Clothing Alteration | A Guide to Perfecting Your Wardrobe

Anyone who wants clothes that fit well needs clothing alteration of some sort. Whether it’s shortening a hem or taking in a waist, or repairing a torn seam, clothing alterations can make an everyday garment feel like a treasured keeper. Here’s a closer look at why alterations are necessary, common types of alterations and tips for finding a good tailor.

Why Clothing Alteration Matters

Clothing alteration is manufactured to fit a variety of body types rather than a specific person, which means that no matter how many times you buy off-the-rack garments, they will never – I repeat, never – fit like they were tailor-made for you. Height, hips, bust, shoulder width, and just about every other anatomical feature differ from one person to the next, and these variations will often be against you when it comes to finding a size that fits, let alone flatters. Enter clothing alterations. By putting tailoring up against your physique, you can create a garment that has a bespoke, aura-enhancing fit that no rack-pulled substitute will ever achieve.

Tailors also have a knack for rejuvenating old or ill-fitting clothes. Unable to fit into them anymore, you can give your old clothes a new life, tailored to fit your new size or preference. As a result, alterations save money, preserve natural resources and cut down on waste.

Common Types of Clothing Alterations

Alterations can be simply taking in or letting out and removing pleats, or more complicated modifications, such as redressing or cutting straight across a back or full skirt. No matter what the exact alteration is, there are always layers upon layers of cloth and seams to deal with. Here are examples of the most common alterations:

Hem Adjustments

Hemming pants, skirts and dresses is among the most common alterations made to garments. To lengthen or shorten a dress or a length of trousers is to make proper the length, be it for casual or more formal occasions.

Waist and Side Seam Adjustments

Tight clothing, for example, can make one uncomfortable around the waist, while excessively loose clothing can be unattractive. Waists and side seams on pants, skirts or dresses, however, can be easily taken in or let out by a tailor.

Sleeve Adjustments

If it’s a jacket, a shirt, or a dress, we usually need to alter the sleeves – making them shorter or narrower to achieve the right look.

Zipper and Button Repairs

These garment maladies — worn-out zippers, missing buttons — are such simple tasks for a tailor: the crooked zipper instantly repaired, the stray button expertly sewn back on. With even a rudimentary fix, the garment might stay with me a longer time than I would otherwise have bothered taking it to the Goodwill bin.

Dress and Suit Alterations

Suits and dresses are an example of formal wear that usually require fitting and alterations to ensure the proper fit. A tailor can make adjustments to the shoulder and side seams, as well as alter a skirt or jacket to fit the body as if it were originally custom-made.

Tips for Finding a Good Tailor

Never underestimate how helpful it is to find a good tailor. He or she might alter your clothing for you, and we have a few hints for who to ask:

Check for Experience

A tailor with long years of experience will therefore be more familiar with all shapes and textures of clothes, knowing how to handle both. Enquire as to their previous work — in particular, whether they’ve previously altered pieces of the same type of cloth alteration melbourne you’re bringing in, especially if you’re getting formal wear or delicate fabrics altered.

Read Reviews and Ask for Recommendations

A good tailor is best found the old fashioned way: through word of mouth. Ask friends or even family members for recommendations. Read customers’ reviews online, and scope out which tailor in your area has a solid reputation.

Start Small

Send your favorite piece of clothing to a tailor for an easy alteration, just to check out his or her skill level and care. Then you can hand over your more challenging jobs.

Conclusion

Getting your clothing altered by a good service ensures that your wardrobe fits properly and looks put-together. Great clothing does not have to be expensive if the item is well-tailored to fit. Oftentimes, a bit of balancing can work wonders. Sure, covering up certain physical flaws might not change the actual issue, but it can greatly enhance your overall appearance.