The 3 Ingredients of a Successful Alteration There are three things that make any clothing alteration successful: 1) the skill level of the person doing the work, 2) whether or not the garment has the fabric for the alteration, and finally 3) how the alteration will affect the garment’s proportions. 1. A Skilled Tailor or Seamstress Choosing a tailor can be tricky – the term is used loosely in the US and experience does not always equate to skill. Oftentimes I meet someone who can do what I ask, but fails to point out what I asked for will ruin the look of the garment. Other times I have been promised the world only to receive back a garment unfit to wear. When you find a tailor that you like, one who understands your needs and does quality work…..build that relationship because it is worth more than gold. Here are my 7 steps on how to select a tailor: Educate yourself. Understand what you want, learn the basics so that you can ask thoughtful questions, and don’t be afraid to ask the detailed questions and raise objections when you think someone is blowing smoke. Seek recommendations. Like I mentioned above, take the recommendations of friends and family with a grain of salt. However, they are a great place to start and may alert you to information otherwise not available. Test their communication skills. When you call for information, how are you treated and can they communicate well? When you visit, do they make time to answer your questions even if they have to set up an appointment later (a busy tailor will often do this)? Does he or she really understand what you are asking and do they make you feel comfortable? Ask the tailor: “When are they satisfied?” A tailor should be satisfied only when the client is happy; if the client isn’t satisfied with the garment, the tailor should either work to meet expectations or make the client whole by refunding his money. I’ve seen many men pushed into styles and fits they weren’t happy with; a tailor should offer guidance, but how a man looks is his decision alone. Does the tailor or seamstress understand style? This isn’t a show-stopper, but without it you’ll have to be very explicit as to what you want and cannot assume the person working on the clothing can make the “leap” between points not specified. A trained tailor should point out errors/problems with your requests if they break common style or pattern aesthetics. Examine their handiwork. Look not only at the outside, but at the inside stitching and seam work. Check out detailed pictures of men’s clothing stitch work as it should be done to know what you’re looking for. Details! Details! Details! Availability. You want a professional that is accessible; when you find out a week before your wedding you’re a little too large for your once well fitting suit, you want someone who can help you in a pinch.
Posted on: Fri, 16 Aug 2013 16:07:50 +0000
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