Living in the UK, your wardrobe isn’t complete without a classic wool coat. It’s the perfect way to stay warm in winter and look stylish. But what if you have a vintage coat you simply adore, and it doesn’t quite fit the way you want? Or perhaps you’ve found a hidden gem in a thrift store, but it’s too baggy or outdated for your tastes? Fear not, you can tailor that beloved vintage wool coat into a modern fit that suits your urban UK style. Here’s how:
Understanding the Basics of Tailoring a Coat
Before delving into the intricacies of tailoring a vintage wool coat, it’s essential to understand the basics. Tailoring is a skill that involves altering the size, fit or style of a garment to suit the wearer’s preferences. For coats, tailoring can involve adjusting the sleeves’ length, narrowing the shoulders, taking in the waist or even completely changing the coat’s style.
A well-tailored wool coat should fit smoothly over a suit or winter wear without feeling too tight or awkward. The shoulders should align with your natural shoulder line, the sleeves should end at the wrist bone, and the coat should cover your rear end. The coat’s fabric should drape well over your body without creating any bulges or wrinkles.
While it might seem intimidating to tailor a coat, especially a vintage wool one, it is entirely possible with some patience, skill, and precision. It’s also worth noting that tailoring isn’t just about achieving that perfect fit – it’s also an opportunity to add a personal touch to your coat and express your individual style.
Choosing the Right Vintage Wool Coat for Tailoring
The first step in tailoring a vintage wool coat is choosing the right one. Not all coats are suitable for tailoring, and the coat’s original structure and fabric are critical factors to consider.
Wool coats are especially great for tailoring because wool is a flexible fabric that can easily be manipulated to create different shapes and fits. Vintage wool coats often come in timeless styles like the double-breasted trench or the long navy overcoat, which can easily be updated for a modern look.
When selecting a vintage wool coat, look for one that is slightly larger than your size; it’s easier to take in a larger coat than to let out a smaller one. The coat should also be in good condition, with no rips, stains, or moth holes. Pay attention to the coat’s seams – they should be strong and intact, not fraying or coming apart.
Additionally, look for coats with high-quality wool fabric. The higher the quality of the wool, the better the coat will look after tailoring. High-quality wool is also more durable and will stand up to the rigours of tailoring better than lower-quality wool.
Altering the Fit of Your Vintage Wool Coat
Once you’ve found the perfect vintage wool coat, it’s time to alter its fit. This is where measurements come into play. You’ll need to measure your body and the coat to determine how much fabric should be taken in or let out.
Start by measuring your chest, waist, hips, and shoulders, and compare these measurements with those of the coat. If the coat is too baggy, you’ll need to take in the fabric at the appropriate places. If it’s too tight, you may need to let out the fabric, provided there is enough seam allowance.
The sleeve length is another critical area to consider. If the sleeves are too long, they can be shortened to end at your wrist bone. If they’re too short, check if there’s extra fabric inside the sleeve that can be let out.
When altering the fit of your vintage wool coat, always make small adjustments at a time. It’s easier to take in more fabric later than to deal with a coat that’s been over-tailored.
Modernising the Style of Your Vintage Wool Coat
After achieving the perfect fit, you may want to consider modernising your coat’s style. Vintage wool coats often have timeless designs that need little adjustment, but sometimes they can benefit from a few modern tweaks.
For example, you could remove any outdated elements such as large shoulder pads or too-wide lapels. You could also change the coat’s length – long coats can be shortened to a more contemporary length that hits at the knee or mid-thigh.
If your coat is a dated colour like mustard yellow or army green, consider having it professionally dyed in a more neutral shade like navy blue or charcoal grey.
Final Touches to Your Tailored Vintage Wool Coat
The final stage in tailoring your vintage wool coat involves the finishing touches. This might include replacing old buttons with new ones, adding a stylish lining, or inserting a warmer interlining for extra winter warmth.
You could also consider adding unique details that reflect your personal style. For instance, you could add a contrasting undercollar in a bright colour or pattern, or stitch a colourful monogram inside the coat.
Remember, the aim of tailoring your vintage wool coat is not only to achieve a perfect fit but also to create a coat that is truly yours, reflecting your individual style and personality. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can breathe new life into a vintage wool coat, transforming it into a modern classic that’s perfect for urban UK living.
Where to Find Your Vintage Wool Coat
Heading to a thrift store or flea market can often lead to exceptional finds, but the advent of the internet has made it easier to find a vast array of vintage coats from the comfort of home. Platforms like Etsy are overflowing with vintage wool coats ready to be tailored into your perfect winter staple.
While purchasing from an Etsy seller, make sure to check out the size mentioned in the seller advertisement. More often than not, the original price will be slashed, meaning that you can pick up a high-quality, authentic wool coat for a sale price.
When you’re looking for your coat, remember to focus on double-breasted designs for an effortlessly stylish look, or single-breasted styles for a more casual vibe. Colours like navy blue are always in fashion and tend to go well with a lot of outfits. Also, keep an eye out for water-resistant coats or those made from pure wool or wool blends.
Checking the seller’s reviews and ratings can give you a better understanding of the quality of the products they’re selling. Remember, the initial condition of the coat will significantly impact the final result after tailoring.
Tailoring Your Vintage Wool Coat: DIY or Professional?
Now that you’ve acquired your vintage coat, the next step is to decide whether to attempt the tailoring process yourself or hire a professional tailor. While tailoring your coat might seem like a daunting task, it can be an enriching and rewarding experience if you have the patience and skill for it.
For those who are not overly confident in their sewing skills or don’t have the necessary equipment, hiring a professional tailor might be the best route. They can provide a perfect fit and even offer advice on modernising your coat. Their expertise can ensure the double-breasted coat you bought from an Etsy seller for half the original price could look like a high-end trench coat from a luxury brand.
If you decide to take the DIY route, start by taking exact measurements and make small adjustments, as it’s easier to take more fabric in later than to deal with a coat that’s been too heavily altered. Remember, the goal is to create a winter coat that’s perfect for you, reflecting your individual style and personality.
Conclusion
A vintage wool coat tailored to fit perfectly is a unique piece that can elevate your wardrobe, reflecting your personal style and taste. Whether you prefer a double-breasted or single-breasted style, a darker shade like navy blue, or a vibrant colour for a bold statement, you can find the perfect coat from an Etsy seller or a local thrift store.
Keep in mind the durability of pure wool or wool blends, and consider finding a water-resistant coat for those rainy days. With a bit of research, patience, and either DIY or professional tailoring, you can transform a vintage coat into a modern classic that’s perfect for urban UK living. So, get ready to dig into those thrift stores or scroll through Etsy and start your journey towards owning a tailored vintage wool coat that will keep you warm and stylish for many winters to come.