Tailoring Prices / Recommendations in NoVA

[kronik]

I can't remember where I saw a post.. here or AAAC, in reference to this.

I'm curious as to what prices are for a good-to-excellent tailor to perform certain tasks i.e. sleeve shortening on a RTW shirt or taking in the sides on a RTW shirt.

My tailor charges me 18 for the sides, 25 for the sleeves.

And a quick aside.. which almost made me change my mind about my tailor- the LP blazer, I was having the alterations and whatnot performed and asked for functional buttons, which the tailor said he no longer did.. etc.. If I had him put non-functional on, he said he would leave the vent? or something so that they could go back and make them functional. Is this accurate? I really like the guy so I went ahead with something I didn't absolutely love, which was probably stupid in retrospect.

 

[amerikajinda]

Who are you using now? There's a guy on Wisconsin Avenue across from the Safeway - can't remember his name - Field or something I think... he's quite good!

 

[kronik]

Reed's Custom Tailors in Arlington -

Field's is right next to Sky Valet, I walk by it all the time.

 

[amerikajinda]

Not familiar with Reeds... have you given Field's a shot?

So you didn't get the functional buttons?

I'm always leery when someone - a tailor, car mechanic, gardener, etc. - tries to dissuade me from what I really want (unless it's someone who knows better - like a doctor, and there are potentially disastrous ramifications involved). And since there is only a positive upside to functional buttons... and the only reason he denied your request is because he doesn't do them anymore -- I would have politely walked out and taken them somewhere that can do functional buttons (even if he is a nice guy).

Also, I've had things done at Neiman Marcus and Saks in Tysons II, and I greatly prefer the professionalism of Neiman's to Saks... it's a smoother operation at Neiman's, and that's where I go exclusively now. And as long as it's a brand they carry (like your LP) then they don't even ask if you bought it there... I'm not sure if they even care all that much.

 

[42short]

I use Field's for difficult / important tailoring jobs (i.e., making significant changes to a new jacket, etc.). His work is without compare. I once brought him an old suit of mine, which I liked, but needed a few tweaks. He advised additional changes, and when I got the suit back the change was incredible... it suddenly had a shape and fit I never thought possible. I was blown away. I do not have all my tailoring done there however... it is difficult for me to get there frequently, his turnaround time is longer than most, and he does not do shirt alterations.

I have tried a few other area tailors (Roland's, Millie's, etc.), but one I've used for a couple months now and really like is Kim's Tailor in Great Falls. In particular, he does shirts and does them very well. Cost is $20 for shortening, including moving plackets (my shirts always need shortened a LOT). I'm very impressed with the quality of the work... the pleats/folds are well done, the stiching is good, etc. I have entrusted him with Truzzi, Hilditch & Key, and Isaia shirts... and I have not been disappointed. His shop is on Georgetown Pike right in the town.

 

[amerikajinda]

Originally Posted by 42short

I've used for a couple months now and really like Kim's Tailor in Great Falls. In particular, he does shirts and does them very well.

Thanks 42short - I'll give them a shot!