jacket size - X Marks the Scot

CMcG · #1 12-07-2009, 11:44 AM

I was riding my bike the other day and came across a lovat green, tweed, argyll jacket on a rack outside a second-hand shop. It's a bit too big for me (44 instead of 38) but it was a steal of a deal for only $40 CAD. I used a safety pin to make a pleat next to the vents that takes up some slack:

My question is this: can I pull this off as smart casual or does the jacket look just too big? Being a student and with the holidays coming, alteration is not an option at this point. I'd like to wear it for xmas dinner with my family because we've decided to dress up a bit, but I think my better-fitting, silver buttoned, black argyll would be too formal...

Galician · #2 12-07-2009, 12:00 PM

From the photo you've posted, it looks pretty good from the front. The sleeves seem a tad long, but I get that in all my upper wear, simply because of how I'm built.

Do you have a photo of the rear view?

One suggestion might be to give up biking, then you can grow into it.

MacLowlife · #3 12-07-2009, 01:54 PM

My experience is that there are far more 38 jackets around than 44s, so I would suggest that you shoot for selling it to a more knowledgable community than the one where you found it- and then buying one that fits. It would be perfectly reasonable to wear a 40 if you're really a 38, but not worthwhile to span the gap between a 38 and a 44. As for the black one being too dressy, can't you make it more casual with a sweater or a checked shirt?

Congratulations on your find.

piperdbh · #4 12-07-2009, 04:13 PM

It might be that you know a theatre major who's going at making costumes, can tell you if it can be whittled down to your size. If not, sell it on ebay and use the proceeds to save up for one in the right size. In the meantime, PM M.A.C. Newsome at the Tartans Museum and ask him if the one he has on consignment might fit you.

MacMillan of Rathdown · #5 12-07-2009, 07:21 PM

It's doubtful you'd be able to re-cut the jacket to fit; it would literally require taking it completely apart to do it right.

I'd suggest selling it on and buying a 38 or a 40 that would last you a few years without the need for alterations.

CMcG · #6 12-07-2009, 10:12 PM

As requested by Galician, here is a photo of the rear view:

MacLowlife's suggestion to dress down my black argyll is a possibilty, though I might first consider just wearing a waistcoat and shirt. All those silver buttons on black barathea still seem a bit too much for smart casual at a family xmas dinner.

As for the suggestions to sell it, how much might it be worth? The condition is excellent

I just checked the sizes of my other jackets and the formal ones are all 38s but my non-kilt, sports coat is a 42... perhaps because it is simply more comfortable that way. In comparing the size (44) of the lovat green tweed argyll in question to my sports coat, I think an alteration might be possible without rebuilding the whole jacket: shorten the sleeves and take in the sides a bit.

Regardless, alterations are not likely before the holidays. Most of my casual clothes are a little baggy anyway, so I'm still contemplating wearing it to my family xmas dinner. My lass seems to think it looks OK, but she is probably biased

, so I'm still interested in other XMTS opinions.

Bigkahuna · #7 12-07-2009, 10:20 PM

I think it looks fine. Shorten the sleeves a tad and go with it. You will eventually grow into it any way.

Heming · #8 12-07-2009, 11:53 PM

I think it does look too big, especially from the back. But then you usually have the front facing the people you talk to! To me, a jacket too big makes one look a bit adolescent.

I would suggest as many others have: Sell the jacket to someone who appreciates it (you might try here) and buy one that fits. A well-fitting jacket will look much, much better.

Chas · #9 12-08-2009, 02:53 AM

Shortening the sleeves of an ordinary jacket is a major undertaking for a tailor. Gauntlet sleeves like these, just compound the nightmare. I have been quoted £20 per sleeve to shorten the sleeves of an Argyle that was made for an orangutan.

Regards

Chas

PEEDYC · #10 12-08-2009, 03:40 AM

Hi CMcG. The jacket is just that smidge too long in the sleeves but otherwise looks OK. You can dress down your black argyle jacket by wearing a thin polo neck jumper as I do on occasions. I have different coloured ones and a white one when smart casual is called for. That is the thing about the kilt it can be dressed up or down. Anyway just enjoy wearing it.