If you think any of these areas is too tight or too loose, this jacket may benefit from amendments. Look for excess material that could be taken in or areas where the jacket feels restrictive. For example, if the shoulders are too wide or the sleeves are too long, these are typical areas where leather jacket fit adjustments are necessary.
Evaluate the Leather Type
Leather jackets that are made of cowhide are always thicker than those made from other materials making them more difficult to tailor as compared to lambskin. Knowing the leather type of your jacket is crucial as the thicker the leather, the more difficult the resizing or reshaping will be.
Examine the Seams and Stitching
All leather jackets will have specific stitching patterns, and while altering, the stitching needs to be accurately done. Otherwise, the material will not survive the sharp edges. Weak or loose stitches are issues when negotiating leather jacket tailoring challenges. Well-trained a tailor with experience in leather will handle the material quite carefully.
Leather Jacket Alterations Tips: What You Can Change
Now you know that your jacket is tailor-suitable. Let’s move to the next step. Below are some common leather jacket alterations tips that will take you one step closer to the perfect fit.
Sleeves Adjustment
Another adjustment entails shortening or lengthening the sleeves of your leather jacket. If the sleeves are too long, it may seem sloppy for the jacket. This simple alteration involves removing the cuffs, trimming the leather to the desired length, and reattaching the cuffs. This alteration is considered simple and not much cost as expensive as other alterations.
Waist and Body Adjustments
Waist adjustment gives you a tighter and firmer look. It needs fitting on the side seams to remove extra fabric. However, if the jacket is rather tight, fit towards the center seam is less used by tailors since adding material may be done by the alterations of seams. This alteration enhances the overall silhouette and gives your jacket a sleek and modern look.
Shoulder Adjustments
Shoulder adjustments are more complex but can greatly change the fit. In the case where the shoulders of your jacket are too wide or narrow, it has to tinker the shoulder seam, basically requiring removing and reattaching the sleeves, which comes in leather jacket professional tailoring at a given level.
Length Adjustments
A leather jacket's length makes a huge difference in how it will look and fit. Shortening the jacket is usually an easy fix while lengthening the jacket can be somewhat more problematic. You'll want to consult with your tailor to see if the material can be added back, and if it's even possible.
Basic Tips to Tailor a Leather Jacket
Here are some of the basic tailoring tips that will help you to get the desired leather fit:
Check the Fit
The first thing with jackets before any cutting is to check the fit. Touch with your hands at those areas which are too tight or too loose. It is essentially snug-fit but comfortable at the same time. Other usual possibilities for alterations are those shoulders, waist, and sleeve length.
Measure Accurately
Exact measurements are necessary before the alteration of the jacket. Taking correct measurements is key to altering a leather jacket effectively. The most important to measure is usually the following: chest, waist, shoulders, and length of the sleeve. Inaccurate measurements will usually ruin the chances of getting a fine fit because leather does not stretch much.
Altering Sleeve Length
This is one of the easiest and most common alterations to a leather jacket. Cut sleeves to the desired length, and then reattach the cuffs. Ensure the new length meets your wrist bone for that flattering look.
Sew with Leather Needles
Sew with specific leather needles when sewing a leather jacket. A regular sewing needle will simply break if you use it on thick leather. Leather needles are specially designed to sew leather jackets. Leather needles will give the jacket a seamless finish without causing damage.
Use Chalk for Marking
Mark with the use of chalk or a fabric marker for easy removal when marking up for alteration. No permanent stains or marks on the leather are made, allowing them to make accurate changes.
Leather Cutting
Cutting leather always requires sharp tools and steady hands. Heavy-duty scissors are good for leather. First, mark the alteration lines with the help of the calk then cut it by following the calk lines.
Advanced Tips to Tailor a Leather Jacket
Let’s know some advanced tips for tailoring a leather jacket. These tips will help you out if you want to make major changes to your leather jacket.
Add or Remove Lining
If you do not have a lining for your leather jacket or want to change it, this is an advanced alteration to add or remove the lining. For more comfort, ensure that you select a breathable fabric, for instance, silk or satin. The new lining is sewn properly and fits in some places to prevent discomfort or an uneven appearance. You need leather jacket professional tailoring to do this because lining tailoring might be difficult at home.
Replacing Zippers and Hardware
Replacing a zipper in a leather jacket is not one of those simple tasks because it involves removing the old zipper and not damaging the leather while at it. Once the old zipper has been safely extracted, it just means attaching the new one carefully and sewing it in. Durable hardware like brass or steel will leave you with a jacket to last.
Lengthening the Jacket
Lengthening a leather jacket is an advanced task since it often involves adding some leather, which can be tricky and further requires a specific kind of leather that goes with the previous material. A tailor can extend a jacket carefully at the hem or sides by adding a new panel of leather.
Advanced Seam Work
The general rules still apply if you require your jacket to be adjusted around the seams, such as the width of the chest or arms. If it's not seam work done well, the jacket will look odd and probably uncomfortable. Make sure that you have the right tools, like a leather sewing machine and a specialized presser foot, for such advanced work.
Re-mould the Collar
Sometimes, there are collars in leather jackets that may be too stiff or even out of place. You can reshape the collar to create a softer or even stylish look. Beautifully cut through the stitching, with the necessary shaping of the leather, gives the specific collar design that fits well with your jacket style. Take extra precautions while doing it as minor mistakes can ruin the look.
The Cost of Leather Jacket Alteration
Cost is an important thing when it comes to tailoring a leather jacket. How much you pay to alter your leather jacket depends on the extent of alterations, the leather type, and where you take it. The general leather jacket alterations range from $50 to $200 or even beyond. If you want advanced alterations then the cost is high while minor alterations can be done at less cost.
Challenges in Leather Jacket Tailoring
Although leather jacket alterations function to improve its fit and appeal, it can be challenging to carry it out:
- Permanent Errors: Leather is very difficult to alter, unlike other fabrics. Minor errors can cause irreversible damage to the leather.
- Alteration Cost: The cost of alterations on leather is higher than regular alterations because of the special skills and tools involved in such types of work.
- Complexity: Some designs, linings, and decorations on leather may make alterations more difficult and complex, thus taking a little longer to complete.
- Color Matching: When it comes to extra leather materials, matching the original jacket's color and finish becomes next to impossible.
Post-Tailoring Care for Leather Jackets
Once it is done, it's now an art to keep the leather supple for a long time. Take these care tips to maintain the leather jacket after tailoring to keep it in good condition:
- Condition Regularly: Leather conditioner should be used every few months to keep it soft, to minimize cracks so that it has the glow it naturally has.
- Correct Storage: Always store your leather jacket on a padded hanger to avoid its losing shape. Store the jacket itself in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Avoid Moisture: Sensitivity to water is high among leather. Dry it up by gently blotting it with a dry towel, and air dry it naturally.
- Clean Gently: Dust or dirt may collect on your leather jacket. Clean it gently with a soft cloth and do not add extra pressure.
FAQs
Can you get leather clothes altered?
Yes, leather clothes can be altered, but it requires specialized skills and tools. Tailoring involves adjusting the fit of sleeves, waist, and length without damaging the material.
Can I tailor a leather jacket at home?
Yes, simple adjustments like shortening sleeves or taking in the sides are usually possible at home. While advanced tailoring requires professional tools and expertise.
Is it possible to get larger leather jackets tailored to smaller sizes?
Yes, it is possible to reduce the size of a leather jacket. The waist and sleeves can be altered to be shorter, and the sides can be taken in.
Why are leather coats so expensive?
Because of their superior quality leather, expert craftsmanship, and longevity, leather coats are expensive. Real leather is long-lasting because it goes through a lengthy tanning process. Expensive details, linings, and finishes raise the cost as well.
