8 Tips For Finding A Great Tailor

In my opinion, finding a tailor that you trust is imperative to a functional wardrobe. Why? Because too often we settle for clothing that fits "okay" when we could shine in clothing that fits perfectly. Now, I am not saying that you need to tailor your entire wardrobe, but blazers, fitted dresses, and quality clothing are all items that are worth investing a few more dollars in. Trendy, short closet-life items, and items that are made cheaply or with the low-end material are not worth investing in. By the time the tailor has finished altering it, you most likely will be on to something new.

But how in the world am I supposed to know what is a good tailor and what isn't if I know nothing about tailoring clothes?

Great question!!

---

8 tips for finding a tailor.

1. Read The Ratings: Your first stop should be a Google search for tailors in your area. Then you need to start researching them and reading their reviews. If you are struggling to find reviews, try Citysearch or Yelp. If there are literally no reviews on a tailor keep searching. It is not worth taking a risk on
2. Ask Around: Here is a tip, ask men. If the tailor specializes in men's suiting, then chances are they are more skilled with difficult and intricate alterations. Other skilled tailors include ones that specialize in wedding dresses.
3. Ask To See Their Work: A good tailor will always have some of their work on hand. Ask to see it and have them explain what they did. If you are wanting similar alterations, you can check the quality of their work before you invest money. Basically, you are looking for clean tidy work. IE: no loose threads, straight seams etc.
4. Ask About Experience: Find out how long the tailor has been in business. Ask for references and then call them to find out what their experience was like.
5. Avoid The Dry Cleaners: Unless you just need a quick hem on a pair of pants, don't waste your time at the dry cleaners. Their business and priority is dry cleaning, not tailoring. Save them for that red wine stain you can't remove.
6. Survey The Environment: If your garment ended up on the floor, would you mind? Chances are good that at some point during the repair some or all of your item will be touching the floor. A good tailor will have a very clean environment.
7. Gage Their Knowledge: Bring an item that you wouldn't mind if they ruined it. This may seem wasteful, but you wouldn't want to chance that $400 jacket that you adore without a test run. In the long run, it will save you money.
8. Listen: This one is really important!! A quality tailor will ask you what you do not like about the garment. DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT tell the tailor what needs to be done. I am guessing if you are taking an item to a tailor, you are not skilled in this profession. Then, sit back and listen to what he/she has to say. The good ones will notice how the entire piece fits you and make suggestions from there. Don't assume that a jacket just needs the sleeve shortened. It may actually be the shoulder that is off and the tailor will notice this.

Finding a tailor takes patience and a lot of research but when you do, you will experience a whole new world of style and fit. Expect to wait a few weeks for your item to be ready. Good tailors have a waiting list.