The alteration cost thread

I've read on this site that it costs up to $500+ to tailor a suit to one's profile.

Is that for real? If so, is that what to expect in the conservative business dress or is that insane in many places in the USA?

I am looking for ballpark "what is reasonable" prices for tailoring a suit in your neck of the woods:

pants: take in/leave out
hemming pant length
sleeve take in/let out
shoulders
sides

Throw in what's important beyond that.

I'm looking for ballpark, I realize that NYC is different from Archbold, OH (where I grew up). But there is "reasonable" and there is not.

If there's a definitive thread already here, please just link me to it and I'm good. I searched around for a while here and came up empty but that doesn't mean I know it all, heh. I love the veterans here who have the institutional knowledge who can point me in the right directions...without wasting everyone else's time.

Thank you

I suggest renaming your thread to the alteration cost thread

I've noticed a trend of lots of new users starting new "The Definitive so-and-so Thread" threads.

Does that make it wrong? Or does that make it cool that new people are coming to the forum and wanting to improve their looks? (also, "definitive" in thread titles will make it easier for newbies who come later to search out answers instead of posting new threads).

I respect the vets' presence and experience. School me!

You shouldn't post "definitive" in your thread unless you're the one posting advice.

I see. I think us newbies were inspired by the pinned "definitive slim fit shirt thread" we see evey time we hit Men's Clothing. Not that it makes it right. Duly changed!

So back to the original topic...what is reasonable to pay for alterations in your neck of the woods by a competent tailor/seamstress?

Originally Posted by LooknGr8

Click to expand...

So back to the original topic...what is reasonable to pay for alterations in your neck of the woods by a competent tailor/seamstress?

I don't know what certain things are supposed to cost but i picked up a lovely Hilfiger sportcoat on the Wednesday and dropped it off at the tailors the same day to have the sleeves taken up, he told me to pick it up on monday and quoted me £11. not sure what the going rate but that seems pretty good value to me, as long as he does a good job obviously.

Chris.

My costs are

$20 for the jacket
$20 for the sleeves
$20 for the trousers
=
$60 for the suit.

Originally Posted by landshark

Click to expand...

My costs are

$20 for the jacket
$20 for the sleeves
$20 for the trousers
=
$60 for the suit.
What is "the jacket" include for alterations? And trousers is hemming?

My tailoress charges the following:

Jacket - take in chest and sleeves (narrow upper arm) $28

Pants - hem $10

Button - $2 each

Shirt - Tapering, not darting, opening the seam on the sides of the torso and arms and taking it in - $16

Shirt - hem $10


These are the only prices of her work I know, seeing as that's all I've had her do to my stuff.

Originally Posted by LooknGr8

Click to expand...

pants: take in/leave out
hemming pant length
sleeve take in/let out
shoulders
sides


In NYC at my regular tailor....

Waist - $15
Seat - $15
Cuffs/bottom - $10
Sleeves - $20
Taper waist - $50
Recutting pant legs - $75



In NYC at my tailor for more complicated surgeries...

Shoulders - $85
Shorten jacket length - $45
Lowering collar/fixing bunching in back center seam - $65
Everything else is either the same as the previous tailor or maybe a few bucks more.

I usually use this RL price schedule as a guide... http://www.ralphlauren.com/helpdesk/popup_tailor.html Note: this was from a year ago. Not sure if they update this info.

I'm lazy. Here is what good alterations cost in Phoenix. Don't use this tailor, but the prices are in line with the two establishments I do use. Although, I do use a third one for really cheap and simple alterations... http://www.artfultailoring.com/clien...nk=alterations

I was just charged $400 for the following work:
1) shorten sleeves from the shoulder
2) hem/cuff pants
3) shorten jacket length
4) bring in waist
5) move button placement so lapel lays against chest

Highly regarded tailor in San Francisco. Told beforehand he's worth the money and does excellent work. This price sound approximately correct???