5 Things a Tailor Can (and Can’t) Fix

If you have a pile of clothes you hardly wear because they just don't feel right, you can take them to a tailor. They can tweak them to fit perfectly. Plus, you'll keep your clothes out of the landfill.

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You can search for tailors in your area, and if you can't find one, your local dry cleaner may have a tailor on staff

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Here are 5 things that tailors can (and can’t) fix:

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5 things that tailors can fix

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Pants alteration

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If you are struggling with ill-fitting pants, a tailor can work their magic to fix that. If you've got a pair that's too long, a tailor can drop the hem to the longest possible length and finish the inside with hem tape. This maximizes the length without any fabric going to waste. For a smoother, slimmer effect, they can stitch down and remove the front pockets of your pants.

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Sleeve Alterations

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If you're dealing with oversized sleeves, a tailor can make them slimmer. If the sleeves are too tight, they can lower the armhole to create more space or loosen the arms using the extra seam allowance. They can even remove the sleeves entirely to convert your outfit into a tank style.

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Taking in your jeans

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Found a pair of vintage jeans that you love, but they don't fit quite right? Don't worry. A tailor can tweak almost every part of your jeans to make them look tailor-made for you. They can taper the legs, adjust the hems, and even shape the seat.

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Zipper Additions

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Avoiding a dress because it's a hassle to put on? Your tailor can add a zipper, be it exposed for an edgy look or hidden for a seamless appearance. This works best on garments that are being taken in and have extra fabric. You could also move a zipper from the back to under the arm for easier access. And, if you have a broken zipper on an old skirt, your tailor can fix that too.

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Removing pleats

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Still holding onto those pleat-front pants from a few years ago? Or maybe you just bought a pair, but the pleats aren't doing your hips any favors. You can ask your tailor to remove the pleats completely or reshape them for a modern, sleek look. They can also adjust the front for a smoother finish.

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5 things that tailors can’t fix

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Limitations on Taking In Clothing

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Remember, your tailor can't reduce something by more than four inches. Specifically for pants, the limit is closer to two inches. Any more than that, and you're going to start seeing some weird proportions. So, it's a good rule to not attempt to reduce an item by more than one size.

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Adjusting Shoulders

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Adjusting shoulders is not as easy as it sounds. Removing shoulder pads can leave behind excess fabric that's hard to handle. And if you're thinking of narrowing the shoulders of a top that's too wide, it could mean having to deconstruct and rebuild the entire piece.

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Repairing Holes in Garments

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While a tailor can sew on a patch, they won't be able to simply stitch a hole closed for you. This method can result in a lumpy appearance that's not appealing. Instead, you should seek a recommendation for a reweaving service.

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Downsizing More Than One Size

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Ever thought about downsizing that dress or shirt by more than one size? It's not the best idea. When a garment is reduced too drastically, the proportions and seams don't end up where they should be. It's always best to stick to alterations that are closer to the original size of the piece.

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Transformation vs Alteration

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And finally, while a tailor can work wonders, they aren't magicians. If you're considering completely transforming the original design of a piece, you might want to reconsider. Sure, alterations are possible, but a complete transformation might not yield the results you expect. In this case, it might be better to opt for a different garment or even have something custom-made to suit your vision.

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