mfad•10mo ago

90s Polo Ralph Lauren Polo Coat tailoring advice

Just scored this lovely tweed polo coat, a grail of mine for a long time. However, it’s kinda big and just wanted some tailoring opinions.

Here’s what I’m thinking:
-Shorten length (2”)
-Shorten sleeves (1”)
-Move patch pockets up (2”, to be in line with -2nd row of buttons)
-Move back belt up (~1”)
-Possibly take in the back/chest/sides

Would love opinions especially on the last one. I’ve attached a pic at the end from a Ralph Lauren catalog that I think demonstrates the ideal back fit. I would like to retain some character of the oversized silhouette since I think it adds drama and makes it more relaxed. Also, the function of the half belt is to gather up extra fabric. However, I think there might be a touch too much fabric in the back. Let me know your thoughts.

douubleyouu•3/7/25, 5:19 PM

i may be biased because im a big boxy coat boy, but id only consider raising the sleeves here

douubleyouu•3/7/25, 5:20 PM

if anything, id let the back out a little bit if you can with that belt, or have button positions altered to let out the back more. theres definitely a lot of extra fabric in the back, but i wouldnt consider this a bad thing, it encourages drape and will make it comfortable to wear over thicker layers. right now it looks like you’re fighting against the fit too much with how tight that belt is holding it, makes it look a little awkward

douubleyouu•3/7/25, 5:21 PM

taking a few inches off the length might not be a bad play either, but i wouldnt do it myself

douubleyouu•3/7/25, 5:22 PM

i think belt and pocket positions are fine too. you run the risk of making things look wonkier by moving them from the intended spots

Ddouubleyouu i may be biased because im a big boxy coat boy, but id only consider raising the...

artvandelayimporting•3/7/25, 5:35 PM

Seconded

pianoguyyyy•3/7/25, 6:32 PM

Im in a similar situation and have been finding it valuable to live in a coat like this before tailoring it. Get used to how it fits in your wardrobe and get a feel for what you like and don’t like about the actual piece, rather than the one in your head.

pumaturtle•3/7/25, 6:39 PM

If you do any tailoring outside of shortening the sleeves you’re going to absolutely ruin the coat. Why get an oversized long coat if you’re not gonna wear it as an oversized long coat?

sharloy•3/7/25, 6:40 PM

Can you roll the sleeves more? That is the most beautiful coat and it would do a disservice to the coat and how you wear it if you did extensive modifications

pumaturtle•3/7/25, 6:40 PM

The extra fabric in the back is intentional, that’s the point of the half belt

sharloy•3/7/25, 6:40 PM

You will get used to wearing it but keep in mind I’ve been looking for 2 years for a coat that would fit me just like that

sharloy•3/7/25, 6:41 PM

I think it’s the perfect shoulders and perfect length for you

Elvander•3/7/25, 6:42 PM

Echo everyone else saying the coat is already perfect. I even like an overcoat to eat my hands a little because it keeps them warm in the kinds of weather where I'm wearing a big coat.

Walmart the Conqueror•3/7/25, 6:46 PM

Yeah that’s a beautiful coat. Why do you want to make those alterations?

Elvander•3/7/25, 6:47 PM

I'm calling coat protective services.

shootfilmnotbullets•3/7/25, 6:47 PM

Try it on with a big chunky sweater or hoodie or some other mid layer

shootfilmnotbullets•3/7/25, 6:47 PM

I need all my big coats to fit over every single mid layer I own

shootfilmnotbullets•3/7/25, 6:48 PM

and that'll pull the sleeves up a little and fill the shoulders out some more

Weeg•3/7/25, 6:52 PM

My feeling is that these vintage polo coats are really sought after and rare, and if this one doesnt fit you the way you want it may be better to let it go to someone else and to use the money to hunt down one that is the size you want. Tailoring this one so severely (especially to the point of shortening it and moving the pockets and all that) effectively removes one more of these from circulation

Weeg•3/7/25, 6:53 PM

I think you can absolutely rock this oversized as well

Ppianoguyyyy Im in a similar situation and have been finding it valuable to live in a coat li...

Daniel SpasicOP•3/7/25, 8:01 PM

Thank you. I think this is the best advice here. Will apply this moving forward

Ddouubleyouu if anything, id let the back out a little bit if you can with that belt, or have...

Daniel SpasicOP•3/7/25, 8:08 PM

Thanks. The belt is actually not too tight or too loose, really. It actually sags just a touch. I’ve got plenty of room around the chest and waist.
As for the belt and pocket, those were more just to keep the proportions right after shortening length/sleeve. I’ve studied these vintage polo coats a lot and just had an image in my head of how I wanted it fit based on the models, illustrations, irl pics, etc, that’s why I suggested the alterations. Right now, the pocket sits on my upper thigh, a little lower than I’m used to, but I’ve decided I’ll just try this coat out before doing anything to it