Clothing Alterations and a Good Tailor: Style Essentials

You probably know a reputable mechanic for auto repairs.  But who do you call on for help with something much more important–your personal appearance?

Today, The Art of Manliness shared a practical post covering the basics of clothes alterations and tips for selecting a tailor.  It’s not something most of us think about on a daily basis, but definitely worth considering in light of the fact that the way clothes fit can often be more important than the way they actually look.  It’s also important to know when a damaged item is salvageable, when it needs to be replaced–or at least who to ask.  Among other tips, they share a quick guide outlining the different types of alterations, according to cost and level of skill.

Common Alterations and the Level of Skill They Require

Basic Skill Alterations – Cost is low – you could do it yourself with a little guidance from a friend who can sew or a reputable manual.

• Button & zipper replacement
• Trouser leg length
• Jacket sleeve length (non-working buttons & unlined)

Medium Skill Alterations – Cost is a little more expensive than the above, but always worth the price if this is what you need to make your garment fit.

• Jacket sleeve length (non-working buttons & lined)
• Fixing neck roll
• Bring in or opening up the torso on a jacket
• Bringing in or opening up a pair of trousers
• Taper trouser legs
• Shortening a shirt sleeve
• Replacing a shirt collar
• Adding darts
• Tapering the shirt

High Skill Alterations – Expensive – make sure your tailor is good and knows what they are doing.

• Jacket sleeve length (working buttons & lined)
• Jacket length
• Rotating the jacket sleeve (correcting for arm pitch)
• Relining the jacket
• Reducing shirt shoulders
• Re-weaving – fixes small holes by using fabric found elsewhere on the suit to create an invisible patch

There are other factors to consider, of course–especially when deciding on the right tailor.  A tailor, like an auto mechanic, is someone you probably won’t see every day–but then the time comes, it’s good to know a reputable place to call.

A Man’s Guide to Clothing Alterations at Art of Manliness.

Related posts:

1. A Man’s Guide to Dry Cleaning
2. Is Your Playlist Undermining Your Effectiveness?
3. Concepts to Know: The Peter Principle
4. Know What Your Email Address Says About You
5. How to Properly Tie a Tie