Tailoring
Alterations & fitting
Hems, take-ins and tapering, done by hand and checked on you. Everyday clothes, workwear and wedding outfits, for men and women.
What we do
What alterations cover
Most jobs fall into a few kinds of work, and most are simpler than people expect.
- Hems on trousers, skirts, dresses and sleeves, shortened or lengthened
- Waists and side seams taken in or let out
- Suits and blazers tapered: sleeves, waist, trouser break
- Dress straps shortened and bodices adjusted
- Cuffs redone on sleeves and trouser legs
- Zips, buttons and snaps replaced as part of a fitting
Bought online or abroad? The label does not matter, the fit does.
How tailoring works
Drop off
Bring the garment in during opening hours. Most jobs need no appointment.
Fit
We pin it on you and agree the price. Bigger jobs and wedding outfits may need a second check fitting, and we say so upfront.
Bench
The work is done in the shop, by hand or machine, whichever the seam needs.
Collect
We message you when it is ready, pressed.
Wedding and formal wear
A wedding fitting gets more time per visit and a schedule worked back from the date. The bride, the groom and the wedding party can be fitted on one timeline. Borrowed, inherited and second-hand gowns are fine: we check the fabric and seams before anything is cut.
When to come in
6–8 weeks before
First fitting
Bring the gown or suit in. Bodies change in the weeks before a wedding, so this fitting sets a baseline.
3–4 weeks before
Working fitting
Most of the work happens here: hem, take-in, straps and bodice on a gown; shoulders, waist and trouser break on a suit. Pinned on you, with your shoes on.
1–2 weeks before
Final check
A short fitting to confirm the work, then a final press.
Less than two weeks to go? Call or message us and we will tell you what is realistic.
Worth altering?
Alter it or replace it
Usually worth it
- The shoulders fit and the rest does not. Shoulders are the hard part of a jacket to change.
- It fitted before and does not now. This is the most common job we do.
- Only the length is wrong. The quickest, simplest kind of alteration.
- The cloth is good. A well-made wool suit or heavy coat is usually worth refitting.
Usually not worth it
- More than two sizes out in the chest. A tailor can move a hem, not rebuild the frame of a jacket.
- The fabric is already wearing through, with nothing solid left to sew into.
Not sure? Send a photo on WhatsApp and we will tell you before you make the trip.
Questions
About alterations
How much does an alteration cost?
It depends on the garment and the fabric. You get the price before we start, so there are no surprises at collection. Send a photo on WhatsApp for an estimate.
How long does it take?
Most alterations are ready in 2–3 days. We confirm the date when you drop the garment off.
Can you take in or let out a suit jacket?
Yes, within the seam allowance in the garment. We tell you how much room there is before we cut anything.
How many fittings will I need?
Most jobs need one fitting and one collection visit. More involved tapering or a wedding outfit may need a second check fitting.
Do you alter women’s and men’s clothes?
Yes, everyday clothes, workwear and occasion pieces for the whole family.
Enquiry
Request a fitting
Fill in what you know. The form opens WhatsApp with your message ready to send.