I feel bad starting this as there are other threads, but unfortunately I wasn't able to find out what I needed from perusing what has already been posted. Anyway, here's the deal...
I'm in the market to get a new jacket, but I don't live close enough to any stores to try anything out in person. Normally this wouldn't be a big deal, but I'm a rather unusual build - I'm 5'7" with a 43 inch chest, 30 inch waist, and around a 16-17 inch neck - I'm actually rather skinny (about 160lbs), but my shoulders are very broad for my height.
About a year ago I purchased an 800N AF jacket, and I'm rather displeased with it - all the velcro seams are tearing out (the pants as well), and I'm getting sick of sewing them back together, it doesn't stretch, and the neck doesn't fit me very well either.
So, my question is, would I be better off buying a high quality stretch jacket (Negrini maybe?) in a size too big and getting it tailored to fit me after the fact, or should I try something like calling up TCA and getting one custom made? I don't know much about the TCA jackets, so I'm a bit hesitant.
Can anyone give me some advice? I'm not too concerned about the cost - I just want something comfortable that fits well and isn't some crazy super stiff or heavy material like the AF jacket I have now.
A lot of manufacturers will custom cut a uniform for you. Triplette or LP may be the best option in terms of communication, but I had mine custom cut by Cartel and Negrini will customize too.
I would definitely get one tailor-made to fit you. I know I have the issue of having a long torso, which isn't too big a deal for jackets, but it is for lames for some reason, so I end up having to call with my measurements.
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From what you've said in the initial post, it sounds like you know the obvious options, find a company that fits you, will tailor to you, or get it tailored at home.
If you're looking for a Negrini quality jacket, I wouldn't look at Triplette. However, if you're looking for a jacket that fits, I wouldn't look at Negrini.
If I were the one doing it, I would invest in a nice (Negrini, LP, Escrime, FWF) 350 N jacket and get that tailored at home. I would much rather have a jacket that fits well than one made of nicer material that fits poorly. If you're interested in going FIE, I would recommend someone who makes it a big part of their business to do their own tailoring like LP or Triplette.
Thanks for the input everyone. I was originally thinking LP as I've had good luck with them in the past. I was somewhat dubious of Triplette items from my previous experience with them, but that was over ten years ago (I took a very long break from fencing) so I wanted some more up to date opinions.
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