[El Principe]

Hi guys

Hopefully this isn't a stupid question, but I couldn't really find anything on it...

Is it possible to have a tailor enlarge a dress shirt, if you have matching fabric available?

I only own 1 of most shirts, but for some really great shirts, I own multiple (e.g. certain oxfords), since you can never really rely on brands carrying the same style past one or two seasons.

For those shirts where I have more than one, and therefore spare fabric, is it possible to use fabric from one to enlarge another?

I suppose the simple answer would be "yes" since, practically speaking, you could stick extra fabric anywhere... but obviously that would add odd and unsightly seams.

Is it possible to use the extra fabric in such a way as to not make the shirt look weird, e.g. add some fabric in at the side seams?

I have 2 old slim fit oxfords, and I generally don't wear slim fit anymore... but could use one to enlarge the other, therefore turning 2 uncomfortable shirts into 1 comfortable.

Thanks!

 

[Dhaller]

I'm going with a "no, not in any practical sense" on that one.

If you actually had two small shirts of identical fabric, you could have a (skilled) tailor take them apart and just make a new shirt (basically recycling the small ones). Trying to sew-in patches is just going to make a comical, Frankenstein shirt; I can't imagine any tailor agreeing to something which is simply going to result in a customer not being happy and him looking bad!

Fortunately, shirt sales seem to be pretty common.

DH

 

[SG_67]

I can’t see how it could be done without looking ridiculous.

so much would need to be altered that it would make more sense to just buy new shirts.

 

[Charles Dana]

So much trouble. Why not order a made-to-measure or even a made-to-order shirt?

 

[Tamara19]

As Dhaller said, the only option is to tear the old one up too and make a new one, but you need a good tailor anyway and it's a lot of hassle. If you can, go for the made-to-measure, it's better this way,

 

[zzdocxx]

Are the shirts the same color?

 

[El Principe]

Are the shirts the same color?

Yep exactly the same.

I might take a punt on the shirts once the corona lockdown is over.

I was also wondering, is it possible to do the same with suit trousers? I have 2 pairs of the same trousers, but are too tight, and little spare fabric in them. I have seen some tailors adding gussets at the thigh, though the aesthetic change may not be desirable...

P.S. sorry to dig up my old thread btw - been away for a while.

 

[Color 8]

Sometimes, if your weight changes significantly, you have to bite the bullet and buy new clothes.

Aside from that, by "thigh gussets," do you mean "pleats" ?

 

[Matt S]

Yep exactly the same.

I might take a punt on the shirts once the corona lockdown is over.

I was also wondering, is it possible to do the same with suit trousers? I have 2 pairs of the same trousers, but are too tight, and little spare fabric in them. I have seen some tailors adding gussets at the thigh, though the aesthetic change may not be desirable...

P.S. sorry to dig up my old thread btw - been away for a while.

Do you mean adding fabric at the fork? Nobody will ever see it.