Jacket and pants alteration advise

[skiii]

I am looking to go to a tailor for minor alterations (slim) on a few jackets and pants that I have. What kind of things should I address to the tailor so he/she can make do a better job? And what should I look out for? I am afraid that the result will be either be too small or still too big.

Thanks in advance.

 

[skiii]

No one?

 

[skiii]

Let's try this again...

 

[SlamMan]

See if you can get a recommendation on a tailor in your area. A real tailor and not a dry cleaner that does alterations. Most good tailors should get close on the first try if you give a clear explaination on what kind of silhouette you're looking for. As you continue to work with the same tailor they'll become more familiar with what you like and your body type.

 

[skiii]

Thanks for the advise SlamMan. I have a pretty clear vision of the silhouette I want, but I have never used a tailor before so I wanted to see if there anything I should be aware of. I have heard that you should buy 1-2 size up jackets and have it tailored to fit? I have always tried to find things that would fit me, but being skinny, it is almost impossible to find anything (jacket size 34 or 36 slim). That being said, I wear pants size 28x32 and it is nearly impossible to find this size, is it a good idea to find size 30x32 and tailor it to fit?

Thanks.

 

[Threadbearer]

Originally Posted by skiii

I have never used a tailor before so I wanted to see if there anything I should be aware of.
First of all, relax. Any reputable tailor will invite you to try on the altered garment and will then tweak it for you if you're not happy with some aspect of the new fit.

I have heard that you should buy 1-2 size up jackets and have it tailored to fit?

Never do that. Buy jackets that fit your shoulders. Nearly everything else can be altered later, but if you get the wrong shoulder size, you're screwed. Check out this slideshow: http://men.style.com/gq/features/sli...v/08092006SUIT. It's about suits, but the fit tips are still applicable.

That being said, I wear pants size 28x32 and it is nearly impossible to find this size, is it a good idea to find size 30x32 and tailor it to fit?

You'll need to experiment, of course, but it's usually much better to buy slacks that fit you ********** and thighs, then have the waist adjusted by your tailor.

 

[skiii]

Originally Posted by Threadbearer

First of all, relax. Any reputable tailor will invite you to try on the altered garment and will then tweak it for you if you're not happy with some aspect of the new fit.

Never do that. Buy jackets that fit your shoulders. Nearly everything else can be altered later, but if you get the wrong shoulder size, you're screwed. Check out this slideshow: http://men.style.com/gq/features/sli...v/08092006SUIT. It's about suits, but the fit tips are still applicable.

You'll need to experiment, of course, but it's usually much better to buy slacks that fit you ********** and thighs, then have the waist adjusted by your tailor.


Those are great suggestion. I really don't know which tailor is good in my area. I will just have to try out a few and see what kind of results I get.

Thanks.

 

[skiii]

So I went to a tailor that my friend recommended and the lady seemed like she knew what she was doing (in business for 18 years). I dropped off a jacket and a pair of pants, both are getting considerable amount of work done. Does $65 for jacket and $40 for pants sound reasonable?

 

[dclloyd]

Originally Posted by skiii

So I went to a tailor that my friend recommended and the lady seemed like she knew what she was doing (in business for 18 years). I dropped off a jacket and a pair of pants, both are getting considerable amount of work done. Does $65 for jacket and $40 for pants sound reasonable?

All depends on what you're doing to them of course. Seems a little steep on the pants, but if you're having them hemmed plus taking in the waist etc it's probably not unreasonable.

 

[skiii]

Originally Posted by dclloyd

All depends on what you're doing to them of course. Seems a little steep on the pants, but if you're having them hemmed plus taking in the waist etc it's probably not unreasonable.
Thanks for replying. The pants is getting the waist taken in, hemmed, and slimmed. Jacket is getting the sleeves, chest, and waist areas slimmed. I am not familiar with the average prices so hopefully I am not paying too much.

 

[dclloyd]

Originally Posted by skiii

Thanks for replying. The pants is getting the waist taken in, hemmed, and slimmed. Jacket is getting the sleeves, chest, and waist areas slimmed. I am not familiar with the average prices so hopefully I am not paying too much.

Sounds about right then, actually you probably got a pretty good deal with the slimming of the arms on the jacket and the pants.

 

[skiii]

Originally Posted by dclloyd

Sounds about right then, actually you probably got a pretty good deal with the slimming of the arms on the jacket and the pants.

Thanks! Now I feel better, I had the feeling I was paying too much. I should be able to get a decent discount the next time I use them again.