Get The Perfect Fit: How To Tailor A Vest Step-by-Step

Can you tailor a vest yourself? Yes, absolutely! Do you need fancy tools? You need some simple sewing supplies. This guide shows you how. Tailoring a vest makes it fit just right. A good fit looks sharp and feels great. You can make many simple vest alterations at home. This includes adjusting vest size or shortening a vest. It’s part of DIY vest tailoring. We will walk you through how to do it.

Image Source: bespokeunit.com

Why Make Your Vest Fit Better?

Your clothes feel best when they fit well. This is very true for a vest. A vest that fits right does many things:

• Looks Good: It smooths your shape. It doesn’t pull or bunch. It makes your outfit look polished. This is key for fitting a formal vest.
• Feels Good: It’s comfortable to wear. It doesn’t feel too tight or too loose. It lets you move easily.
• Lasts Longer: A vest that fits doesn’t stress the fabric or seams in the wrong places.
• Saves Money: Resizing a waistcoat you own is cheaper than buying a new one.

Is Tailoring a Vest Hard to Do?

Making big changes can be tricky. But many common fixes are easy. Things like taking in a vest at the sides are simple sewing jobs. Shortening the length is also not too hard. Small changes make a big difference. If you can sew a straight line, you can do many vest fixes. We will show you how. You can start small and build your skill.

Getting Ready: What You Need

You need a few things to start. You might have most of them already.

Materials Needed

• The vest you want to change.
• Thread that matches your vest. Or a color you like if you want it to show.
• Small piece of scrap fabric. This helps you test stitches.

Tools You Will Use

• Sewing Machine or Needle: A machine is faster. Hand sewing works for small fixes.
• Sharp Scissors: For cutting fabric and threads.
• Seam Ripper: This helps you take out old stitches. You will use this often.
• Measuring Tape: A flexible one is best for clothes.
• Pins: To hold fabric in place.
• Tailor’s Chalk or Fabric Marker: To make lines on the fabric.
• Iron and Ironing Board: Pressing helps make your work look neat.

Figuring Out the Right Fit: Checking Your Vest

Putting the vest on helps you see how it fits. Look at different parts.

Putting the Vest On

Wear the shirt and pants you plan to wear with the vest. Button the vest up. Stand naturally in front of a mirror.

Where to Look for Fit Problems

Check these areas:

• Chest: Does it pull across the buttons? Is it too loose?
• Waist: Does it hang straight? Does it pull tight around your belly? Taking in a vest at the waist is common.
• Length: Does it cover your belt line? Does it go too far down? Shortening a vest is often needed.
• Shoulders: Do the shoulder seams sit flat? Do they stick up or fall off your shoulders? Sewing vest shoulders can fix this.
• Armholes: Do they rub your underarms? Are they big enough to show too much shirt? Altering vest armholes makes them comfortable.

Use pins to mark areas that need change. Pin how much fabric you want to take in. Be careful not to pin it too tight. Just make it smooth.

Common Vest Changes You Can Do

Most vest changes make the vest smaller. Making a vest bigger is hard. It often needs more fabric. Vests usually don’t have extra fabric hidden in seams.

These are the main fixes we will cover:

• Taking in a vest at the sides (making it smaller).
• Shortening a vest‘s length.
• Adjusting vest size by fixing shoulders.
• Altering vest armholes.
• Resizing a waistcoat (this means the same as resizing a vest).

Step-by-Step Guides for Tailoring Your Vest

Here are the steps for common changes. Always try the vest on as you go.

Taking In the Sides (Making a Vest Smaller)

This is the most common change. Vests are often too wide at the waist. This makes the vest look boxy. You can take in the side seams.

Step 1: Mark How Much to Take In

• Put the vest on over your shirt.
• Pin the side seams. Pin them closer to your body. Start pinning below the armhole. Pin down to the bottom edge.
• Take the vest off.
• Lay the vest flat. Turn it inside out.
• Use your tailor’s chalk. Draw a line on the wrong side of the fabric. This line shows where you will sew. It should be inside the pins. It should curve gently from the armhole area down to the amount you pinned. The line should slowly go back to the original seam near the armhole. Or it can start right below the armhole stitching.

Step 2: Sew the New Seam

• Thread your machine or needle. Use matching thread.
• Start sewing on the new chalk line. Begin just below the armhole stitching.
• Sew slowly and carefully. Follow your chalk line exactly.
• Sew down to the bottom edge of the vest.
• Backstitch a few stitches at the start and end. This makes the seam strong.
• Do this on both sides of the vest. Sew from the bottom up on the second side. Or start at the top again. Just be sure to sew the same way on both sides. This helps keep it even.

Step 3: Check the Fit

• Turn the vest right side out.
• Try it on. See how it fits now.
• Does it feel good? Is it the right tightness?
• If it’s still too loose, take it off. Turn it inside out again. Draw a new line just inside the first one. Sew again. Go slow.
• If it’s too tight, use your seam ripper. Carefully take out your new stitches. Sew a new line further out from the first one.

Step 4: Trim Extra Fabric (If Fit is Good)

• Once you are happy with the fit, take the vest off. Turn it inside out.
• Look at the seam allowance. This is the fabric between your new stitches and the old seam (or edge).
• Trim this extra fabric. Leave about half an inch of fabric beyond your new stitches.
• Be careful not to cut your stitches!

Step 5: Finish the Seam (Important Step)

• The cut edge of the fabric can fray. You need to finish it.
• If you have a sewing machine, use a zigzag stitch. Or use a serger if you have one. Sew along the raw edge of the trimmed fabric. This keeps it from falling apart.
• If sewing by hand, you can use a whipstitch. Stitch over the raw edge to keep it neat.

Step 6: Press the Seam

• Turn the vest right side out.
• Press the new side seams flat with an iron.
• You can press the seam allowance open. Or press both layers of seam allowance to one side. Pressing makes the seam look neat and flat.

Shortening the Vest Length

Sometimes a vest hangs too low. It should just cover your belt. Shortening a vest makes it look better. This involves making a new hem at the bottom. This might be harder if your vest has a lining. We’ll cover a basic shortening.

Step 1: Mark the New Length

• Put the vest on over your shirt.
• Stand straight. Look in a mirror.
• Decide how much shorter you want it. Mark the bottom edge with a pin.
• Take the vest off.
• Turn it inside out.
• Use your measuring tape. Measure up from the old hem the amount you want to shorten.
• Add about 1 inch (2.5 cm) below that mark. This extra inch is for the new hem allowance.
• Draw a line across the vest at the mark you just made (original shortening amount). This is your new fold line.
• Draw another line 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the fold line. This is your cutting line.
• Do this all the way across the bottom edge. Make sure the line is straight.

Step 2: Cut the Fabric

• Lay the vest flat and smooth.
• Cut along the lower line (the cutting line). Cut off the extra fabric.

Step 3: Create the New Hem

• Turn the vest inside out.
• Fold the raw edge up 1/2 inch (1.25 cm). Press this fold with your iron.
• Fold it up again another 1/2 inch (1.25 cm). This hides the raw edge. Press this second fold. The pressed fold should be right on your marked fold line.
• Pin the hem in place.

Step 4: Sew the Hem

• Thread your machine or needle. Use matching thread.
• Sew close to the inner folded edge. Sew all the way around the bottom of the vest.
• Go slowly and keep your stitch line straight.
• Backstitch at the start and end.

Step 5: Press the Hem

• Turn the vest right side out.
• Press the new hem flat from the outside. This gives it a crisp finish.

Note on Linings: If your vest is lined, this is more complex. You have to separate the lining from the shell fabric. Shorten both. Then sew them back together neatly at the bottom. This is harder DIY vest tailoring.

Adjusting Shoulders (Sewing Vest Shoulders)

Shoulders can sometimes stick up or look too wide. Sewing vest shoulders can smooth this area. This often means taking in the shoulder seam itself.

Step 1: Pin the Shoulder

• Put the vest on over your shirt.
• Look at the shoulder seam. It should sit flat on your shoulder.
• If it sticks up or is too wide, pinch the fabric at the shoulder seam. Pinch it until it lies flat.
• Pin this extra fabric along the top of the shoulder seam. Pin it evenly from the neck edge to the armhole.
• Take the vest off carefully.

Step 2: Mark and Sew the New Seam

• Turn the vest inside out.
• Lay it flat. Find your pins on the shoulder seam.
• Draw a line with chalk just inside the pins. This line should start at the neck edge (where the original seam starts). It should slowly angle in to meet your pins. Then it should angle back out to meet the original armhole seam line. You are making a slight curve or angle.
• Sew along this new chalk line. Start at the neck seam. Sew to the armhole seam.
• Do this on both shoulders. Make them match.

Step 3: Check and Trim

• Turn the vest right side out. Try it on.
• Does the shoulder lie flat now? If yes, turn it inside out again.
• Trim the extra fabric beyond your new seam. Leave about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm).
• Finish the raw edge using a zigzag stitch or serger.

Step 4: Press

• Press the new shoulder seam. Press it flat or press the seam allowance towards the neck.

Altering Vest Armholes

Armholes should feel good. They should not rub or gap open too much. Altering vest armholes can make them more comfortable. This is a delicate change. It’s hard to make armholes bigger. It’s easier to make them smaller or change their shape slightly.

Step 1: Pin the Armhole

• Put the vest on over your shirt.
• Feel the armhole. Does it feel tight or loose?
• If it’s too loose or gaps, pinch the fabric. Pinch it gently along the armhole edge. Pinch it until it feels better. Use pins to mark how much you pinched.
• Take the vest off.

Step 2: Mark the New Curve

• Turn the vest inside out.
• Lay it flat. Look at the armhole edge.
• See your pins. Draw a new line with chalk just inside your pins. This line should follow the curve of the original armhole. But it should be slightly smaller where you pinned. Blend the new line smoothly back into the original seam line at the top (shoulder) and bottom (side seam).

Step 3: Sew Carefully

• Sew along your new chalk line. Use a sewing machine or needle.
• Sew slowly. It is a curve. Sewing curves takes practice. Keep your stitches even.
• Use a shorter stitch length than for straight seams. This makes the curve smoother.
• Do this on both armholes. Make them match.

Step 4: Check and Trim

• Turn the vest right side out. Try it on.
• Does the armhole feel better? If yes, turn it inside out.
• Trim the extra fabric outside your new stitches. Leave about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm).
• Clip little cuts into the seam allowance, up to your stitches. Do not cut your stitches! These clips help the curved edge lay flat.
• Finish the raw edge with a zigzag stitch or serger.

Step 5: Press

• Press the armhole seam. Press it towards the inside of the vest. Press from the outside gently.

Tips for Doing DIY Vest Tailoring

Here are some helpful hints for DIY vest tailoring:

• Start Small: Don’t try to change too much at once. Small changes are easier to fix if something goes wrong. Taking in a vest a little at a time is smart.
• Test Fit Often: Try the vest on after each major step (like sewing a new seam). It’s easier to fix mistakes early.
• Use Good Thread: Strong thread matching your fabric color looks best.
• Practice First: If you’re new to sewing, practice on scrap fabric. Sew some straight lines and curves.
• Take Pictures: Before you start, take photos of how the vest fits now. This helps you see the change.
• Use a Seam Ripper: Don’t be afraid to take out stitches if you make a mistake. It’s part of learning.

When to Ask for Help

Sometimes vest alterations are too complex. Or maybe you don’t have the right tools or feel unsure. It’s okay to get help.

Consider a tailor if:

• The vest is very expensive or special (fitting a formal vest).
• You need to make it bigger (this is often hard or impossible).
• The fabric is tricky (like silk or thick wool).
• You need many changes done at once.
• You don’t have a sewing machine and the work is too much for hand sewing.
• You want a perfect fit for a very important event.

A professional tailor can handle complex vest alterations like changing the back strap, dealing with vents, or reshaping the entire garment. They are skilled at resizing a waistcoat even for hard cases.

Taking Care of Your Tailored Vest

After you finish your DIY vest tailoring, take care of your vest.

• Check the fiber content tag. Follow the washing or cleaning instructions.
• Hang your vest on a good hanger. This helps it keep its shape.
• Press it with an iron when needed. Use the right heat setting for the fabric.

Your well-fitting vest will look great for a long time. You did the work to make it just right.

Grasping the Process

You now have the steps for several common vest alterations. You learned about adjusting vest size by taking in a vest. You know how to tackle shortening a vest, sewing vest shoulders, and altering vest armholes. You can try DIY vest tailoring and make your vest fit better. Remember that resizing a waistcoat at home is possible for many simple fixes. Start simple. Be patient. Soon you’ll have a vest that fits you perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make a vest bigger?

A: This is usually hard. Most vests don’t have extra fabric in the seams to let out. Sometimes, if the vest has a center back seam, a tiny bit might be let out there. But large size increases are not possible with standard vest alterations.

Q: How much can I take in a vest?

A: You can take in a vest quite a bit at the side seams. You can take in an inch or two on each side easily. Just make sure you don’t make it too tight to button. Pin carefully and try it on.

Q: What if my vest has a different type of back (like elastic)?

A: Vests with elastic or a half-belt can be altered. Taking in a vest at the sides still works. Shortening the length works. Changing the back belt is possible but might be more complex DIY. Adjusting shoulders or armholes is similar.

Q: Is resizing a waistcoat different from resizing a vest?

A: No, a waistcoat is just another name for a vest, especially a formal one. The steps for resizing a waistcoat are the same as for a vest. The term fitting a formal vest might mean you need extra care due to the fabric or importance of the event.

Q: How long does it take to tailor a vest?

A: A simple fix like taking in a vest at the sides can take 1-2 hours for a beginner. Shortening might take a bit longer if it’s lined. More complex changes or multiple changes take more time. Go slow to get it right.

Q: Can I tailor a lined vest?

A: Yes, but it’s more work. You usually have to open the lining first. Make the change to the outer vest fabric. Then make the same change to the lining. Then sew the lining back in neatly. Shortening a lined vest is much harder than an unlined one.

Q: What stitch should I use on my sewing machine?

A: Use a straight stitch for seams like the sides or shoulders. Use a zigzag stitch or serger stitch to finish the raw edges. For armholes, a shorter straight stitch helps with the curve.

Q: My armholes gape open. How do I fix this?

A: This means they are too big. Altering vest armholes to make them smaller can help. Pin out the extra fabric at the edge of the armhole where it gapes. Then sew a new seam just inside your pins, blending it into the rest of the armhole curve.

Q: My vest shoulders stick up. How do I fix this?

A: This often means the shoulder seam is too wide. Sewing vest shoulders means taking in a small amount of fabric at the shoulder seam. Pin out the extra fabric along the top edge of the shoulder. Sew a new seam just inside the pins.

Making your vest fit well is worth the effort. Give DIY vest tailoring a try!