Clothing Alteration: Everything You Need to Know

Clothing Alteration - Everything You Need to Know

The secret to clothes that fit so well is a tailor.

Experts in clothing alteration can make even the cheapest clothes look classy and expensive. Aside from altering your clothes to make them fit better, having an expert in tailoring clothes gives you an idea of what clothing style suits you.

If you’re searching for “clothing alteration service near me,” Kelly’s Dry Cleaners is at your service. If this is your first time having your clothes altered, we’re here to give you an overview.

Things to Know Before Bringing Your Clothes for Alteration

Professionals offering clothing alteration services are like magicians. They can make ill-fitting clothes to fit your body better. Although they can make that happen (most of the time), there are cases when no clothing alteration technique will work.

Before you go to one shop after searching for “clothing alteration service near me,” it’s important that you know these things:

#1: Only use a tailor’s tape when measuring yourself.

Remember, the only measuring tape you should use is a tailor’s tape. It’s flexible, and it takes the form of your body. Using carpenter’s tape or any other measuring tape for that matter will only result in inaccurate measurements.

#2: Most clothing cannot be let out more than an inch.

When it comes to clothing alteration, there’s always the “impossible” case. Most clothing pieces don’t have enough fabric left to be taken out at all. When you ask them over the phone, the answer you’ll probably get is, “I’ll have to see the clothing.”

#3: Keep your alteration requests simple.

When you opt for professional clothing alteration services, minor fixes are easy to do — may it be hemming pants, fixing damaged zippers and buttons, or seams repair.

Although they’re adept at altering clothes, some requests can be too much. The bottom line is: experts can make it happen, but the results may not always be how you imagined they would be.

#4: Don’t have a garment altered more than once.

The reason why you shouldn’t have your clothes altered more than once is that the place where they used to be sewn will be too obvious. This is especially true for delicate fabrics like chiffon or taffeta.

How Much Would It Cost and How Long Will It Take?

When it comes to how much it costs to get your clothes altered, there’s no one right answer. The prices vary from one tailor to another, and there are other factors to put into consideration:

1. Garment Type

The type of garment and its characteristics are considered when it comes to the price. A wedding dress is more expensive than a blouse or a pair of jeans. Only the tailor or seamstress will be able to give you the exact cost of the alteration.

2. Intricacy of the Alteration Request

The cost will also depend on how intricate the alteration will be. A tailor may charge you extra if:

  • The garment has beads
  • The clothes are too big
  • The dress is too long and has many layers

Here’s a thing you should keep in mind: when it comes to clothing alteration services, the more a tailor changes the original size, the more expensive it will be. If you want to get the best deal possible, ask different shops and compare their rates.

There is no set timeline when it comes to the completion of the alterations. The duration of the completion will depend on the following:

  • The amount of work the tailor needs to do for you
  • How busy the tailor is

Aside from that, also ask if it’s peak season, so you’ll have an idea as to when you get your clothes back.

Ways to Find the Right Tailor for You

It’s important that you find the right tailor you’re looking for. Before opting for a specific tailor, know what you need and know what the tailor can do for you. Here’s how you can find a suitable tailor for your tailoring needs.

1. Do your research.

Before you venture out, do your research first. You can type in “clothing alteration service near me,” then create a list. Visit their websites or social media profiles and look at what other people have to say about them.

2. Ask around for recommendations.

If you’re new to the area, you can ask your neighbors or friends for suggestions. Since they already have experience working with a specific tailor, you’ll get a gist of what it’s like to work with them.

3. Start with a basic alteration.

When you have a local tailor in mind, bring a piece of clothing that needs minor alterations. This will serve as a “trial run.” You’ll see the final results of his/her work and decide whether he/she is the one you’re looking for.

Have Your Clothes Altered by Experts

Kelly’s Dry Cleaners provides affordable alteration services.

Aside from that, we also offer quality laundry services in Durango, Colorado. When it comes to your clothing, only trust experts. Our team at KDC is more than happy to be of service to you. Pay us a visit today and bring your clothes that need servicing with you!