Very nice Oli, the lining on the Robert Kirk is damaged but it's so nice I don't want replace it, might see if my tailor can patch it, maybe unpick it and put a plain backing on. Anyone tried this?
How badly is it damaged?
I really only need to redo the canvas lining in the sleeves on this jacket. It's half-lined but it's only torn up around the sleeves, so I'll have a look when it arrives and determine what needs to be torn out. I've relined two of my Brooks University No. 1 suits recently and it was like giving them new life again. Not only was I more inclined to wear them more often but it freshened them up and made them look as though they could've been a few years old as opposed to a half century old! I'm not opposed to relining but if you have some cool chalis or paisley lining or something unique and distinctive, I can understand not wanting to mess with it. If the Robert Kirk is really thrashed than I'd suggest just having your tailor patch it up as needed; it can lend it a cool worn in and well loved look. It seems like an ivy thing to do to old weathered clothes, ha.
Last edited by Oliver (2015-01-30 00:28:55)
Last edited by stanshall (2015-01-30 08:37:37)
I've had entire linings replaced twice. Around $100 each time and I was pleased with the result.
WM do you go fancy or keep it simple?
I've done the same for the same price and I always stick to light canvas color for suits; probably not the smartest for long term. If I were made of money though, I think it'd be fun to tear out some of the plain maroon or lime colored rayon linings on old sportcoats and replace with nice patterned cloth. I've thought about adding a light tartan half lining to my favorite cord sack, but I can always find better ways to spend money.
Last edited by Oliver (2015-01-30 08:53:14)
One, a green and navy check, got a dark maroon lining that was just plain, no pattern. The material was quite cheap and provided by the alterations shop. The other, a navy hopsack blazer, I provided a bemberg lining in a wild blue paisley pattern. I figured patterned jacket - plain lining, plain jacket - patterned lining.
On the topic of green jackets, Tomiskinky found this little sage beauty on eBay and expressed an interest. But, after some pestering, and when that didn't work, threats of blackmail and physical violence, he very graciously gave me the go-ahead to buy it for myself:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-1960s-Harmony-Clothes-Green-Suit-Jacket-Blazer-Sport-Coat-Mod-Rockabilly-/171635795609?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=rit145L2ORBdsVarlYEgA%252FYuJkU%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc
Very nice! I hope you made an offer on the shirt and tie too... that's a million dollar outfit!
That would've been an idea Oliver, but a haul of six square end ties by Rooster and the like, most in shades of rust and red, arrived for me today from the States!
Great looking jacket though; I dig the buttons and the lining!
Ah! That little combo, thought you meant the one in pic 1. Yep, why didn't I enquire...
Trying to keep the buying to a minimum at the minute - otherwise it would have been mine, Mine, MINE I TELL YOU!!!!!
That's a cool jacket.
Yuca, it'd prob cost you $75 to snip that baby down an inch. It's an easy alteration; might not even have to raise the pockets. I'd ask for a discount and get it cut.
Even if they needed to be raised a half inch, it's easy to do. Had it done on my recently posted BB three-piece tweed.
That did cross my mind. It would be 1 1/4", which might mess up button and pocket placement. I certainly won't find a jacket of that cloth and vintage again, but I don't want to spend more and it still look wrong. I'll have to try pinning it.
What do you want for it mate?
If I do put it for sale Harpo has dibs - I'll calculate my asking price. Sorry for the confusion.
Re. alterations: it looks great shorter, except the bottom of the pocket is an inch from the new bottom of the jacket, and the buttons look too low. Maybe the pockets are movable, but of course not the buttons. Yet it is a nice and impossible to find jacket. Let me think about it.
Last edited by Yuca (2015-01-31 11:31:36)
I guarantee that raising the pockets a quarter inch won't throw off the buttons and nobody will notice anything with regards to the proportions. I don't think they need to be moved more than that. I have vintage unaltered otr jackets with patch pockets close to them hem.
Oliver, if you don't mind me asking, what tailor do you use? I had a pretty good one, but he retired so I'm definitely in the market for someone new.