Nothing is more aggravating than having a tonne of clothing in your wardrobe but nothing to wear. It’s possible that you’ve lost weight since everything in your closet now fits you perfectly. Perhaps you purchased a number of shirts from a clearance sale at a significant discount, but every time you put one on, you are reminded that the sleeves are excessively long. Or perhaps you have a lot of outdated clothing in your wardrobe that used to be in style but now makes you appear out of date.
A tailor Adelaide can slim down those baggy pants, trim the sleeves of that shirt, and even give that oversized jacket a more sleek, contemporary look. You’ll also spend a lot less money than if you were to acquire a brand-new wardrobe.
Cost of Clothing Alterations
The price of alterations can vary widely. Some sewing jobs are more complicated than others, which increases the cost. Even for the same service, prices depend on your location and the tailor shop you choose. This makes it difficult to provide a general estimate. However, typical costs for common alterations usually fall within these ranges:
Hemming
Hemming costs between $10 and $45. This applies to pants, skirts, or dresses. Keep in mind that linings and pleats can raise the price, especially for skirts.
Sleeve Shortening
Shortening sleeves costs between $10 and $60. Jackets with buttons and linings are more expensive than plain jackets or shirt sleeves. Shortening sleeves from the shoulder costs more than from the cuff. Jackets with ornate sleeves may require shoulder alterations, which adds to the cost.
Waistband Adjustments
Altering a waistband costs between $10 and $45. Lined pants and skirts are more expensive than unlined ones. If you adjust the waist on pants, you may also need to alter the seat and crotch, which increases the price.
Dress Shirt Reduction
Reducing the size of a dress shirt costs between $15 and $35.
Turning or Replacing a Shirt Collar
Over time, garment collars can wear out, making the entire shirt look old. To fix this, the collar may need to be turned or replaced. Turning involves removing the collar and sewing it back on so the better-looking side faces outward. These services usually cost between $30 and $50.
Adding or Altering a Suit Jacket, Blazer, or Vest
Adding or altering a men’s wedding suit jacket, blazer, or vest costs between $20 and $90. Three-seam jackets are more expensive than two-seam jackets. Taking in the sleeves costs an additional $20 to $40, while altering the shoulders can cost $75 to $150.
Read More: Best Ways to Style Striped Shirts
Common Alteration Costs
- Sheath Dresses: Taking in a sheath dress costs between $25 and $50.
- Zipper or Button Replacement: Replacing zippers or buttons usually costs $10 to $25.
- Replacing a Garment’s Lining: Replacing a lining can cost $50 or more, depending on the garment.
Finding the Right Tailor
Finding a skilled tailor is often the hardest part of getting alterations done. Many dry cleaners offer tailoring services, but according to the fashion blog Alterations Needed, these tailors usually handle only basic hemming.
For example, when sleeves needed resetting on a coat at two nearby dry cleaners, both said it was not possible.
Department Store Tailoring
Several department stores offer on-site tailoring services. These tailors provide reasonable costs and decent skill. However, Alterations Needed notes that they often rush jobs, are overburdened, and may not focus on your specific needs. Men’s fashion site Dappered emphasizes that you need “a tailor that is your tailor,” someone who understands your preferences.
The Benefits of a Reliable Tailor
Having a reliable tailor opens up new shopping possibilities. You can ask, “Could this be made to fit me?” instead of just “Does this fit me?”
For instance, if a medium is too small and a large is too big, you can buy the large and have it altered to a perfect medium-large.
Consider Alteration Costs
Always consider alteration costs when shopping. Adding taxes or fees can turn a seemingly great deal into a less impressive one. For example, an oversized vest priced at $17 may end up costing much more after alterations.
Take Action
Make an appointment with Oscar Hunt to explore your tailoring options and find the perfect fit for your clothing needs