Most people wear clothes that don’t fit properly.
It’s just something we’re used to. Off-the-rack clothing rarely fits perfectly. We make trade-offs, like accepting baggy sleeves for the right chest fit, or pants that are too short for the right fit around the waist.
But there’s a simple solution that is commonly overlooked: Tailoring.
Even minor alterations can dramatically change how clothing looks and feels.
Yet most people will never consider this option for their wardrobe because of common myths. If any of these tailoring misconceptions are standing between you and clothing that fits perfectly, feels comfortable, and boosts confidence, we’re here to help!
Myth: Tailoring is Only for Expensive Clothes
If something wasn’t expensive, many people feel like they can’t have it altered. They worry that it’s unnecessary or wasteful – after all, it’s only a $30 pair of jeans!
Even budget-friendly pieces can benefit from small adjustments, often making them look and feel far better than they did off the rack. A well-fitted dress off the discount rack will almost always outshine a more expensive one that doesn’t fit quite right.
Tailoring isn’t only for luxury wardrobes. It’s a simple, practical way to make clothes fit the way they should. In fact, tailoring affordable clothing is one of the easiest wardrobe life hacks – offering an instant upgrade and more flexibility in how and where you shop.
Myth: Tailoring is Too Expensive
One of the most common myths about tailoring is cost. Many people assume alterations are expensive, which often stops the conversation before it even starts.
In reality, tailoring is more affordable than you may expect! Easy adjustments like hemming, waist shaping, or sleeve refinements are typically budget-friendly, especially compared to the cost of replacing a garment. Because tailoring feels like a specialized, high-end service, people assume that the price tag is high-end as well.
This misconception keeps many wardrobes from reaching their full potential. Tailoring isn’t inherently costly – but the assumption that it is prevents many people from taking advantage of one of the most practical tools in clothing care.
Myth: If it Doesn’t Fit, I Bought the Wrong Size
Many people assume that if a garment doesn’t fit perfectly, they simply bought the wrong size.
In reality, sizing inconsistencies are built into modern clothes. Different brands, cuts, and fabrics all fit differently, even when the label shows the same number. Off-the-rack clothing is designed for general body shapes, not individual proportions, which means small fit issues are incredibly common.
A jacket that fits the shoulders but feels loose at the waist, or a dress that fits beautifully everywhere except the hem, doesn’t mean the garment is “wrong.” It means the piece hasn’t been adjusted for your specific build!
Tailoring bridges the gap. Rather than forcing your body to conform to standardized sizing, alterations allow clothing to fit the way it was meant to.
Myth: Only Suits and Formal Clothes Can be Tailored
Tailoring is associated with suits, gowns, and special occasions. Alterations feel like something reserved for weddings, galas, and high-end suits.
But everyday clothes benefit from tailoring just as much, if not more, than formal clothing. Jeans, casual dresses, work pants, blouses, and even basic wardrobe staples can be dramatically improved with small alterations.
Tailoring isn’t just about major transformations. It’s about subtle corrections that make your every-day clothes sit better and feel more natural. Clothing that fits properly should be something you enjoy every time you get dressed!
Myth: Alterations Are Only About Looks
Have you ever had an outfit that looks great, but just doesn’t feel quite right? Maybe it pinches in certain places, pulls awkwardly, or requires constant adjusting throughout the day to sit the way it’s supposed to.
Tailoring isn’t just about appearance. It’s about comfort, movement, and how naturally clothing works with your body. Small changes can make your clothes feel significantly better to wear, not just better to look at.
Well-altered clothing doesn’t simply improve how you look – it often changes how you feel. And that added ease and confidence is one of the most overlooked benefits of alterations.
Kean’s Tailoring Team is Here to Help
Perfectly fitting clothing is rarely found – it’s altered! Small, thoughtful changes are often more affordable than expected, work beautifully for everyday garments, and can dramatically improve how your clothing looks and feels.
If you’ve been avoiding alterations because of common myths, you’re not alone. Our team at Kean’s can evaluate your garments, offer honest guidance, and recommend adjustments that make sense for both your clothing and your lifestyle.
