A trench coat is specifically designed to handle harsh weather, crafted from heavy fabrics to shield you from bad conditions. But sometimes, a trench coat might be too big, whether you buy it yourself or get it as a gift. You might wonder if you can get it tailored to fit better. The good news is, you can! A skilled tailor or seamstress can adjust the fit, length, and other details to suit your needs.
How to Tailor Your Trench Coat in 5 Simple Steps
1. Trench Coat Sleeve Length
Adjusting the sleeve length of a trench coat is relatively simple and can even be done at home if you have basic sewing skills and the right tools. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Put on the coat and use chalk to mark your desired sleeve length.
2. Leave a seam allowance of at least 2 inches before cutting.
3. Use a seam ripper to detach the sleeve lining from the fabric.
4. Cut both the fabric and the lining separately to avoid ruining the fit.
5. Fold the outer sleeve fabric 2 inches inside over the lining, pin it, and check for balance.
6. Sew the folded part with a matching thread color, removing pins as you go.
2. Trench Coat Length
Shortening the length of a trench coat is possible, but it’s a bit tricky. It’s generally not advisable to buy one that’s too short, as lengthening it is impossible. If you need to shorten it significantly, it may affect the coat’s overall structure, including the placement of pockets and buttonholes. For this reason, you might want to seek a professional tailor’s help to ensure it’s done correctly, ideally by no more than an inch.
3. Trench Coat with Lining
Tailoring a trench coat with a lining involves several steps:
1. Wear the coat and mark the new length with chalk.
2. Cut the fabric and lining with a 3cm allowance for hemming.
3. Fold along the marked line and iron to keep it in place.
4. Sew the lining fabric to the edge of the bottom line.
5. Hand-sew the bottom-line seam with the lining attached.
6. Turn the coat out through a small hole and sew up the padding.
7. Iron the bottom for a finished look.
4. Trench Coat Shoulders
The shoulders are one of the most delicate parts of a trench coat. Tailoring them isn’t usually recommended because it can affect the coat’s balance and overall aesthetics. You can adjust the padding, but changing the width is risky and might ruin the coat’s structure.
5. Trench Coat Collar
A trench coat collar can be tailored too, but it requires an expert. If the collar is too big, the tailor will need to remove the collar fabric, create a new seam, adjust the darts, and reattach the collar to the trench coat.
Can You Tailor a Trench Coat to Make It Smaller?
Yes, you can make a trench coat smaller. Although it’s not easy, a professional tailor can adjust various parts like the shoulders, sleeves, chest, and pockets to ensure a better fit. Due to the trench coat’s complex structure, which includes padding, seams, and stiffening, an experienced tailor is essential for precise alterations.
Why Should I Tailor My Trench Coat to Make It Smaller?
Many people end up with trench coats that are too big and not well-fitted. While trench coats are not meant to be tight, they should have a slight fit. Tailoring may be required if the coat is too large, but it’s essential to know which parts need adjustment. Tailoring areas like the shoulders or collar might be simpler than resizing the entire coat.
Getting a perfectly sized trench coat from the start can save you from the hassle and expense of tailoring. If you do need alterations, enlisting an expert tailor is the best route to ensure your coat is resized accurately without losing its design quality.
In conclusion, while tailoring a trench coat is possible, it depends on the specific adjustments needed. Investing in a well-fitted trench coat initially can save time, stress, and additional costs.
