Alterations recommendation to get my baggy jacket taken in

rudolfs001

rudolfs001

Booty Hunter
Hey guys, does anyone have a recommendation for a tailor that can work on motorcycle jackets?

I just picked up the S&S Light Speed jacket, and it's a bit big in the shoulders for me. Unfortunately, everywhere is out of stock of the smaller sizes.

The textile material isn't too thick, so I expect most tailors should be able to alter it. Anyone have any experience?
 
Blankpage

Blankpage

alien
I was wondering the same thing about a Dainese leather jacket I recently bought.
Its my 3rd Dainese jacket and the 1st two fit well but after wearing this one a couple of times I noticed it must be an American fit which is a bit too generous in the mid section and I'd like it taken in a bit.
Not sure if it's worth the trouble and expense.
 
ST Guy

ST Guy

Well-known member
Before you start modifying it, see if the place you bought it from can order in the next size down. I really, really don't like the idea of fooling with the original manufacturer's stitching. And if you do, make sure whoever works on it uses the appropriate thread.

And if you ever plan on layering up underneath it, try those things on now underneath the jacket. You may find you don't want to have it altered.
 
D

davidji

bike curious
rudolfs001 said:
The textile material isn't too thick, so I expect most tailors should be able to alter it. Anyone have any experience?
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I wouldn't expect most tailors to make seams suitable for motorcycle gear, though a lot of textile gear doesn't have seams (or materials) suitable for motorcycle gear anyway.

The Leather Guy has done alterations and repairs for me. I used to go there from time to time when he was in Oakland. Haven't been since the move.
http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=472007

I think there's someone in San Jose too--BARF search might find it.

Looks like the jacket you ordered is a discontinued closeout item.
 
rudolfs001

rudolfs001

Booty Hunter
Do the leather guys work on textile?

The jacket is really just too wide in the chest and shoulders, to where I'm not even really in the shoulder armor.

I figure two double-seams down the back with some high tensile thread should do the trick.
 
295566

295566

Numbers McGee
Honestly, the amount you'd spend on having it altered well in a way that won't compromise the safety of it, you could return it and buy another, more expensive jacket that fits properly from the get-go. That's the route I'd go down, personally.
 
Jalopyshoppe

Jalopyshoppe

idiot
I use Johnson Leather in SF. They make custom race leathers, sell forcefield armor, and have a high standard for quality. They understand Moto gear, how it should fit, and how important the stiching is.
Call to confirm, but I have seen textile gear in there for alterations. That is, of course, if your current taylor doesn't work out.
 
rudolfs001

rudolfs001

Booty Hunter
295566 said:
How much are you paying for the alteration, if you don't mind sharing?
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He said around $80. I'm also getting him to add some material around the neck opening with velcro for a collar, since the neck opening on the jacket is huge and floppy.
 
Rob

Rob

House Cat
Get 2 big plastic bags of cheeseburgers from Mc'donalds, or quarter pounders if you can afford it, and walk, WALK! them to your house. Proceed to lift them above your head without bending your elbows until you get hungry and eat 1/2 of 1 burger from each bag. Repeat until the bags are empty. YMMV
 
O

ocoas

Well-known member
Sportbiker;10006558]I got my suit repaired really well by Just Leather San Jose. Great friendly service, very reasonably priced.

+1. On Just Leather San Jose on San Carlos
 
ST Guy

ST Guy

Well-known member
OP: Sounds like you bought the wrong size. Best approach is to get the right size. And if it don't fit, return it. And if the outfit you're dealing with won't accept returns, then I wouldn't deal with them. For instance, Aerostich is really great about that. Return the garment or boot in the same condition you received it and they credit your card as soon as they receive it.
 
J-Boat

J-Boat

Read Only Lurker
thePUNISHER said:
THIS!

The drive into the valley will be worth it. She shortened a pair of Revit textile pants for me and did an excellent job. She knows what she's doing. She shortened the zippers, replaced the velcro, really good work and for a really reasonable price. http://taylorleatherrepair.com
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Glad I read this. I have a Rev-it 2 piece leather textile suit and the jacket fits me great, but the pants are too long...

I’ll give them a ring...
 
rudolfs001

rudolfs001

Booty Hunter
ST Guy said:
OP: Sounds like you bought the wrong size. Best approach is to get the right size. And if it don't fit, return it. And if the outfit you're dealing with won't accept returns, then I wouldn't deal with them. For instance, Aerostich is really great about that. Return the garment or boot in the same condition you received it and they credit your card as soon as they receive it.
Click to expand...

As I mentioned in the OP: "Unfortunately, everywhere is out of stock of the smaller sizes."

Reviews said the jacket fit small. I took a gamble and ordered the smallest size offered, one size up from my normal size.
 
ST Guy

ST Guy

Well-known member
rudolfs001 said:
As I mentioned in the OP: "Unfortunately, everywhere is out of stock of the smaller sizes."

Reviews said the jacket fit small. I took a gamble and ordered the smallest size offered, one size up from my normal size.
Click to expand...

I would have returned it when it was obvious the size was wrong. If a company selling clothing, boots, things that must fit my body properly, won't accept returns, I won't deal with them. No ifs ands or buts.
 
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