Outerwear is one of the most visible parts of your wardrobe — a well-fitted coat instantly elevates your look. At Imperial Alterations, we specialize in alterations for all types of outerwear: wool overcoats, cashmere coats, puffer jackets, leather jackets, trench coats, peacoats, parkas, and blazer-style outerwear.
Outerwear alterations require specialized skills because of heavier fabrics, insulation, linings, and structured construction. Our senior tailors have 25+ years of experience working with these materials and understand how to alter outerwear while maintaining its warmth, structure, and design integrity.
We also handle luxury brand outerwear including Burberry, Canada Goose, Moncler, and designer leather jackets. Whether you inherited a vintage coat that needs updating or bought a new one that’s slightly too long, we’ll make it fit perfectly.
Visit our Hoboken or Jersey City location. Walk-ins welcome, or book an appointment.
1. Bring Your Coat In
Visit either our Hoboken or Jersey City location with your coat. If possible, wear the layers you typically wear underneath — a bulky sweater vs. a thin shirt affects how the coat should fit.
2. Assessment & Quote
Our tailor will examine the coat's construction, fabric, and lining, then discuss what you'd like changed. You'll get an exact price on the spot. Outerwear can be more complex than standard garments, so the consultation ensures no surprises.
3. Expert Tailoring
Standard turnaround for coat alterations is about 2 weeks. Complex work (relining, shoulder reconstruction) may take longer. Rush service is available with a 20% surcharge.
4. Pickup & Try On
We'll notify you when your coat is ready. Try it on in-store with your usual layers to confirm the fit.
Starting prices. Leather outerwear incurs +$20 per alteration area.
| Alteration | Coat | Leather Jacket |
|---|---|---|
| Sides in/out | $75 and up | $75-$95 |
| Shorten (full) | $125 and up | $125-$165 |
| Shorten sleeves | $65 and up | $65 |
| Shoulder adjustment | $145-$185 | $165-$185 |
| Full relining | $350-$450 | $350-$450 |
| Sleeve relining | $85-$145 | $85-$125 |
| Replace zipper | $145-$165 | $145-$185 |
| Collar shortening | $55-$85 | $75-$95 |
Rush: +20%. Same-day: +30% (subject to availability). Full pricing →
Absolutely. Coats can be taken in at the sides, shortened, have sleeves adjusted, shoulders narrowed, and be relined. Even puffer jackets and insulated coats can be altered — our tailors work with all outerwear construction types. The key is starting with a coat that fits well in the shoulders, as that's the most complex (and expensive) area to alter.
Coat alteration costs depend on the work needed and the coat type. Taking in the sides starts at $75-$95. Shortening a coat starts at $125-$165. Sleeve shortening from $65. Leather jackets cost more due to the specialized equipment needed. We provide free consultations with exact pricing.
Yes. We alter leather jackets including shortening, tapering, sleeve adjustment, shoulder work, relining, and zipper replacement. Leather requires specialized needles and techniques, so there's a premium on pricing (e.g., sides in/out from $65 vs. $75 for a standard coat, but with heavier topstitch work). We handle all leather types — lambskin, cowhide, suede, and faux leather.
Standard turnaround for coat alterations is about 2 weeks. More complex work like full relining or shoulder reconstruction may take slightly longer. Rush service is available with a 20% surcharge. We recommend bringing coats in well before winter season to avoid the seasonal rush.
Yes. Full coat relining starts at $350-$450 depending on the coat size and fabric. If you have your own lining fabric, the cost is lower ($250-$350). We can also patch torn lining ($35-$85) or just reline the sleeves ($85-$145) if the body lining is still in good condition.
