A good suit lasts through years of celebrations. The idea of a “good suit” differs for everyone – from a budget-friendly option to a bespoke garment that fits perfectly. Regardless, alterations are usually needed to keep the fit over time. Here, we cover what can and can’t be altered, typical alteration costs, and how long it takes to get the suit properly sized again.
What Can Be Altered in a Suit – and What Cannot?
It’s easier to make it smaller than bigger.
Alterations are about seams and hems; how much fabric you’ve got there sets what can be adjusted for a better fit. Off-the-rack suits often lack seam allowance for let-outs. Age matters – older, faded fabrics can limit how well alterations turn out.
Pockets and buttons are something to think about.
If a change would affect real pockets or working buttons, it’s usually a no-go or not worth the cost. Patch pockets and decorative buttons are generally easy to tweak.
Proportions matter.
Narrowing sleeves or shortening a jacket can throw off the look. Some alterations won’t turn out well. We will give you our recommendations.
Decide when to stop.
Some alterations are worth it; others aren’t. Trousers and shirts can typically be reduced by two sizes. Jacket alterations are more complex, so one size down is the practical limit. Sometimes buying a new suit is best. Most times, the cost of you buying elsewhere then alterting the suit, exceed the cost of making new with us.
Understanding Trouser Alterations
Altering suit trousers is typically more feasible and straightforward than adjusting jackets. Taking in trousers is usually a reliable option, while letting them out depends on how much fabric remains and, to some extent, the garment’s construction.
Fine or bespoke trousers generally have more seam allowance, allowing adjustments over time. As a cost-conscious note, inexpensive suits often have less extra fabric at the seams, limiting potential alterations.
Understanding Shirt Alterations
Most shirts lack sufficient seam allowance to be let out due to their construction. Conversely, taking in—such as shortening the hem or the sleeves—tends to be easier.
However shirts aren’t expensive compare to suits. We recommend wear them for informal occasions and buy better-fitting shirts for important events.
Our approach to alterations
When you come in to see us for alterations, we will give you our honest opinion, putting costs aside. So you can make your own informed decision.
Just a heads-up: alterations only go so far and can’t beat buying new or a bespoke suit. Even our repeat customers who’ve had us make their suits may not get the same result if we alter a suit purchased elsewhere.
