for those of you who've had items tailored

Whew, I just can't seem to stay off the boards this evening! But I just thought up an important question. Along with my velvet(een) jacket, a really nice wool blazer arrived today from Boden. There are predictable issues (sleeves too long--didn't have my size in Petite). Also, the sleeves are too loose, a problem I've never dealt with before. But in all other ways, including the bust, amazingly, it fits really well, and the price was great, so I am bringing it tomorrow to a tailor to get a quote on alterations. This would be my first time getting anything altered!

My question is, simply, to what degree do you want to dictate to the tailor how the work should go? Rephrased, if that wasn't clear--in my own case, I would prefer if the person had a good sense of what looks good and I could trust their judgment. Rather than say, I'd like it taken in X amount, I would love it if they really knew what was au courant or flattering or whatever, and I could just not worry about it. What should I expect? On yelp.com his reviews were very good, but they didn't get into this particular aspect.

TIA!

14 years ago

taylor

Veteran

A good tailor will have you try the garment on and then pin to the fit you desire...you work together, they can advise if you are unsure! they usually know what works.. and the limitations of their ability to alter beyond a certain length or width because of seaming etc. Unfortunately we have no choice the first time other than trust they will get it right!
Let us know how it goes and good luck!

MNsara

Good luck! I'm still hoping to find the tailor who magically knows just how loose/snug I like & need body parts even when I can't articulate it to them. . .

I gave one tailor a try and ended up going back for round two because her version of 'not too tight' and my version were off.

They do pin things for you, so be sure to wear the under layers you consider correct. Then don't be in a rush (and hope the tailor isn't either), move around, sit, reach. It's still a bit of a crap shoot at first - like trying to find the right hair stylist!

Be sure to give yourself enough time when picking up finished items and TRY THEM ON with proper under layers, move around, sit, reach. If anything is off, talk it over, and leave the garment to be fixed.

I also sought out another tailor with great Yelp reviews only to be highly disappointed in his: quality of work -- I can sew unserged seams at home , forgotten promise dates, and defensive attitude. It was hard to believe it was the same person from those reviews.

Isabel

Mochi, I just saw that you are in the Boston area. If you have trouble finding a good tailor, you can call Neiman Marcus at Copley Square and ask who they recommend. I found my wonder shoe guys through NM ! I think that there is a Bergdorf too. And there is always Bloomies in Chestnut Hill.

As for your question, it is a little of each. You will get a feeling for it and they will too. Everybody has different tastes, but they should basically be able to do a really good job. When I try out a tailor for the first time, I always take in something small like a sleeve length to adjust or a hem or a simple seem on a skirt waist.

Good Luck !!!!

HelenInCanada

Mochi, I wouldn't tighten the sleeves too much - how uncomfortable in a jacket! Definitely shorten the sleeve length, and if it's very boxy, have the sides taken in. But as said above, the tailor will be working with you, pinning the problem areas to see if it improves the look and fit. He'll probably give his opinion, since this is his area of expertise, so I'd listen to what he has to say pretty closely, and then decide if you like the pinned version.

Anonymous

As MNSara said, be sure to pick up your garment when not in a hurry and try it on right there to see if it is going to work for you.

Refugee

In choosing a tailor, I first took something in my wardrobe that I was considering getting rid of because of fit. I had a skirt that was too big and took it in as a test garment. If I was not happy with the results, all I paid for was experience. I did not have to pay the additional cost of a new garment that I never wore. Is that helpful?

Suz

(website)

I think the hairstylist analogy is a great one. The woman who does alterations for me is getting better (and cheaper) the more often I go to her. Hard to believe, I know. She gives me a deal because I bring her so much stuff, LOL!

Mochi

Thanks again, everyone! Your advice is proving helpful. Especially Isabel's--I will call NM for starters today to see if they can recommend anyone. (Although I wonder if they'd just send you to their in-store tailor--which some of the petite blogs do not recommend.) But till I try, I'll never know. The only thing that's annoying is that Boden has something like a seven-day return policy. That's really tight. So by today or tomorrow, I'm thinking, I have to decide if it's worth going through finding a tailor and alterations. I'll do a K/R in a little while.

Mochi, I have a very good tailor in NYC, pricey but very good. As Taylor said, it should be a collaboration. I can PM the info. I am not sure how far from NYC you are.

Thanks, Lina. Sure, it can't hurt to have the info. I'm in Boston, and hope to find a local person, but I do have family down there and it's always good to have a referral you can trust.

(This is how I feel the sleeves are currently on me in terms of being loose or baggy. Also, she's very brave to do the alterations herself!)

http://www.extrapetite.com/201......html#more

Transcona Shannon

I have just about everything I buy these days tailored. Your tailor should definitely have you try on the jacket, ask you what you're looking for, pin it and then discuss how it looks, how the proportions are, etc. Because it's a jacket you're having tailored with the sleeves particularly, make sure you wear the thickest layer underneath that you expect to wear with the jacket so that you don't get the sleeves taken in too much and then can't wear something a bit thicker under it.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I think you need to take total control of your alteration.

Kappy

You can call Boden too and explain the situation. They may give you add'l time to return provided you have talked to them first.

nancylee

I really trust my seamstress when it comes to making suggestions. She often has good ideas...sometimes ones that I didn't even consider or knew were possible. But this trust has built up over time. I do think you need to take the lead and know what you want going in--especially when it comes to PPL.

Good luck!

Aziraphale

When I go to the alterationist with a garment that doesn't quite fit, I describe what I think the problem is, then I try it on and she pins it. Then we both look at it and decide if it looks and feels right. If it's a bit too snug, or too long or short, she re-pins it until I am satisfied. Often I'll ask her opinion -- e.g., 'Do you think I should go a little shorter?' -- and I often agree with her suggestions.

I should point out that it's not the same alterationist each time. There are four or five who work at the place I go to, but they all have good judgment. They know more than I do about how to make things fit!

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