Sherlock Coat opinions/info?

It has arrived!!! In one word: PERFECT! :D

It arrived at my house shortly after 12 this afternoon. I got home from work a short while ago and quickly tried it on. The only thing I feel might not be 100% about it is the size of the shoulders, that may be a bit on the small side - and even that is not Cosplaysky's fault. I should've probably allowed a couple of extra cms in those measurements.

More comprehensive write-up and photos coming soon.. for now, I'm kind of exhausted :p

Tease. Can't wait to see the pics and read your write up!

One thing I would ask in advance of your detailed review...

From all the different coats I've seen on these cosplay sites, the coat lapels always seem to be "off." And by "off" I mean really, really large and innaccurate. How do the lapels actually look compared to the real coat?
 
That's not a result of the pattern, it's because none of these places tailor their coats. The lapels can be folded properly, but you'd have to press them to make them stay in place, and if you did that it wouldn't look like Sherlock's coat, which rolls really gradually. It's all about pad-stitching.
 
That's not a result of the pattern, it's because none of these places tailor their coats. The lapels can be folded properly, but you'd have to press them to make them stay in place, and if you did that it wouldn't look like Sherlock's coat, which rolls really gradually. It's all about pad-stitching.

The Doctor Who coats all look wonky as well, as do all fabric long coats from these places. Haven't seen one yet where the lapels didn't stick out like sore :thumbsdown :thumbsup. :lol

But, I guess you do get what you pay for.

Now, if I hit the Powerball this week, it's Belstaffs for everyone! :lol
 
I wouldn't smirk at a free Belstaff, but I am actually really looking forward to making this thing. It's starting to really work its way into my brain now, and the lack of good enough fabric is driving me a little less sane each day.
 
I wouldn't smirk at a free Belstaff.

I second that! I wouldn't smirk at a reasonably priced accurate replica to be honest... I still don't know why there are SO many available out there but still none with really fine details. You'd think with so much on offer someone would do it.. the potential for profit is insane. Why didn't I become a tailor!?
 
I wouldn't smirk at a free Belstaff, but I am actually really looking forward to making this thing.

My sentiments exactly! I'm spending tomorrow tweaking my pattern for the coat, and then we'll see if I can manage to start working with the wool. So much prep work, but it's worth it to get the thing right in cheap muslin before I start playing with the expensive wool, heh. It really is rather exciting.
 
Just to let a few people know I am currently doing a measurement list based on the God that is RAYR put up for us... I am in contact with a tailor in China who is going to attempt a "cheap" replica using as many of those measurements they can to perfect an affordable pattern. I'll keep you posted. Could be promising.... should be interesting.

This is the fabric they should be using for me.
 
Sorry for the delay! I honestly slacked off a bit this week (loving uni holidays!) and didn't feel like I could justifiably write something up without having worn the coat. So here's a quick summary, with pics and then maybe a more comprehensive review to come.

Just my luck - today was the day of the big occasion, and also the first day of summer, over 35°C, and nearly 100% humidity, even into the late evening. Thankfully the event took place indoors, but it was still annoying wearing that coat around. Got some approving comments about it though! And a few of the guests who were there are huge Sherlock fans... and even they were impressed, so I guess that's a good thing :p

The size was a perfect fit with a shirt, but not so much with a suit jacket :( not that I even considered wearing the suit jacket in this weather haha. Pro tip: when you provide shoulder and armhole sizes, add at least 2-3 cm to each measurement. Having said that, it fits really well even when buttoned up.

The fabric is really heavy and actually feels like it's pretty high quality. Definitely something I'd wear as a winter coat. Its construction is reasonably sturdy, although I admittedly didn't really put any physical stress on the jacket, as such. The buttons are attached a bit loosely, but that makes it very easy to button up the coat.

Pics to come soon.

Tease. Can't wait to see the pics and read your write up!

One thing I would ask in advance of your detailed review...

From all the different coats I've seen on these cosplay sites, the coat lapels always seem to be "off." And by "off" I mean really, really large and innaccurate. How do the lapels actually look compared to the real coat?

Yeah, the collar wasn't as firm and... well, Sherlock-y as the real thing. It's to be expected though, and nothing a few adjustments over the course of the evening couldn't fix. It sat well enough.

That's not a result of the pattern, it's because none of these places tailor their coats. The lapels can be folded properly, but you'd have to press them to make them stay in place, and if you did that it wouldn't look like Sherlock's coat, which rolls really gradually. It's all about pad-stitching.

Just curious - I'm happy with mine, but is it possible to modify a coat in that way?

I second that! I wouldn't smirk at a reasonably priced accurate replica to be honest... I still don't know why there are SO many available out there but still none with really fine details. You'd think with so much on offer someone would do it.. the potential for profit is insane. Why didn't I become a tailor!?
I was happy with my coat! As long as you specify pretty accurate measurements, you're all set :)

Questions/comments welcome! Is there anything that anyone would specifically like to know about the coat?
 
I was happy with my coat! As long as you specify pretty accurate measurements, you're all set :)

Questions/comments welcome! Is there anything that anyone would specifically like to know about the coat?


Excellent, thanks for the update I look forward to seeing some good pictures! I think i'll probably do as you say and add a CM or two to my shoulder measurement... people seem to shrink them down when making coats so sounds like good advice. Can't wait to see some shots! Thanks.
 
Unfortunately no, the pad stitching has to be done before the pieces are sewn together.
 
I need some advice fellow coat enthusiasts... my guy has just got back to me about wool available for me and he's sent me pictures... I have no idea yet as to the "spot" size (i've asked for some reference photos with a button on to check). Here are the photos... can you cast an eye over and tell me your opinions? Personally I THINK fabric 1 is the best, slightly thicker of the two and has more of a spot pattern than boxy. Thank you!

Image of the #1 fabric on Sherlock's real coat... let's hope the spots are indeed that small.

sherlock-coat-buttons-1-sher.jpg-130236d1354555561
 
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I've just been sent two photos from the tailor that have buttons on. I THINK they are both of fabric #2 and not of the one I wanted to see better. Just so you lot can see what the second fabric might look like here are the photos... it doesn't look too bad at all actually (considering what the swatch I posted earlier looked like close up) but I still need to see fabric #1.
 
That isn't too bad. Do you know what the diameter of that button is? If its 1 inch like mine the scale on that is nicer than the Alfatex. I've always liked houndstooth for this coat anyhow, it's appropriate for Holmes.

EDIT: Yea, it looks to me like the Alfatex is 8 teeth per inch (tpi), #2 is 6 tpi, and #1/the real stuf is 4 tpi.
 
That isn't too bad. Do you know what the diameter of that button is? If its 1 inch like mine the scale on that is nicer than the Alfatex. I've always liked houndstooth for this coat anyhow, it's appropriate for Holmes.

EDIT: Yea, it looks to me like the Alfatex is 8 teeth per inch (tpi), #2 is 6 tpi, and #1/the real stuf is 4 tpi.

Ok it's good to hear some feedback on it really as I originally thought that the number 1 fabric they showed me might be more accurate but this one is beginning to grow on me...

I have a feeling it's gunna probably make the best "look" from close and far away. The colour is rather spot on and you're right... it is rather more Holmes. I'll let you know if they get back to me a shot of the button on the other fabric but I actually think I might go with this stuff now instead.

Just so I understand what you put... the last pictures I uploaded were of my guys fabric #2... could you explain where that sits in your edit... is it #2? Maybe i'm just getting confused. (when you say real stuff do you mean belstaff? or the #1 my guy found?)
 
Ok I have compiled a few examples of FABRIC #1 and FABRIC #2 from my tailor. I hope the pictures are good enough for anyone to give me some feedback. We can now see the size of the spots on each fabric when compared to a button. (FABRIC #1 FYI is 1.5 times thicker than #2 - dunno if that will affect anything but worth noting).

If anyone has any advice as to which one is best, most accurate, better colour, good looking etc please let me know. Personally I think I like #2 because of the more subtle colour but #1 because it's more "spotty". Let me know your thoughts.

fabrics1and2together.jpg
 
My guy has just sent me two photos of "old pattern" tailored Sherlock coats he did for another project using these two fabrics. They both look quite nice fabric wise. Thoughts?
 
I'd personally go with the second fabric - thickness and other factors aside - just because the first one, though spotty, appears to go on a diagonal pattern rather than a vertical/horizontal one, and that sort of detracts from the grid effect.
 
Agreed. The houndstooth pattern is barely visible unless you're right up on it, too. My vote is #2 as well.
 
Number 2 all the way. The ONLY thing I like better about number 1 now that I see it in context is that the weight is more accurate. It drapes more nicely. That's not to say #2's drape isn't within acceptable parameters. I like it.

So if the fabric is for sale, sign me up for 4 or 5 yards of #2, depending on the price.
 
Thanks very much guys! I really appreciate the advice. I totally agree with you, although the weight seems better on the first one I like the overall appearance of #2 much more. They have yet to answer me about buying it by the yard so I will ask the question again in case they missed it. Thanks again and I'll let you know how I get on.
 
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