Frock Coat Fix

[Quartermaster James]

Is there anyway to justify a center gusset on the back of an early 1700's frockcoat?

If not, can anyone offer another suggestion for fixing a frockcoat that is just a tad tight across the back? Overall, it fits well, but the back limits my range of motion.

[kass]

There absolutely is, Jigme! We often see strips of fabric inserted into the center back and underarm seams to increase the size of a garment. Strangely enough, the fabric doesn't even have to match!

There was a very brisk trade in second-hand clothing at this time. You may have bought this coat and it wasn't quite the right size. So you had it made larger.

Clothing was expensive. Altering clothing to make it fit was much more common than having a new coat made.

[Quartermaster James]

Thanks Kass! That's exactly what I was wondering.

I must be learnin' thangs here...this time my "justification" actually matched facts!

[kass]

Sometimes the facts actually make sense.

You gotta post pictures of the coat when it's done.

[Lady Alyx]

would that be a vertical rectangular piece right up to the collar or more like a elipse going to a point on each end and stopping before the collar and ending at waistline?

[Quartermaster James]

Aye! Twas the pointy ended elipse, or elongated lozenge, that I was visioning.

Since my initial post, however, I have been in contact with the tailor with whom I am working (as know ye all who have read my posts that my skill with a needle is all but nonexistant!). He confirms that the coat is far too small and is building a new one from the ground up - or from whole cloth - or whatever expression is most fitting. Really, I have no idea how these things are done - sleeves in? Now, give me some wood and metal, now I can make something!