Finding a tailor to alter internet purchases

[JimmyT]

Hi folks,

I am eventually planning on purchasing a suit off of the internet, or if I can find an RLBL from the local outlet.

I'd like to start looking for a tailor to develop a relationship with.
They seem to come in three categories.
1. The pure tailor that runs or works from an "alterations" shop.
2. The tailor that works out of a formal wear store.
3. The tailor that works out of a store that sells suits (bespoke or RTW).

I feel like asking a tailor to alter a suit purchased from another store when that store sells suits would be offensive.

Would I pretty much be correct in assuming I should narrow my choices to categories 1 and 2 listed above?

Thanks in advance,
--JT

 

[grimslade]

Basically, you need to be thinking in terms on No.1 There's plenty out there.

 

[Siggy]

Originally Posted by JimmyT

1. The pure tailor that runs or works from an "alterations" shop.
2. The tailor that works out of a formal wear store.
3. The tailor that works out of a store that sells suits (bespoke or RTW).

I feel like asking a tailor to alter a suit purchased from another store when that store sells suits would be offensive.

Would I pretty much be correct in assuming I should narrow my choices to categories 1 and 2 listed above?


Many stores that do alterations also accept suits purchased elsewhere.

I'm not sure what you mean in no. 2 by formal wear, but if you mean a tux rental place I would no way go there. Take your suit to a real tailor or a shop that sells quality suits.

 

[lee_44106]

Try to avoid, at all costs and conveniences, the corner dry cleaner/alteration gig. It's a setup for disaster.

 

[JeffsWood]

If you can find yourself a suit maker - most will gladly do alterations, and I found them to be better for "bigger" jobs. If you just need pants hemmed our something simple, don't overlook places like a Men’s Warehouse. Before you guys pile one...

I have had great luck getting simple alterations done at Moores (the Canadian version MW). These kinds of places do tones of volume and do simple alterations all the time. I found the tailor in these places, enjoy getting a quality garment in from time to time and will pay special attention to it. They also hem pants well you wait. But I would stick to simple jobs for these places.

I have the same theory with hair cuts, unhappy with hair cuts, I kept going to more and more expensive salons and I was never happy with the results. One day I give up and go to the $10 barber down the street. Great hair cut! Then it dawns on me - all the barber does is cut guys hair, no shampoo job, no women, no fancy stuff, just men’s hair cuts, every 20 minutes all day long. Obviously he knows how to cut guys hair better then any "stylist" that may cut men’s hair once per day.

 

[JohnnyGringo]

I have found a shop that does only alterations and would recommend that you do the same. I would also agree to avoid the corner Dry Cleaner with "alterations available here", I haven't had the best of service in that regard. And by the way, I agree that taking clothing to an establishment that sells clothing for alterations to goods you've purchased elsewhere is not a good idea.

 

[JimmyT]

Thanks mucho,

Sounds like the non-unanimous but overwhelming consensus here is look for a pure alterations shop that does no dry cleaning, pizza delivery, movie rental, etc.

--JT