Making the most of your outerwear for the colder months ahead

Winter is most definitely on its way. Knitwear and spiced latte season has arrived and many of you will be in the process of unearthing your winter jackets and coats, or maybe even buying new pieces for the season ahead. 

We believe that coats really are the cornerstone of any winter wardrobe – a classic style that fits like a glove whilst keeping you insulated will see you through autumn and winter and into the spring months.

We also believe that the pieces we invest in should be made the most of. Looking after them well will ensure that you get maximum wear out of them in the coming years as well as the confidence that comes with knowing that they flatter your shape and style. 

And just like every other piece of clothing in your wardrobe, the options to improve fit and comfort through alterations are wide and varied. As we head into winter, the Milli’s Sewing Studio team share their top tips for how to make the most of your outerwear this winter. 

 

What’s possible depends on the style of coat

Most types of outerwear are suitable for alteration, however some are more straightforward and therefore cost-effective to complete. Styles such as peacoats, tailored overcoats, trenches and quilted jackets are generally simpler to alter and are something we see regularly in the studio.

Styles with a down-filled interior such as puffers or ski jackets are far more complex to alter. Whilst almost anything is possible, the cost of such alterations can really add to the already high outlay for a specialist jacket like this. 

If you need advice on what’s possible and an estimation of cost before committing, we always encourage customers to reach out with questions. With a few pictures and a chat, we’re usually able to be pretty accurate with our estimations. 

Small tweaks can make a huge difference

There are a handful of subtle alterations that can really make a big difference to the appearance of your coat or jacket. Altering sleeve length is very common and a relatively straightforward change to make. A little more work is required If the coat is lined or the style has cuffs, vents, or buttons but a sleeve that hits the perfect point on the arm always helps a garment look better proportioned and more premium.

Another subtle but impactful alteration is to shorten a coat. Complexity will be dependent on the material and the coat’s construction; most wool coats are suitable to be hemmed, as well as peacoats and overcoats. 

Shape is everything when looking for a polished and flattering fit. With expert alterations, It’s possible to remove excess fabric from the body of the coat at certain points to create a more form-fitting silhouette. Alternatively, pleats or darts can be added to give extra shape and definition to an otherwise shapeless garment. 

In our opinion, widening or narrowing the shoulders of a jacket is one of the most effective alterations that can be done. Whilst it’s more complex than other tweaks, it can significantly change the style and proportions of a garment and make it hang completely differently. 

Sometimes a piece just doesn’t fit as you’d like it to but you can’t put your finger on why. We’re always happy to discuss this with customers and explore changes that would help turn your jacket or coat into a much-loved wardrobe staple.

Breathe new life into your outerwear with repairs

As pieces with a high price tag, we all hope that coats will last year after year and really deliver on the investment. Season after season of wear can invariably result in some wear and tear, even with a high quality piece. Looking after your outerwear and repairing any damage as you go can really extend the life of a coat or jacket. Patching tears, reinforcing weak areas and hems and replacing zips and buttons are all common and often very affordable repairs we take care of for our client.

Whilst more labor intensive and costly,  replacing the lining of a coat is a tip that can really preserve the integrity and structure of the garment helping it to last for seasons to come. Some clients use this as an opportunity to change things up with a pop of unexpected colour by choosing a lining in a bright hue. Padding or insulation can be added by sewing quilted material into lining to give warmth to the coat or jacket.

Customise to create a completely unique piece

If a client is struggling to find a piece that’s exactly what they’re looking for but doesn’t want to explore made-to-measure, the option of customising a similar coat or jacket is worth considering. 

Pockets, collars and belts are all simple ways to add a personalised touch to a piece at a relatively low cost. Changing buttons can also completely transform and elevate a coat and provide a much-needed pop of newness.

The team here at Milli’s Sewing Studio have extensive experience in a wide range of alterations. We’re a small team of experienced dressmakers and seamstresses who pride ourselves in giving our customers a break from their hectic schedules when they visit us at our calm, rural setting. 

If you’d like to discuss options and ideas, just reach out for a no-obligation chat with one of the team, we’d love to hear from you.