https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-alterations-and-quality-vs-quantity Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 03 May 2026 04:35:56 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-alterations-and-quality-vs-quantity#post-905362 Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:39:35 +0000 K. Period. 905362@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sorry to hijack, but...<br /><br />@Bagaline, you've just solved a great alteration mystery for me!&nbsp;I don't do any advanced sewing, but I do have a very good mind for how things fit together (spacial relations, right?).&nbsp;I'd always heard sleeves that were too wide couldn't be fixed. I always wondered why not, if you also had a bit of room&nbsp;to take in the side a bit? Turns out, the people explaining it were only explaining half of the equation! Yeah! Great mystery solved. &nbsp;I bet you are a phenomenal seamstress! &nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-alterations-and-quality-vs-quantity#post-905301 Thu, 11 Apr 2013 18:35:28 +0000 Bagaline 905301@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Without alterations, I would have to live in a nightie, and not a long one&nbsp;!<br /><br />As a very short&nbsp;apple&nbsp;(5' and some dust), everything has to be shortened, even when I buy from the "petite" lines. And when I say everything, it is really everything:&nbsp;I shorten my pyjamas, otherwise I would trip on the pants and the sleeves would catch fire when I fry my morning egg! I've even altered leggings because they looked like an accordion&nbsp;on me.<br /><br />ALL my pants have to be altered because&nbsp;I have a very round tummy and slim legs. I&nbsp;buy&nbsp;trousers that fit at the waist and taper&nbsp;the legs. Skinnies are a godsend in that department: on me,&nbsp;they fit like slim pants. Fitted blouses get the "dart treatment": I carefully unpick the stitching of vertical darts and sew&nbsp;a new, narrower one. This way, I gain a little bit more fabric and my blouses fit much better&nbsp;around the waist.<br /><br />Fortunately, I'm a seamstress&nbsp;and I&nbsp;do all needed alterations myself. The cleaners around here charge 15 Euros to hem a pair of pants, it would make me cry to have to fork that sort of money!<br /><br />Here are some bits&nbsp;of advice from&nbsp;a seamstress:<br />1. If you are very short, beware of&nbsp;coats that are&nbsp;too long .&nbsp;Sure you can always have&nbsp;the body and the sleeves shortened, BUT&nbsp;the pockets will always be too low. No alteration is possible for this problem.&nbsp;<br />2. A badly fitting neckline (or one that is too large)&nbsp;is extremely difficult&nbsp;to fix.<br />3.&nbsp;A&nbsp;sleeve that is too wide is inserted into an&nbsp;armhole that&nbsp;is also too large: this problem cannot be fixed without reducing the width of the body. &nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-alterations-and-quality-vs-quantity#post-905290 Thu, 11 Apr 2013 18:26:24 +0000 milehighstyle (Linda) 905290@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have a lot of waistlines taken in on skirts and pants and some dresses. I've had skirt, dress,&nbsp;jeans and pant hems shortened, also jacket sleeves.&nbsp; I'd say about 20% of my wardrobe has been altered in some way.&nbsp; Once in a while if something needs to be altered I'll pass on it, or wait for it to go on sale, but not if I really really love it or if it's a true wardrobe hole. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-alterations-and-quality-vs-quantity#post-905259 Thu, 11 Apr 2013 17:53:34 +0000 Thistle 905259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Still in search of a good tailor!&nbsp; Once I have one, things will change&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-alterations-and-quality-vs-quantity#post-905254 Thu, 11 Apr 2013 17:46:25 +0000 Mo 905254@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I get alterations here in Tahoe, but in FL I hesitate, as I don't have a person I trust. &nbsp;I'd say only maybe 5% of my clothing has gone in for a nip or a tuck. &nbsp;Usually jeans or trousers hemmed up. &nbsp;Once in a while a jacket taken in on the seams to fit better and/or the sleeves shortened. &nbsp;<br />Right now I have an inexpensive H&amp;M linen dress getting the bust taken in under the arms so it will fit better. &nbsp;I've had it well over 3 summers now and know that I will wear it, and it's worth getting the fit better. &nbsp;(it's a halter, so I've compensated by tying the ties up a little higher to keep the bust up lol)<br />I do know that i am pretty lucky in that a lot of stuff fits great right off the rack. &nbsp;I used to bemoan my hips and thighs but now see that my 2" 'drop' in measurements aligns with most all size charts, so now I consider it a blessing.<br />As for quality/quantity - I have had the cheapest of things altered, like my satin wideleg pants from Kmart made into cigarette legs. &nbsp;They were $10 brand new and $20 to alter. &nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-alterations-and-quality-vs-quantity#post-905215 Thu, 11 Apr 2013 17:01:10 +0000 kkards 905215@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ i probably get 50% of the pants i buy, and 100% of the jeans i buy, taken in at the waist. i don't think my hip and waist ratio is "off", but clearly its not the norm. but it doesn't bother me to get things tailored, instead, i feel good that i have things that fit me. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-alterations-and-quality-vs-quantity#post-904776 Thu, 11 Apr 2013 02:35:47 +0000 Jaime 904776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love well done alterations. I often need things shortened (arm or leg), sometimes I thrift something a size or two too big and have it resized, I have had sleeves removed also. Totally worth it&nbsp;to pay for less clothes and more alterations for me. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-alterations-and-quality-vs-quantity#post-904764 Thu, 11 Apr 2013 02:20:32 +0000 Anonymous 904764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <span>As Shannon said,&nbsp;I factor in the estimated&nbsp;alteration cost to make sure the total price still makes sense. <br /><br />However, I've realized I need to be certain about the item before taking it in! I bought a black blazer that I was sure would be perfect on me, if only I got it tailored. I spent about $40 getting it taken in, but I haven't worn it once. I bought a pair of Ferragamo spectators second-hand and got them resoled, only to have them give me blisters. :(</span> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-alterations-and-quality-vs-quantity#post-904644 Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:31:00 +0000 K. Period. 904644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love alterations. Or maybe I mean that I love what alterations can do. <br /><br />I do not hesitate at all to shorten hemlines or pants lengths. I spent years with a pinched waist because that fit was the only one offered. I'm so happy to find things that fit my IT shape or lack of a waist that I gladly shorten lengths. &nbsp;I also adjust buttons with abandon.<br /><br />I love how a subtle tweak can lift an item. &nbsp;I bought a dress this last week that is lovely. However, an inch or two shorter and it is phenomenal. The vibe is much more Mod-ish. Off to alterations! <br /><br />Sometimes I use alterations to make an inexpensive item perfect. &nbsp;$15 for a pair of printed ankle length pants at H&amp;M, $15 for a hem, and suddenly I have the printed&nbsp;capri pants of my dreams. &nbsp;I haven't met a capri yet that was hemmed to the correct length according to Angie's rules, so I&nbsp;roll them for the short term fix and&nbsp;hem them for the long term. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />I reserve more costly alterations (trimming side seams to take in for my non-hips, shaping a waist) for more expensive items. I have, however, learned that no amount of alterations can make the wrong armhole shape flattering and that the wrong armhole shape often masquerades as too-loose-in-the-body, so I have learned to sigh, give the item a fond pat, and leave it for someone it fits. &nbsp;<br /><br />Alterations can be an investment of time as well as money. &nbsp;They require some knowledge about where they will be helpful, which takes time to learn. &nbsp;They require finding&nbsp;a really great tailor who will&nbsp;tell you when it simply isn't going to work. &nbsp;They also require persistence to not let a so-so job go by without correction. &nbsp;I once had to have the same dress altered three times by the tailors at Nordstrom. Finally the alterations manager did the work and it turned out perfectly. It was entirely worthwhile because that dress made me look like I had a spectacular hourglass figure!&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-alterations-and-quality-vs-quantity#post-904631 Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:12:04 +0000 Transcona Shannon 904631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I probably have around 65-70% of my stuff altered in some way.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-alterations-and-quality-vs-quantity#post-904627 Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:07:23 +0000 DonnaF 904627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmmm.&nbsp; The few times I've taken stuff in for alterations, I gained weight while I was waiting for the stuff so they didn't fit all that well when they came back.&nbsp; I can do easy stuff like hems, but I generally won't buy something if the fit isn't close to perfect.&nbsp; Saves me money, plus major alterations can be a gamble.&nbsp; With a pretty good selection of Petite sizes in the U.S., I haven't had to go nekkid.<br /><br />DD has much greater fit challenges since she is an extreme IT.&nbsp; Luckily, since she will have to be a teacher before she can be a school administrator, she can wear cardigans since we have never found a blazer that fit her shoulders and didn't puff at her chest.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-alterations-and-quality-vs-quantity#post-904615 Wed, 10 Apr 2013 23:42:53 +0000 Anonymous 904615@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have a tight budget but I've had pretty much everything that I've bought in the past 6 weeks tailored. &nbsp;She charged me $10-15 per item. &nbsp;I offset the cost by shopping sales in stores and only shopping online when there is a coupon code and free shipping. &nbsp;It's a 5 min drive down the road and 10-15mins in the fitting room. &nbsp;I take several items in at a time. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-alterations-and-quality-vs-quantity#post-904614 Wed, 10 Apr 2013 23:41:05 +0000 crazyone 904614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Aziraphale, I'm actually only a tiny bit taller than you, so in reality, I need to get things hemmed, too. &nbsp;With pants it's unavoidable. &nbsp;But they literally sit in a heap on a sofa in my room for so long, even though I have tailoring shops in easy walking distance of me (though they're somewhat expensive). https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-alterations-and-quality-vs-quantity#post-904608 Wed, 10 Apr 2013 23:36:54 +0000 Suz 904608@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, I get alterations a lot of the time. Sleeves on jackets almost always. Ditto pants lengths. I've also had many dresses taken in at the waist or along the side seams. And I've had seams let out for extra length, shoulders taken up -- all kinds of little tweaks.&nbsp;<br /><br />I think it's only a big deal if you don't have anyone you trust to do the work.&nbsp;<br /><br />Actually, if something can be made to fit with a relatively simple alteration (like shortening a sleeve or hem) I don't consider <b>that</b> a fit challenge. Fit challenges are when (for example) you have wide shoulders but a small rib-cage and bust so jackets just hang...or the opposite...you have narrow shoulders and a large bust. Fit challenges are when your body isn't proportioned much like any of the current clothing manufacturer's models and you cannot find a brand that is even close to your measurements, proportionately.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-alterations-and-quality-vs-quantity#post-904607 Wed, 10 Apr 2013 23:34:45 +0000 Jules 904607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ For some reason I see alterations as this crazy chore that I just can't get done. And my track record is that I won't get it done. Even though I have multiple cleaners within a 5 minute walk including one with quite a good rep for her alterations.&nbsp;<br />I really, really should look into waist darts however... Wore two pairs of jeans all winter that probably just need a small alteration to be perfect.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-alterations-and-quality-vs-quantity#post-904571 Wed, 10 Apr 2013 23:11:13 +0000 Aziraphale 904571@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shannon, I'm with you on the petite thing -- and, like you, I don't automatically put something back if it doesn't fit perfectly.&nbsp; What % of your stuff needs to be altered, do you think?<br /><br />Crazyone, I see what you're saying -- ideally, I would prefer to buy only things that are perfect, but realistically, for me, that ain't gonna happen, unless it's a petite size.&nbsp; And many things don't come in petite sizes.&nbsp; :-)&nbsp; <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-alterations-and-quality-vs-quantity#post-904560 Wed, 10 Apr 2013 23:04:21 +0000 ironkurtin 904560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I do a lot of alterations.&nbsp; If I can turn a pair of pants from a pair I don't wear into one I do, it is worth the $.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-alterations-and-quality-vs-quantity#post-904559 Wed, 10 Apr 2013 23:03:44 +0000 crazyone 904559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm open to getting things altered, especially in length. &nbsp;However, I'm just so bad about going to the tailors to do so. &nbsp;So I really should stop buying things that aren't perfect off the rack. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-alterations-and-quality-vs-quantity#post-904552 Wed, 10 Apr 2013 22:59:26 +0000 Transcona Shannon 904552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Being a petite apple, I spent a small fortune each year on alterations. And it is worth every penny!<br /><br />Even if bought in petite sizes, trousers are almost always too long on me and oftentimes, because I have a long rise, I buy regular trousers - so pretty much every pair of trousers and jeans require hemming.&nbsp;<br /><br />Most blazers unless petite requires sleeve shortening - this is of course more costly if the blazer is lined.<br /><br />I've also had waists of trousers, dresses and skirts taken in, legs of trousers, tapered, bust darts put into blouses and blazers and one time, an entire dress taken apart and put back together to fit me properly.&nbsp;<br /><br />I always factor the cost of alteration into the overall cost of an item when I'm determining if it fits the budget. But having a great seamstress has opened so many more opportunities - no longer do I automatically put an item back if it doesn't fit right off the rack. I determine if it is something that can be tweaked and if so, off to the seamstress we go! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-alterations-and-quality-vs-quantity#post-904448 Wed, 10 Apr 2013 21:38:20 +0000 Mia 904448@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh yeah, being short of arm and leg I have had a lot of alterations done in my time. &nbsp;Never affected my buying :)<br /><br />I feel for the long of arm and long of leg sometimes as you can shorten but not lengthen so easily. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-alterations-and-quality-vs-quantity#post-904445 Wed, 10 Apr 2013 21:34:39 +0000 Aziraphale 904445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I just read Sally's post on fit challenges:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.alreadypretty.com/2013/04/already-prettypoll-your-fit-challenges.html#comments" rel="nofollow">http://www.alreadypretty.com/2.....l#comments</a><br /><br />...and something occurred to me after I entered my comment.&nbsp; Don't we all have fit challenges?&nbsp; You bet.&nbsp; As a very short person, I consistently need to have alterations made to regular-size garments, but I've never really seen this as a big deal.&nbsp; I've come to expect it, and I know what can be done easily, and what will be costly.&nbsp; I also tend toward a less-is-more approach when it comes to clothing -- I tend to buy fewer items, but am willing to spend more on each one.&nbsp; I wonder if this attitude has developed from years of spending money on garment alterations?&nbsp; After all, the cost of alterations on an item is the same, whether you paid $20 or $200 for it.<br /><br />Do you get a lot of alterations?&nbsp; Has this affected the number of garments you purchase? <br /><br />(I have to say, ever since YLF put me on to a few retailers that make trickier-to-fit tailored items, like shirts and jackets, in petite sizes that actually fit me off-the-rack, I feel like it's Christmas.&nbsp; Imagine!&nbsp; No need for alterations!)<br /><br /><br />