Leather Jacket

August 4, 2009 12:08 PM

I bought myself a leather jacket in the biker style. The jacket length is perhaps an inch or so too long. The jacket is made from thick and still somewhat creaky leather. What can I do to alter it? Would you advise me to attempt it myself?
posted by ashaw to clothing, beauty, & fashion (7 comments total)

Take it to a leather tailor.
posted by fire&wings at 12:46 PM on August 4

An inch too long? Not to be glib, but I'd say live with it. I suppose you may find a tailor willing to alter it, but they will likely charge you more than you are willing to pay.
posted by desuetude at 12:49 PM on August 4

Seconding fire&wings -- take it to a leather tailor. Your local leather shop can probably recommend one. If you can't find one, call an upholstry shop -- they'll know someone who can do it.

Unless you consider it expendable, don't attempt to do it yourself.
posted by coolguymichael at 1:53 PM on August 4

Wearing a hoodie under it might pad it out so it doesn't look as long, and can look cool depending on your style. Don't try to do it yourself- any holes you punch in leather (needle holes included) are permanent, unlike fabric which is basically self-sealing and will forgive wrong stitches.
posted by pseudostrabismus at 2:06 PM on August 4

where is it 'too long' at?

motorcycle jackets are supposed to be long in the arms, so that your wrists aren't exposed while you have your hands on the handlebars (with your arms held out in front of you).
posted by ArgentCorvid at 2:32 PM on August 4

Leather is really difficult to work with. First, I'd see if I could return the jacket for a different size. If I couldn't, I'd get an estimate to alter it. But depending on what you paid for the original, the estimate may be more than just buying a new jacket.
posted by desjardins at 2:50 PM on August 4

Definately a job for a professional. An inch off that jacket is a huge job. Besides shortening the leather and the lining you'd need to shorten the zipper and relocate the belt loops. Also the pocket linings may need to be modified. Could be several hours work.

You can't even attempt any of the techniques that would shrink leather, not that those are likely to work as desired anyways, because the lining wouldn't react the same as the leather.
posted by Mitheral at 2:54 PM on August 4