Tweed jacket adjustments

**Tarheel** · 10th December 18, 07:13 PM

Greetings all,
I recently got a jacket from friend Tobus (a member here). This (and the other items he has for sale on this site) is of excellent quality. The fabric and construction are superb. I just wanted to change the buttons and thus make the item more personalized.

Here are the buttons that came with the jacket along with the buttons I decided to replace them with. The original buttons are plastic (replications of leather clad) and my replacement button are made from coconut shell which I obtained from Oahu, Hawaii in the early 1990's.

Here is shot of the sleeves. A before and after photo.

Finally, I replaced the front button. I decided to add a second button above the original to create a wider (vertical) waist. The lapel seemed to adjust to the new shape without any steaming or pressing.

The distance between the two front buttons is three inches. This addition caused the back of the jacket to snug under my ribs and enhance the sweep of my spine (an approving comment my wife made) that should define the rear of my kilt.

My next project will be a vest conversion to compliment this jacket. Hint: I use the same buttons on a surprising fabric.

**Tobus** · 11th December 18, 05:27 AM

Nicely done! You know, as I was looking at that jacket again before selling, I was thinking the exact same thing. It needed more kilt-appropriate buttons and a higher lapel closure. Conversion jackets suffer from a too-low lapel in the front, and need an extra higher button. You may find that you'll need to press it, though, so it won't default to the lower lapel fold when worn open (as kilt jackets typically are worn).

Nice choice on the buttons!

**Tarheel** · 11th December 18, 05:37 AM

I think a thorough steaming and press will set the lapels to the new shape.

I'm glad you like the conversion Tobus. It's not like putting a "Baby on Board" sign in the window of restored 1965 Ford Mustang, but it was your jacket before and I did change it for my own needs. Regardless, I know it will be a great addition to my kilt attire.