I have actually attempted sartorial shoulder surgery, and I’m sorry to say that I believe the prognosis for shoulder-pad reduction is not good. Suits and sport coats are built around the shoulders, and this structure is essential to the fit of the garment. Some years back, I started eyeing my early-’90s Giorgio Armani Black Label “power suits“ in the closet and thought about how much they cost and how nice the fabric was. I took them to a very good tailor and asked if he could modernize them by removing much of the big shoulder. He tried, but the patient died. The problem is that it’s not just the padding but also the overhang of the shoulder and how the sleeves are set in—these things are all designed to work together. You might be able to reduce padding slightly, and if the suit is currently unwearable it may be worth a try. My best suggestion? When buying suits, always go for the shoulder you like. It’s the most important part of the jacket. If the shoulders are too big, forget it; you have the wrong brand.
