Alterations & Tailoring
Make it fit properly
Off-the-rack clothing is made for a generic body shape that doesn't exist. That's why even expensive pieces often need adjusting. A good seamstress can take in the waist, shorten sleeves, taper trouser legs, or let out seams where there's allowance.
The difference between "this will do" and "this looks like it was made for me" is usually a few well-placed alterations. Most adjustments are straightforward, take a week or less, and cost far less than buying something new.
Get a Quote
What we can help with
From simple hems to complete restructuring, our network of specialists handle all types of clothing alterations.
- Trouser hemming & tapering
- Dress alterations
- Jacket & coat adjustments
- Waist take-ins & let-outs
- Zip replacement
- Button repairs & replacement
- Sleeve shortening
- Lining repairs
What you should know
Not everything can be altered easily. Shoulders on jackets are the hardest to change because the entire garment hangs from them. If jacket shoulders don't fit, it's often better to find a different jacket. Waists, hems, and side seams are much more straightforward.
Letting out is trickier than taking in. There has to be enough seam allowance to work with, and even then, old stitch holes and pressing marks sometimes show. Budget garments rarely have enough spare fabric to let out meaningfully.
Matching thread matters more than you'd think. A good seamstress will match thread colour precisely to the original stitching. On visible seams, even a slight mismatch can be noticeable.
For the best results, wear the shoes and undergarments you'll use with the item when you go for a fitting. Heel height in particular affects trouser length significantly.
Common questions
How much can a garment be taken in or let out?
Taking in is generally easier than letting out. Most garments can be taken in by 2-4 inches at the seams. Letting out depends entirely on the seam allowance left by the original manufacturer. Higher quality garments typically have more allowance (1-2 inches), while budget items often have minimal spare fabric. Your seamstress will check what's possible during the fitting.
What does "break" mean when hemming trousers?
The break refers to how the trouser leg falls over your shoe. A "no break" finish skims the top of the shoe for a modern look. A "slight break" creates one small fold at the ankle, which is traditional for dress trousers. A "full break" pools slightly on the shoe. Your seamstress will ask which you prefer.
Can you alter clothes without it being obvious?
With skilled alterations, yes. The key is working within the garment's original construction. Taking in at existing seams, matching thread colour exactly, and preserving the original hem wherever possible all help. What's harder to hide: letting out fabric (old stitch holes can show) or changing structural elements like shoulders.
How long do alterations take?
Simple jobs like trouser hems can often be done in 24-48 hours. Standard alterations typically take 3-7 working days. Complex work involving multiple fittings, such as restructuring a jacket, may need 2-3 weeks. If you have a deadline, mention it when booking.
Should I wash clothes before alterations?
Yes, especially if they might shrink. Washing shows the seamstress the garment in its true state. If a hem is done on unwashed fabric that later shrinks, you'll end up with trousers that are too short. The exception: delicate items that need dry cleaning only.