How do you decide if alterations are worth it?

Astrid

My two plaid skirts sit way too low on my hips now and I don't feel good wearing them as they are. My current wardrobe is small and I have few pieces that are right just as they are. I wore the first skirt way more than the second one so far, but I think the reason for that was mostly that #1 worked better with my coat (that tbh needs replacing too). I have no idea how much alterations would be or if my usual place would do them.

Do you think they are worth altering? It would probably be cheaper than buying new skirts in any case. I have one affordable new skirt on my list that is going to be available in mid October (#3).

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11 years ago

General

9 replies

Latest reply was from Astrid

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

My personal experience has been spotty with alterations. I don't feel I have a place I can really count on and back when I did, the cost was really too high to justify doing it, unless the item was a very expensive item to begin with. I ended up buying my own sewing machine so I could do really basic things. So, I guess it depends on rather you have someone available who is experienced enough and affordable. If the cost is more than say 20% of the replacement cost then it might be worth waiting to buy a replacement, unless your budget is very tight.

11 years ago

crutcher

Veteran

You would have to decide if you love the skirts so much that not being able ot wear them will leave a serious hole in your wardrobe...If that is the case by all means scurry over to the alterations shop...If however, you feel that the new skirt available in October is going to be the one...I would leave the two ill fitting sisters by the wayside...Hope this helps...

11 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

If a) I love the item, b) it's unique enough that a replacement will be difficult to find, and c) the alteration is pretty foolproof and not too expensive, I usually find it worthwhile to alter.

Skirts are usually not too difficult, from what I understand -- I've had a few taken in (and then, sadly, I've gained a little weight back).

I actually have a sleeveless top from Karen Millen that I love but I wish it were a little more fluid, plus it's just a wee bit long in the top (from shoulder to bust). I've been thinking about getting the shoulders taken up, and I've actually wondered if another panel of fabric could be somehow added along the side to give it a little more room. That probably sounds crazy! But if I love an item, I usually want to make it work.

11 years ago

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks. I guess it all depends on cost, I'm going to take them to my usual place and ask if it's possible and how much it would be. I got both skirts for cheap, they are Land's End and I bought them marked down significantly. I think I didn't pay more than 30€ for both skirts together. That said they aren't bad quality and there's nothing wrong with them. I enjoyed wearing both of them, especially with those cropped wool pullovers.

11 years ago

Alassë

Veteran

I'd alter if they are still loved & have the outfit potential to become workhorses this winter.

11 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

I'm agreeing with the others: if you really love the skirts, and they are of good quality, and the alterations aren't too expensive or too difficult, it would probably be a good idea to alter them.

11 years ago

Lavinia

Active Member

Astrid, perhaps you could first alter just one skirt and go from there? You'll be able to see how much wear you get from the altered skirt and if you miss the second one at all.
That said, I get many of my clothes altered. Hemming trousers, frayed bootcuts into skinnies, altering dresses for my short torso, taking in blazer sleeves. I always figure that I bought the item, because something about it appealed to me, so I should make it work so that I will reach for it often and justify the cost.
Mind you that I don't buy expensive clothing (in fact, most of my clothes come from New Yorker and stores in this price range) and that adding the cost of alteration doesn't break the bank.

11 years ago

Lantana

Veteran

I concur with all the sensible advice you have been given already. Skirts are probably the easiest item of clothing to alter because their structure, if A line like yours, is straightforward. Lands End skirts have quite a bit of work in the waistband in my experience but this too is not complex to unpick and rework. Dont be persuaded by your tailor that this will be a costly exercise, it isn't.

11 years ago

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Alasse and Gigi! I think I will do it, they still have that potential.

Lavinia, I try not to shop unecessarily, so the alterations would help to make sure I really get the chance to wear them out. I might have one skirt done first, but I would have a hard time deciding which one, I think. It depends on the cost, but if it isn't too much I'll probably get both done at the same time.

Thanks Lantana, that's very useful to know! I'll keep that in mind when I ask for the cost.

11 years ago

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