Choosing a tailor can be tricky!
A quick web search leads to countless results, and it’s hard to know who to trust with your alterations.
At Kean’s, we understand the importance of feeling confident in your wardrobe. That’s why we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to help you select the perfect tailor for your alterations.
Step 1: Determine Your Alteration Needs
Before you start looking for a tailor, it’s crucial to understand exactly what kinds of alterations you need. This could range from simple tasks like hemming pants and adjusting waistbands to more complex changes such as resizing garments or altering the style of a piece entirely. Take a moment to assess your wardrobe: identify clothes that don’t fit perfectly or that you’d like to update. Knowing the types of adjustments you commonly require will guide you in choosing a tailor with the right expertise.
Also, consider how frequently you’ll need tailoring services. Are you looking for a one-time fix for a special outfit, or do you anticipate regular visits to adjust your business attire? Your answer will help determine the level of service you need from a tailor. For those who need ongoing services, building a relationship with a tailor who understands your style preferences and body shape over time can be incredibly beneficial.
Step 2: Vetting Potential Tailors
Finding the right tailor involves a bit of research and due diligence. Start by gathering recommendations from friends, family, and colleagues, especially those whose style you admire. Online platforms like Google, Yelp, and local fashion forums can also provide valuable insights through customer reviews and ratings. Compile a list of tailors who have received positive feedback for the type of alterations you need.
Feel free to reach out and ask about their experience as well! Whether you stop by for a visit or give them a call, you’ll be able to get a good sense of their expertise in the type of alterations you’re looking for.
Step 3: Understanding When to Discuss Specific Needs
While many alterations are straightforward, it’s important to know when a more detailed conversation might be necessary. For basic adjustments like hemming or tightening seams, a brief description and perhaps marking the adjustments on the garment with your tailor may suffice. These are routine tasks that experienced tailors like those at Keans handle daily with precision and care.
However, for more complex projects, such as reshaping a garment or altering expensive or delicate fabrics, a deeper conversation might be needed! In these cases, it’s important to be able to discuss your expectations clearly and understand the tailor’s approach.
Step 4: Understand Pricing and Timeframes
Before committing to a tailor, it’s important to have a clear understanding of their pricing and the expected timeframes for completing your alterations. This step helps avoid surprises and ensures the tailor’s services fit your budget and schedule.
- Pricing Clarity: Ask about the cost of specific alterations you need, and request an explanation of any factors that could affect the price, such as the complexity of the work or the type of fabric. A reputable tailor should be transparent about their fees and provide a detailed quote.
- Timeframes: Discuss how long the alterations will take, especially if you need the garments for an upcoming event or rely on them for regular use, like business attire. Knowing the expected turnaround can help you plan accordingly.
Step 5: Make a Decision
You’ve gathered your research and asked your questions, now it’s time to get your clothes tailored!
By this point, you should have a good sense of your potential tailor’s skill level and feel comfortable moving forward. If the item you’re having altered is particularly difficult or sentimental and you find yourself worried about it, consider a trial run with a less critical item.
In the end, if you’re hiring a professional that has done similar work before and understands what you’re looking for, you should feel confident that you’ve made the right decision.
