In many of my blog posts, I tell you to find a good tailor/seamstress to alter your clothes so they fit your body perfectly. This could be minor adjustments, from shortening the hem on a dress or adding darts to an angular silhouette top, adjusting the crotch curve or waistband on a pair of pants. When clothes fit all of your body curves and horizontal lines are placed in the right places, you’ll naturally tap into your confidence and personal power.
I find many women are offended that they can’t find pants that are the perfect length for their short legs and must spend more money to get the pants shortened. Or they think there must be something wrong with their bodies when they have a hard time finding clothes that fit around their waists.
You have to remember women come in all shapes, lengths and sizes. Today’s ready-to-wear world can’t possibly manufacture clothes to fit every woman’s body. They design for a well-proportioned H (rectangle) Body Shape. If your body shape or body proportions are different from that, then most likely you’ll need to have your clothes altered in some way and will need to find a good tailor/seamstress.
If this is you, then finding a good tailor/seamstress is important. She/he will become as important as your hair stylist, manicurist, and skincare/makeup consultant. Like these people your tailor/seamstress will get to know your body and what alterations you need on a regular basis.
Not all tailors/seamstresses abilities are equal, especially if you need more advanced alterations done. In this case, it’s important to find the ones who do these alterations on a regular basis.
Tailor Vs Seamstress
Before you learn how to find a good tailor/seamstress, first you need to understand the difference. A tailor understands the inner workings of a suit. Many suits are molded to curve around your body through stitch and/or interfacing. If you wear suits or tailored clothes on a regular basis and need them to be altered in some way, look for a tailor. Their fees can be higher but it’s worth it. Otherwise, look for a seamstress.
Find A Good Tailor/Seamstress
There are 5 ways to find a good tailor/seamstress:
- Friend/co-worker
- Up-scale stores
- Stylist/personal shoppers
- Online research — Alterations near me
- Your dry cleaner
Friend/Co-Worker
Ask a friend or co-worker whose clothes seem to fit her well. There’s a good chance she uses a tailor/seamstress. Two signs to look for are if she has:
- Short legs, yet the length of pants/skirts/dresses are always perfect for her
- Curvy Body Shape, yet pants/skirts always fit at her waist
Don’t just ask female friends/co-workers; ask your male ones for their tailors’ names. Most men understand that suits need to be altered to fit their bodies. Ask those men whose suits always fit their bodies well. Two signs to look for are if he has short:
- Legs, yet the length of his pants are perfect for him
- Arms, yet the length of the suit jacket sleeves are perfect for him
Up-Scale Stores
Many up-scale stores understand that clothes need to be altered and have allied themselves with tailors/seamstresses. This is especially true when shopping in a men’s suit store.
Stylist/Personal Shopper
Great stylists or personal shoppers know clothes need to be altered to fit your body perfectly. They understand the ready-to-wear market can’t sell clothes that fit every shape and size. As a result, they have a list of tailors/seamstresses they can recommend.
Research Online
When I’m learning something new, I always turn to the internet. Search for “alterations near me.” Look for the tailor/seamstress with the highest star rating.
Dry Cleaner
Many dry cleaners do alterations. Each one has different services. Some just do hems while others are full service. If you have a favorite cleaner, talk to them and ask if they do the type of alterations you need. If they don’t do them, then ask if they know of one who does.
When You Find A Good Tailor/Seamstress
Finding a tailor/seamstress is like finding a new hair stylist. Step one is to have them cut your hair to make sure they know how to work with your specific type of hair. Step two is to ask a lot of questions about them. You’ll find out whether they love cutting, dying, styling or the whole process. Also, ask yourself; “Is this someone I want to be around every 6 to 8 weeks.” Over time you’ll develop a close relationship and the stylist gets to know your hair and all its quirks and becomes a friend. It’s the same process for finding a tailor/seamstress.
Call the good tailor/seamstress and ask what types of alterations they do. If they do your type of alterations, make an appointment. At the appointment, bring in only one item you want altered. You’re testing them to determine if they’re right for you. You have to feel comfortable around them because you’ll be seeing them every time you buy new clothes. If you feel comfortable with them, then bring in more clothes to alter. If not, then look for someone else until you find the right person.
Finding a good tailor/seamstress is important for most women. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find one right away. Over time, they’ll know what alterations your body needs and will be able to make suggestions to make the fit even better.
As a result, you’ll feel better in your clothes and will create a closet full of clothes you love to wear. When wearing these clothes you’ll feel like you can conquer your world.
Wear Your Greatness!!
