How to find a good tailor
Most stylists will tell you there are no ‘real’ style rules. There are, however, some universal truths that we all follow, including the importance of finding a good seamstress or tailor who can work with you to modify off the rack clothes to fit your unique body. (There is more than one reason behind my business name!)
I often find that my clients are discouraged when they are shopping because clothes don’t fit properly. The trouble is not with individuals, but with the mass-produced clothing. I’m not discouraging off the rack purchases or encouraging everyone to hand-make or custom-make their clothes — I am encouraging finding a local seamstress or tailor (or dry cleaner who does alterations) who can help ensure your clothes fit your body.
Many repairs can also be done at home. A needle and thread go a long way for buttons and small rips. I’m also a big fan of iron-on patches (available at most craft stores). Follow my Instagram for more on denim patching (coming soon!). Making repairs can extend the life of clothing and really maximize that price per wear.
Over the years, I’ve found my local dry cleaner to be my go-to place for alterations, major repairs and sometimes tailoring. I had a great seamstress in Northern California who worked with me to modify dresses when I was pregnant. And in Sydney, I had a seamstress who always helped me with my work trousers and jackets to take up the lengths. Plus she helped me find an awesome artist who would die garments to a different color to make them last longer — this was my favorite find and allowed me to have more fun and create a longer life with my clothes (I still have a silk dress from 2007 that started off bone-white and now is navy blue! So clever but not something I have the time to do myself — although it can be done at home in the washing machine or sink).
My top tips for finding a seamstress/tailor/alterer (yep, it is a real word!):
Choose somewhere close to home - convenience matters here otherwise you’ll drop off but never pick-up or that pile for ‘alterations’ will grow and you’ll never wear your clothes.
Be friendly and polite - might seem obvious but kindness goes a long way and this person is helping you maximize the clothing investment so it is worth developing a good relationship.
Don’t be afraid to ask - for help, for clarification, for something that may not be possible. You don’t know until you ask and a good seamstress will help you create the garment that fits you and that you will wear. He/she might have ideas for how to make something look/fit better too!
Others have other suggestions about how to choose a tailor (here and here) and there are some cool websites like this one (so sad it is London-based only!) that are making seamstresses easier to find. A stylist near you may be able to point you in the right direction too. Plus, many department stores (like Nordstrom) offer free tailoring if you buy in-store.
I encourage you to go out and take those too-long pants to a local tailor today! You’ll thank me later.