Extending a RD2 Shell Coat?

[Monkehbase]

So I have a nice authentic EAC RDII Shell coat that is a little short of me and I was wondering if I could buy EAC and extend it?

 

[RedRover]

So I have a nice authentic EAC RDII Shell coat that is a little short of me and I was wondering if I could buy EAC and extend it?

Short jackets weren't odd. Confederate veteran Mr. G.H. Baskette says jackets too short was pretty standard...

Illustrations by Confederate veterans:

Perhaps it would just be easier to hike up the trousers with suspenders, or perhaps a new pair with the higher "rise" on the body if necessary. Or just let the shirt-tail fly some as noted.

 

[captaindrew]

I have to ask, are you wearing your trousers where they were meant to be? Should be up to your naval, that's the natural waist and were period trousers should be worn. And that's about where a properly made RD shell jacket should stop. It really looks silly if you try it on with modern jeans/pants that we wear much lower these days.

 

[RetiredCanuck]

Adding a band to lengthen the jacket will ruin it IMHO. You'll be unlikely to match the fabric well enough to make it match. And it's not something troops could or would do in the field.
Couple hints maybe? The biggest issue with a short length is that the bottom will not stay inside the waist belt. Perhaps if you put your gear on over your shirt first and put the jacket overtop it will help? You can leave most of the bottom buttons undone as well.
It's handy if you get hot on a march because you can take it off quickly.
You could also add a longer vest underneath to smooth the transition from the waistline of your trousers.

 

[PrivateBrooke]

A jacket that doesn't fit is period accurate. Issue clothing came in 3 sizes and you got the first jacket on the pile that would button. It could fit you like a tent or you could look like an overstuffed sausage, if it buttoned it fit.
Also these were made to fit an average soldier. On average they stood between about 5'4" and 5'8" I believe. If you were much beyond those margins in either direction your jacket was going to be the wrong length no matter what. Even if it fit well in the chest.

 

[iron bender]

Had a buddy who was in 1/7 Cav in 1970. He said being the last guys out of the field to draw new clothes sucked. You got pants that hugged you like tights and a shirt that was a tent. Or vice/versa. Ill-fitting gear is part of the impression/accuracy. Makes for a good look in my opinion

 

[rebracer]

if you are 6' tall or taller, a short jacket is actually very accurate and was not uncommon to have clothing too small or too large. We have to remember that alot of reproduction gear that is made to the period correct dimensions is now and would have been in the 1860s too short on a taller man but he would have carried it/worn it anyway. Its also a myth that everyone was tiny then (they were not 200 + lbs either but that is a different discussion). Yes the average man was shorter but there were still plenty of 6 feet and taller men. We spend so much money on clothing and equipment that we want it all fitting perfectly and properly tailored to our bodies, but issued gear was not that way.