https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alterations-for-narrow-shoulders Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 08:45:00 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alterations-for-narrow-shoulders#post-804963 Sat, 29 Dec 2012 22:59:27 +0000 Anonymous 804963@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I do have that fitting challenge and I have had items tailored to accomodate my narrow shoulders. Warning: It is costly. I do not mind the expense when a- the piece is perfect otherwise and b- I can get it at some sort of discount. I think of the tailoring cost as if I had bought it full price, plus I now have a custom piece. </p> <p>I do limit myself to bedspoke tailors, (men suiting), for this type of job because I think the difficulty level is high. Also, I tend to have this problem mostly with winter coats. Those have an added degree of dificulty. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alterations-for-narrow-shoulders#post-804855 Sat, 29 Dec 2012 18:39:19 +0000 adorkable 804855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks so much! This was a very helpful solution.</p> <p>I suppose the next question is: does anyone have a tailor they absolutely love in West LA? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alterations-for-narrow-shoulders#post-804799 Sat, 29 Dec 2012 17:06:51 +0000 Amy 804799@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd first suggest finding a tailor whose skills are worthy of your confidence. You'll need to ask around for referrals. Also, before you have any work done on your favorite clothing, take something in that you'd like altered, but which wouldn't break your heart if it didn't turn out right. There's a reason why some ladies here call their tailors "wonderwoman." A good tailor is a gem.</p> <p>I also have narrow shoulders, although I'm not quite as curvy as you. Here are some things I'd recommend:</p> <p>1. Wear shoulder pads. I'm not talking about the atrocities from the 80's. There are nice, slim shoulder pads which can add structure to your garment and breadth to your shoulder line, which can be very flattering. This is by far the easiest solution.</p> <p>2. Add a pleat or dart to the shoulder seam to take in a little width. This is the second easiest option and can add a nice design element.</p> <p>3. Take off the sleeve and recut the armhole. I wouldn't do more than 1/2' to each side, since this can cause other fit problems. This is not easy, especially if there's a lining involved.</p> <p>4. If there is a back seam to your garment, you can take in a little width there, however this can affect the fit of the back of the garment, and if done incorrectly, can also narrow the bust area, which may be a very bad thing in your case.</p> <p>I hope that helps! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alterations-for-narrow-shoulders#post-804781 Sat, 29 Dec 2012 16:48:50 +0000 adorkable 804781@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Does anyone have any advice on this topic?</p> <p>I'm both very busty and very narrow (30G bra), and shoulders are often a problem for me. I've got a few dresses that fit me wonderfully absolutely everywhere but the shoulders (including a vintage '90s Betsey Johnson long-sleeved velvet dress that gets a lot of wearing this time of year), and I have absolutely now idea if or how to get 'em fixed.</p> <p>Any thoughts would be very welcome. </p>