Suit jacket alterations are a bit tedious but definitely doable. If the body of a costume suit jacket is too large for the actor, it can be altered through the center back seam. The suit jacket in this picture (purchased at Goodwill for $8) was several sizes too large for the actor. I altered it down following these steps:
- Go inside jacket and locate the center back seam of the lining
- Rip out center back lining seam to within a couple of inches of the collar band at the top. Then rip the seam to within a couple of inches from the bottom hem.
- Pull the back center seam of the jacket fabric through the opening in the lining. By machine, take in the seam the desired amount.
- Steam press the back center seam of the jacket material. Press the seam open
- Hand-sew the lining back together. Take in the seam to match the alteration in the jacket fabric.
- Steam press the new lining seam. Be careful not to scorch the fabric. The lining of men’s suits is usually polyester and often can’t withstand the high heat of a steam iron