Tailoring A Down Jacket

Firstly, if you can, just return it. There are a dozen of other down jackets from reputable brands of similar or better quality than TNF.

If you have to have this: they could try to sew in the sides, probably wouldn't be the prettiest, but the down would be an incredible mess if they had to open it up. Otherwise, I'd just use the hem cord to keep the bottom relatively closed. Air space inside a down jacket (if closed off) will provide more warmth.

I actually bought the jacket on eBay, so returning it is, unfortunately, not an option. I own several North Face jackets and the larges always seem to fit me well. I figured this jacket would fit similarly, but apparently not.

Any other suggestions? Do any big/skinny guys (6'3"/175) have suggestions on snug fitting high end down jackets?

Arc'teryx usually have a more "athletic" fit to their gear.

I would call TNF and ask them about it. You could possibly take it to a tailor, but I'd make sure they have experience sewing that kind of gear. I'm not familiar with that particular model, but a lot of the down jackets, etc are made with such light she'll fabric, that sewing them is quite a task.

If it's something as simple as taking it in a bit that shouldn't be too much hassle - I can't see why they'd need to open it up.

MontBell also seem to make gear this kind of fit, go up a size.

Eddie Bauer has tall sizes in most, if not all, of their stuff. They make quality down jackets, on par or better than TNF. Their downlight jacket is top notch, very warm for the weight (a friend has one, I don't).

Also here's a thread on this topic from a site with a strong following of lightweight outdoor gear enthusiasts:

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=41160

I recently purchased an Eddie Bauer Dura Down. It's a pretty athletic fit, and they also have tall sizes available, so you can buy a medium in a tall cut and you would be all set. They are on sale right now, so you can get one super cheap. Good luck.

Thanks for the responses thus far, guys.

Wtfunny: what's the difference between "taking it in" and "opening it up?" I'm not familiar with these tailoring terms.

When I put the jacket on I feel like it fits me well through the shoulders and upper chest. Maybe down to my nipples. Once it gets to my middle and lower chest is when it starts to feel too roomy. Using the cords at the bottom definitely helps, but almost makes it puff out more around my belly button. When I grab it with both hands and sort of cinch the bottoms in with one hand and flatten the midsection with the other is how I would like it to fit. It just poofs up too much around my abdomen!

For the record I have a 32 inch waist and a 41 inch chest. I wouldn't think that's terribly uncommon for guys my height. Again, 6'3"/175lbs.

Henry Conrad wrote: Again, 6'3"/175lbs.

Pics are definitely in order here.

Bump for more serious replies, though I do find the "thread useless without pics" sentiment to be hilarious. Any other input for me, Wtfunny?

I used to own a dry cleaning business and had a tailor. From what I know about down and how it has to be situated in those little pockets, I would say you would need quite a bit of tailoring. Not sure, but the cost to accomplish what you want to do will most likely be very expensive. Regardless, take it to a few tailors to see what they say.

Henry Conrad wrote:

Bump for more serious replies, though I do find the "thread useless without pics" sentiment to be hilarious. Any other input for me, Wtfunny?

Sorry .. I couldn't find this thread, because of this f***in' useless forum software. It's impossible to track anything here without WAY too much effort.

Anyway ....

A tailor should be able to lose some of the width in the jacket without having to open up all the seams and risk losing down, etc. The biggest issue, imo, is the fabric of the shell. If it's one of those ultralight fabrics, they're a total pita to sew.

Call the mfr.

Cheers

Thanks for the help, folks. I took it to the most reputable tailor in the area today. She's going to take in "about four inches" based on a seam where the side panels (under the armpits) meet the back panels. Apparently she won't have to open up the down; rather, there will just be an extra fold on the inside of the garment. It fit me great when she put the pins in. I can't wait!

Bonus question: is it normal for the down to gradually leak out of the jacket? Even though I've only had it for ~4 days, I've already lost 2 feathers out of the same hole.

Henry Conrad wrote:

...

Bonus question: is it normal for the down to gradually leak out of the jacket? Even though I've only had it for ~4 days, I've already lost 2 feathers out of the same hole.

Not uncommon ... And you'll lose more down with a lower power fill. With lower fill, like say, 600, you get more feathers and less down. So it works it's way out more easily. With higher fill down, like 800 or higher, you get more fluffy down and less feather, with the spiky stems . You lose less.

But it shouldn't be a big deal. If it keeps happening and you lose a noticeable amount, TNF will replace it, just send to them ... Doesn't matter where you bought it.

Hello, I am currently having the same issue with a North Face Parka I recently bought, got a large and fit great in the arms and length but too bulky in the waist, was wondering how your coat turned out after having it tailored? Thanks!

Henry Conrad wrote:

I'm a tall (but skinny, obviously) runner: 6'3"/175.

You are not skinny.

I think a good tailor could take it in however you will probably pay more than you paid for the jacket itself. The tailor I go to charges almost 50 bucks to alter the sleeves and the waist on a dress shirt. There isn't a runner on earth that can buy a dress shirt off the rack and look good in it w/o getting it altered.

not necessarily a helpful solution (sorry Henry) but I found a Spyder jacket at TJ Maxx for $130 just a couple weeks ago. might be worth the while to look it up if you have a tj maxx close to you. it was perfect in the M, with a nice slim fit but, amazingly, long arms. I'm 6/2, 180, and it fit me perfectly. not cheap, but Spyder stuff is pretty solid, so I had no problem paying $130 for a $250 retail jacket.

you could always relist the TNF jacket on ebay- understandably you'd lose a few $, but might be easier than all this tailoring hassle. good luck.

Henry, please let us know how the jacket turns out and if it preforms the same ! :)

How did it turn out Henry? I am having a similar issue with my down coat - Ithe tailor wanted to cut the seams open - scared me so I said I'd think about it.

Gina

Actually it turned out really nicely. I can't remember what my tailor charged, maybe 40 bucks or so. There's essentially an extra folded-over part in side the jacket, one on each side, but from outside you can't tell. It fits so much better and looks great.