We’re willing to bet most people would like to get their clothes tailored for a custom fit, but it can be a guessing game regarding how much it will cost to turn that vintage dress into something you would actually wear. And without knowing what hemming or taking in an item will cost, would-be thrift shoppers are at a bit of a disadvantage.
No more.
While where you live and where you go will have some variation on how much you can expect to pay, this guide aims to walk you through common tailoring requests and what factors may increase your final tailoring bill.
Hemming Pants
There’s nothing sloppier than too-long pants that drag — it ruins both the pants and the look. Equally bad: Pants that are fine when you wear flats but weirdly short when you’re in heels. If you frequently switch between skimmers and stilettos, keep a couple of pants on hand that are hemmed for flats, and the rest of your pants should be kept long for heels.
The average: $10
What may cost more: Lined dress pants, cuffs, or special requests like an original hem for designer denim, for which you can expect to pay up to $25.
Shortening Skirts and Dresses
Whether you’re an attendant to a bride who has requested tea-length dresses or you are looking to rock the leggy look, shortening your hemline is a surefire way to change the entire look of a dress.
The average: $20
What may cost more: Lined dresses, satin, silk, and layered frocks require more work and a higher cost, likely starting in the $35 range.
Lifting a Neckline
If you’ve found a frock that would be even more perfect with a sweetheart neckline, or it’s just a little too loose in the bust, these are easy fixes that will elevate a great dress.
The average: $10 for strap and dart adjustment
What may cost more: Formal dresses may need to be relined for extensive bodice work, so expect to add the cost of material to the labor.
Taking A Dress or Shirt In
Lost weight? You can easily tailor most items in your wardrobe to fit your new physique, with the help of a talented seamstress. (Just weigh the value of your wardrobe before you decide to alter — it may be cheaper to simply replace the item.)
The average: starting around $15 for shirts, $20 for dresses
What may cost more: Wedding dresses, with their complicated beading, boning, and high-grade silk, will be much more to take in. It’s not uncommon for alterations to start around $250 and add to up $500 or more, so keep that in mind while wedding-gown shopping. Also, letting seams out is a considerably trickier job, so budget accordingly.
Shortening Jacket Sleeves
If you’re petite, you probably know the agony of trying to find a suit that doesn’t make you look like you’re wearing your dad’s blazer. Luckily it’s simple and cost-effective enough to shorten the sleeves.
The average: $25
What may cost more: Leather is much harder to sew, and will accordingly cost more — $35 and up is not uncommon.
Tailoring Wool or Leather
A fantastic wool or leather coat is where most people spend their money; it’s an investment piece that will last for years. But if it’s no longer fitting you quite right or looking the worse for wear, it may be worth altering — just be prepared for the high cost.
The average: starting around $30 to taper a back seam, $50 to let side seams in or out, $35 for a zipper replacement, $45 for hemming, and $75 to reline the whole coat
What may cost more: Thicker materials (like motorcycle leather) require a more labor-intensive job, and not every tailor is skilled at it. Talk to a leather specialist if you want to make sure you’re getting top-notch work.