Winter jackets are a necessary evil in Canada. They’re thick and bulky but you can’t go outside without them. Coats for cold weather are not the most becoming garment for either men or women but with the right tailoring, they can fit you a lot better. It’s something you have to wear every day for several months so you might as well give it some tender love and care. Here are some tips on how to tailor your winter jacket to make it look flattering:
What Type of Winter Jacket
First of all, you should identify the type of winter jacket you want to tailor. Whether you’re shopping for a new one or looking to freshen up an old one, it’s important to note that certain styles of coats are more difficult to alter. Puffy coats, ski jackets and traditional parkas can be repaired but are extremely challenging to tailor due to their down-filled interiors. Here are some winter jackets that are easier to alter:
- Trenchcoat
- Quilted jacket
- Cashmere or wool jacket
- Overcoat
- Peacoat
- Fur coat
Shoulders
One thing to note about tailoring a winter jacket is that it is extremely difficult to alter the shoulder section of a well-constructed garment. If your winter coat has become too large or small in the shoulders, it may be time to trade it in for a new one. If you’re in the market for a new winter coat, don’t just throw away your old one. Some shelters rely on winter coat donations to keep their inhabitants warm.
Dry Clean
We highly recommend dry cleaning your jacket at the beginning of the winter season. You wore it every day for months and it’s since sat in storage for the summer. Nothing says unflattering like a dull, dusty coat that might even have stains or tears you’ve forgotten. Check the weather forecast and make sure to bring your coat to the dry cleaners before you’ll need to start wearing it. The cleaning will make your jacket look good as new.
New Buttons
If your winter coat has buttons, it’s a good idea to invest in some new ones. A coat with old, dull or even rusty buttons is not a very flattering look. A lot of the time if you’ve had the jacket for years, the enclosure won’t work as well with old buttons. Sew on some new shiny buttons to give your jacket a new life. As well, if your weight has shifted since last winter, you should get the buttons moved. Adjusting the buttons will make the coat fit you better, meaning you’ll be warmer and it’ll be more form flattering. That’s what we call a win-win.
Zipper Replacements and Repairs
If your winter coat has a zipper, consider replacing it with a new one. Maybe your scarf got caught in it too many times last winter or you’ve lost some weight, adjusting the zipper is a great idea to make an old winter coat more flattering. A jacket with a broken zipper is not wearable so we highly recommend the simple fix of a replacement zipper at the beginning of the winter season.
You can also add a zipper that wasn’t previously there if you need some additional space. Your tailor can add some fabric to your jacket to make the garment a bit roomier. You have the option of leaving the zipper exposed for an edgier look or hiding it.
Length
If you’ve gotten a bit taller or invested in some more high heeled boots since the colder months, unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to make your jacket shorter. However, if your winter coat makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a sleeping bag and restricts your movement, you can raise the hem.
Sleeves
If your sleeves are too long, a hem can be taken in. If they’re too short, a hem can be taken out. Also, as previously mentioned, zippers can be added to your sleeves to give your arms a little bit more room. If you want to change the lining of your winter coat for more comfort, this is also totally possible. If there are a lot of seams in your jacket’s sleeves, there are plenty of possibilities for alterations.
Belt
If you want to accentuate your waistline while wearing your winter coat, put in some belt loops. If you have a longer jacket that goes down to your knees, add a belt for an extra flattering look. It’ll not only cinch your figure but it’ll make the coat tighter so you’ll be even warmer and cozier.
We hope these tips will help you tailor your winter jacket to make it look more flattering for your size and shape. Bring your coat to Love Your Tailor and we’ll give a hand with all of your alteration and repair needs. Contact us today or get a quote online to see what we can do for you. We also clean Canada Goose jackets, Moose Knuckles jackets, Arctic North jackets, Rudsak coats and Mackage coats.
