Suit Alterations

[ceverett]

I would like to put together a nice formal outfit, much nicer than the polyester rental stuff. I can't afford to spend more than $500 or so, though.

I am wondering what alterations can be made on a suit easily, and what takes a miracle worker.

Which dimensions must fit perfectly? For instance, I have somewhat wider shoulders than most--can they be widened or something done that they fit nicely?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[ceverett]

bump ... hey, I know I don't know much, but I'm wanting to learn ...

 

[330CK]

If you have some time, have your measurements taken and look on eBay for a good suit as close to your measurements as possible. This will make much less work for the tailor and you'll have a good quality suit. Fabric quality is very important.

This doesn't really answer your question. I'll let someone with more knowledge than me take care of that one.

 

[modmica]

I also am not the most knowledgeable, but I think the two that are most difficult to fix are shoulder width, sleeve pitch, and overall coat length. In addition, don't expect the overall shape of the jacket to be changed. For example, you shouldn't expect a sack suit to be altered into a fitted Italian cut.

The easy stuff is sleeve length (provided the coat has non-working sleeve buttons), getting the collar to sit well around the neck, getting the upper back to lie flat (e.g., fixing some problems with shoulder slope), and tweaking the waist suppression/body taper.

Costs vary widely. I'm currently having a tailor (that I think is a good but not cheap tailor) narrow the shoulders on a coat for $150 and alter a suit for $75. The suit alterations are minor. Pants just need to be cuffed, nothing done to the waist. And jacket just needs the upper back tightened up, nothing to the sleeves. This is in LA. Another suit I just had altered with more work required (above work plus pants waist and seat and more work on getting the back and collar to lay well) was about $160. I have another tailor I use for altering cheaper suits or older suits that will do everything for about half the price.