Needing clothing alterations is much more common than you think.
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Most people walk into a store and assume clothes should fit off the rack. They see set sizes, mannequins, and countless ads with perfectly styled models.
But from our experience, that is rarely the case.
As professional stylists, we’ve worked with successful men and women worldwide, with different backgrounds and bodies. Yet 99% of them need alterations to get their dream fit in clothing.
That’s because brands and retailers make all of their clothes based on fixed patterns and fit models. They’re not thinking about what’ll fit you, they’re thinking about what’ll probably fit the average person with roughly your dimensions.
This means you’ll likely find clothing that fits okay in one part, but not the other.
When we work with clients, we keep this top of mind. We help them identify what items are worth tailoring and where. We connect them with experienced alteration specialists and ensure the job gets done correctly.
Why?
Because fit is everything. An outfit that fits well looks much more polished (and makes you feel more put together) than one that doesn’t
Here, we’re sharing the four most common clothing alterations we see. That way, you can know what to look out for the next time you go shopping.
1. Pant and Skirt Hemming
Who is this for?
Everyone, but more common for shorter people. I’ve had clients of all ages and sizes who need this alteration.
Why?
Hemming pants and skirts is one of the most common clothes alterations because it’s hard to account for height.
As we mentioned before, designers and brands use fixed patterns and fit models. So unless you’re the same height as the model they used for your size, you’re going to need a hem.
Luckily, pants and skirt hems are very common and basic for tailors. Any qualified tailor should be able to do this.
Most people think that if they buy a pair of pants off the rack they’re perfect, no alterations needed.
For our clients, we recommend aiming for a no-break or quarter-break pant length. This reads as modern and sharp for men and women alike. (Not too long, not too short.)
Stylist Tip:
Don’t forget to bring your shoes to your alteration appointment! We know you might not wear the same shoes every day. But bringing the footwear you’re most likely to wear with your pants or skirt is a must.
That way your tailor can properly pin your clothing to the right height. Plus, you’ll get an accurate idea of what your altered clothing will look like in an outfit.
2. Hemming the Sleeve Length
Who is this for?
Everyone, but more common for folks with shorter arms. I’ve had clients of all ages and sizes who need this alteration.
Why?
This is another one that people think is fine off the rack but often needs shortening. Sleeve length makes a HUGE difference in your overall look.
After all, if your blazer sleeve is hanging over your fingers, you don’t exactly look professional. You might even look like a kid who tried on their parent’s clothes. Not exactly the confidence-boosting look most successful professionals are going for.
With the sleeve length, get the alteration pinned while you’re trying it on. Don’t guess what the sleeve length should be.
Stylist Tip:
Do you like showing off your bracelets and/or watches? Then you’ll need your sleeves tailored slightly higher. Just like you wore shoes to get your pants hemmed, you should wear your go-to jewelry or accessories to your appointment.
That way, the tailor can correctly pin the garment to your liking.
3. Taking in the Body Width
Who is this for?
This is mainly for those with an athletic build. You’ll likely find that garments that fit your shoulders and arms may leave too much extra fabric around your midsection.
Why:
For one, you want to show off your athletic frame, not hide it under bulky fabric. If your blazer or shirt is too big in the midsection, you’ll end up looking small. (Again, the dreaded “I’m-wearing-my-dad’s-clothing” look.)
This is especially true with suiting. These investment pieces should look like they were made for you.
Stylist Tip:
There are exceptions to every rule, even when it comes to common alterations. Clothing with structure, like button-downs, blazers, and sportcoats do well with having the body width taken in. Knits? Not so much.
Knits are meant to feel comfortable and have an effortless slouch to them. There’s no need to spend time or money getting these pieces taken in.
4. Taking in the Waist
Who is this for?
For those that have a smaller waist than bottom.
How do you know if this is you?
Think about your average shopping experience. Do you try on pants and notice that the seat fits fine but you’ve got gapping at the waist?
Then you likely need a tailor to take your clothes in at the waist.
Why?
So why is this our last (but not least) clothing alteration recommendation?
Because pants are such a focal point of an outfit. If they don’t fit, they could ruin your entire look. You could end up looking disheveled or bulky where you don’t want to.
When you’re meeting with clients, peers, or superiors, you want to send the right message. That means not looking like you don’t know how to tell if clothes look good on you. Or constantly fidgeting with your pants because they’re sliding down or don’t fit quite right.
Stylist Tip:
Before you go down the alteration path, try pants in different sizes and styles. It might be that you’re a size smaller than you think you are. Or, that another cut of pants might suit your dimensions better.
However if that’s not the case, head to the tailor. Never “suck in” while you’re getting pinned. You don’t want to end up with pants that you can’t sit or eat in.
Struggling with fit?
Apply for Next Level Wardrobe’s Styling Services. On top of identifying your personal brand and redoing your wardrobe, we also set you up with expert tailors. We’ll help you identify what clothing alterations you need and what looks best with your outfits and your body type.
