Topcoat Conversions?

[Harry Gooch]

I have a single-breasted charcoal grey overcoat that falls to halfway between my knees and ankles.

I am thinking of having this converted to a top coat to end just above my knees.

Any thoughts, advice, examples that others have done?

Cheers,

Harry.

 

[Doctor Damage]

Sounds like you have a nice coat. Don't mess with it. The pocket placement and waist suppression are likely placed for a longer coat and if you shorten it it may end up looking like a chair which has had it's legs cut short. If you want a shorter coat go buy a shorter coat and sell this one to someone who wants a longer coat.

 

[armscye]

I have converted exactly one long coat-- but it was a charcoal cashmere single breasted like yours.

I brought it up from mid calf to a length about 3 inches longer than a suit. Came out great, but my recommendation is that you need to really slim it down to get the right "London topcoat" effect-- leave it loosely fitted and it will look exactly like a shortened overcoat. My tailor needed two turns at bat to get it right.

I also contemplated shortening an enormously heavy, warm tweed double-breasted, but my tailor told me it would look too much like a peacoat. Food for thought.

 

[Harry Gooch]

Sounds like you have a nice coat. Don't mess with it. The pocket placement and waist suppression are likely placed for a longer coat and if you shorten it it may end up looking like a chair which has had it's legs cut short. If you want a shorter coat go buy a shorter coat and sell this one to someone who wants a longer coat.

I wondered about exactly that. Thanks.