So you’ve finally found the perfect suit, but it doesn’t fit quite right. What do you do? You could always take it to your tailor and have them adjust the size for a fee or they might be able to alter it in-house. Altering a suit can seem like an extra expenditure, but there are many cost benefits. The cost of alterations depends on what type of alteration is needed and how much work will be required. For example, if there are just a few adjustments that need to be done such as hemming pants or shortening sleeves then the cost would not be very high at all. On the other hand, if you need more extensive changes such as adding extra fabric so that clothes fit better then this would require more time and labor, which translates into a higher price tag for altering a suit.
Cost Range Per Part
It’s sometimes difficult to provide what the cost should be because it can range broadly. But if you scour the Internet for pricing of individual tasks, you discover that fees for frequent differences usually fall into these ranges:
Alteration Cost For Dresses or Pants
Typically, the cost for hemming dresses or pants can range between $10 and $45, depending on where you go and the amount of effort required. This is a relatively easy alteration to handle, which would account for the low price range.
Grommets, hooks, or buttons can cost anywhere from $5 to $10. Hemming skirts are similar in price but maybe a bit higher depending on where you live and many other factors.
If you need your jeans hemmed then this could also cost around the same price, but the price will depend on whether you have them altered in a store or by a seamstress.
It is also important to note that additional linings and pleats on dresses and skirts will steepen the price as well.
Off the rack suit
When it comes to buying an off-the-rack suit that needs alterations done, you can expect to pay less for the combined total because an off-the-rack suit is usually a lower price point. An off-the-rack suit will cost anywhere from $100 to $500 and typically should not cost more than this unless it’s a luxury brand.
Cost For Shortening Sleeves
Shortening shirt sleeves can cost anywhere between $10 and $60, depending on the type of shirt sleeve. Jacket sleeves will cost more than shirt sleeves, for example. The price can also increase depending on whether you require lining in your garment to be reattached or if the sleeve has a lot of buttons that will need to remain functional after it’s altered.
Tailoring services
Women with dress shirts that need work done on them can expect to pay an average of $20. More intricate adjustments such as shortening sleeves or making the neck smaller will cost more, but it’s good to note that these changes would only be necessary if you are inconvenienced by your shirt when wearing it.
Waistband Adjustment Cost
If your waistband is too big or too small, it'll cost between $10 and $45 to adjust. Similar to sleeves, those with lining will cost more than those without. You may also require an additional fitting if this is the case.
Range For Dress Shirt
Altering a dress shirt will cost anywhere between $15 and $35. If your dress shirt has few folds or pleats it will cost less while shirts with many buttons, folds, or pleats, will cost more. It is not as common to need a dress shirt altered, but it can be done if necessary.
Suit Jackets
When it comes to a suit jacket it typically costs between $40 and $100 to shorten a sleeve, depending on the type of jacket.
The amount that you will pay depends greatly on how many buttons the suit has because more buttons usually mean fewer lies in the fabric when it comes time for jacket alterations.
Jacket sleeves with the lining sewn in will cost more than those without.
Edging or Replace Collar Of Shirt
An old shirt collar can make a shirt seem dingy. You don't, however, need to replace a whole shirt just because the collar is aging poorly. In order to replace it, you will need to either flip the fabric over or completely replace it with a new collar.
This typically costs between $30 and $50 and can be more if you need lining attached as well. This can be well worth it if the shirt you are replacing it for is worth more than that (which it probably is).
Taking In A Suit Jacket Or Vest
Depending on the type of alterations needed and the level of effort from the tailor, these jobs can range between $20 and $90.
A Suit Jacket with multiple seams will cost more to alter than those with just two. Additionally, altering the sleeves will cost an additional $20 to $40 and shoulder adjustments will cost an additional $75 to $150.
A Suit jacket is something worth keeping in tip-top shape because of how expensive it can be, so if you do need to alter yours make sure to get it done. A suit jacket can last you a long time if you take care of it.
If you need to sew a button back onto your suit jacket, this can cost between $1 and $30 depending on the level of effort from the tailor or seamstress. If they have to sew more than one button, however, then it will be more expensive as well.
Replacement Of Buttons Or Zip
Identifying the zippers and buttons and replacing them is one of the easiest jobs to do, so the price is typically only around $10 to $25.
Add On Or Replace Lining
Depending on the type of lining and the number of seams involved, the price can start at around $50. This is because it costs more money to add fabric, especially if that fabric is expensive.
Importance Of Alterations
Suit Alterations are not always cheap, but it is highly important and it can make or break the success of your garment. The better the fit, the more put together you will look, which is the most important thing when you wear a suit or dress.
Here are some tips when considering the importance of altering a suit:
https://www.moneycrashers.com/find-tailor-clothing-alterations-cost-benefits/
The Best Fit That Is Cost-Efficient
Most people aren't made of money, so finding the best fit that is cost-efficient is going to be one of the most important parts. With the right tailoring, both of these things can be achieved. Don't overspend on your suit and don't overspend on tailoring.
Check out Flex Suits for the best deals on men's suits and Custom Suits for the best fits at a price you can afford.
Adjust According To Size Paradigm
Adjusting based on a model can be one of the best ways to find just what you need without spending too much money. This is typically done through an internet search for the kind of clothing that you are looking for and then finding just what you need based on how tight or lose it should be.
Add some shoulder pads if you need a little more room and trim some from the pant legs if they are too long. Additionally, this is an excellent way to maintain your clothing as well as save yourself a lot of time and money in the long run.
Benefits of Deals
There isn't anything wrong with shopping on sale. There also isn't usually a reason to go to the most expensive tailor unless a high level of experience is an absolute must.
Factors Affect Tailoring Cost And The Prices of Alterations
There are several things that can impact the cost of tailoring and suit alterations:
Location
Location matters because the price might not match up with what you're thinking it should be. For example, if you're living in an area like New York City, Los Angeles, or another high-end location where the cost of living is higher, you can expect a more expensive tailor. Suburban areas outside of town will likely have lower prices.
Tailor's Experience
A more experienced tailor will have higher prices because they are more likely to have a more extensive collection of skills. This is why it is extremely important that you find one that has experience with the kind of garment that you need to be altered or tailored before deciding on who to hire. The tailor should be skilled in what you need, but not too costly.
A professional tailor that is skilled in various types of suits and garments can be found here:
https://www.flexsuits.com
Fabric/Garment Type
Some fabric types are more expensive or more difficult to alter. These include silk, denim, leather, lace, chiffon, and any other fabrics that are very heavy, stretchy, or thin.
Final Thoughts
There are many ways to alter a suit at an affordable price. Always make sure to remember the importance of alterations in order to keep up with the latest trends and to keep yourself looking your best. Suit alterations are important, but there are ways to find good tailors that are affordable.
Check out Flex Suits for the best deals on men's suits and Custom Suits for the best fits at a price you can afford.
People Also Ask Questions:
--How long does it take to alter a suit?
The length of time varies per person. The faster they can work, the faster it will be finished.
--How much does it cost to have a suit altered?
For having a suit altered, prices vary greatly by location and tailor. To see what your options are in your area, start with an internet search for tailors near you. This will show you how much tailors in your area typically charge for the kind of work that you need to be done to your suit. If the tailoring costs as much as the suit costs, you may need to go back to square one.
--Can a suit be altered down a size?
Yes, suits can be altered down a size. This typically requires a lot of work to do and will likely cost much more than if you simply went with the smaller size in the first place. Most places that alter suits that are larger or smaller than one size require altering it multiple sizes for it to fit properly. Finding your suit size and going from there will be a much better bet when it comes to getting the perfect fit.
