What can be done with alterations? If you have a good idea about what can be done you have more options when it comes to choosing clothes. The two most common options for clothes are buying something readymade or having something custom made. Custom made does have a few subdivisions, bespoken or made to measure, both of which fit exceptionally well. But the discussion here is about the third option – buying clothes with an eye for alteration.
There are three variables we must consider upfront for alterations: Whether the amount of material available on the garment is sufficient for an alteration to our build/figure; whether the alteration will affect he garment’s proportions in an acceptable way; and finally, whether the tailor has sufficient skill to implement the change.
Knowing what can be done with alterations will prevent most mistakes, either buying a desired garment that cannot be altered to us, or overlooking a bargain opportunity (or something already in our wardrobe) because we couldn’t see the potential it had for us. If we already have a decent tailor we can concentrate on what can be done with garments we find and whether the result is something we want.
COMMON ALTERATIONS:
- Altering sleeve length: This is usually quite simple. Do not hesitate to buy a shirt or jacket you like because of the sleeve length; if there is sufficient material then sleeve can be altered.
- Altering Pant leg length; like sleeves, this is a simple matter as long as there is sufficient material.
- Skirt Hem lines: This changes with fashion and season, Easy to alter, and sometimes easy to change back again. Hem lines can make legs look longer or alter the perceived height of an individual.
- Altering side: If the shoulders fit you might want to adapt the rest of a garment. This isn’t a bad option of you have lost weight but still want to keep your favourite suits.
- Replacing buttons and zippers. Easily done!
LESS COMMON ALTERATIONS
- Taking in the shoulders: This is tricky and may cost you, but it will only even need to be done once; our shoulders do not really change once we are fully grown.
- Taking in the waist: possible to some degree, the skill is in not losing the look of the clothes. Unfortunate, adults do tend to put on weight around the middle as they age. Avoid weight gain, but consider the long term implications.
- Relining jackets: worth it if the jacket has sentimental or other value.
While it is possible to make a lot of alterations on one garment it is really not recommended. Not only is this costly, but the garment will tend to lose its proportions.
A rule of thumb is that if the hardest to alter part(s) of the garment fits well, then it is at least possible to alter the rest. If the shoulders and the thighs fit you well then the garment has the fundamental dimensions right. If one or two alterations make a suitable garment fit well then you probably have a good buy.
Talk to Veracity tailor in Sydney about alterations for clothing.