Shortening suit jacket sleeves without sewing is possible using a temporary adhesive method, often referred to as a "no-sew hack," which involves folding the sleeve up and securing the new hem with fabric tape or a similar adhesive.
No-Sew Sleeve Adjusting Hack
Instead of traditional tailoring with needle and thread, a quick adjustment can be made using readily available fabric adhesives. This method allows you to fold the sleeve hem to the desired length and hold it in place.
The core concept is to create a new, temporary hem fold and secure it to the inside of the sleeve fabric using a strong, fabric-friendly adhesive. As demonstrated in the reference, applying the adhesive to "The two edges" (referring to the edge of the folded hem and the inner sleeve fabric it's attached to) will "keep the whole thing up and firm."
Steps for No-Sew Sleeve Shortening
Here's how you can typically perform this no-sew adjustment:
- Try on the jacket: Determine the exact amount you need to shorten the sleeve. It's helpful to mark the desired length with a pin or clip while wearing the jacket.
- Turn the sleeve inside out: This makes it easier to work with the hem.
- Fold the excess fabric: Fold the bottom edge of the sleeve inwards by the amount you measured in step 1. Ensure the fold is neat and even around the entire sleeve circumference.
- Apply Fabric Adhesive: Use a suitable fabric adhesive, such as double-sided fabric tape or a fabric-specific glue pen. Apply the adhesive along the edge of the folded hem.
- Secure the Fold: Carefully press the folded, adhesive-applied edge against the inside of the sleeve fabric, above the original hem. Press firmly to ensure the adhesive creates a strong bond between the folded edge and the inner sleeve. "That'll keep the whole thing up and firm."
- Smooth and Finish: Turn the sleeve right side out and smooth the fabric from the outside to ensure the new hem lies flat and appears neat.
This method is a quick and easy way to adjust sleeve length temporarily. It's important to note that while effective for a quick fix or temporary adjustment, it may not be as durable or clean-looking as a professional sewn hem, especially for long-term wear or washing.
For a more permanent or professional finish, particularly on expensive suits, traditional sewing or tailoring is recommended. However, for a fast adjustment without sewing, using fabric adhesive on the folded hem is a viable "no-sew hack." "That's pretty much it guys normally."
