Jennifer was shocked to hear that many of our readers haven’t been to the tailor.  Not only that, but most are nervous about going: what will they do?  What do they need?  How do I know I’m getting the right work done?  With a little push from Elle (who hasn’t been to a tailor either) Jen decided to write up a few tips on finding, going to, and working with a tailor.  This is Part One: how to find a decent tailor.


The Tailor Made Girl – because you know that couldn’t be off the rack.

My mother began teaching me about shopping at a young age.  She would usher me into the dressing room, plop me in front of the mirror, and remind me of what worked (and what didn’t) on my body.  My primer for every future fashion choice, my mother made each trip to the clothing store a lesson – though at the time, I was just having fun – and I’ve followed her shopping “rules” uncoinsciously ever since.  It’s all pretty simple, really:

Recently, Elle brought it to my attention that people are afraid of the tailor.  They haven’t ever been to one – let alone at ten years old, like me – and don’t know what to expect.  How much does it cost?  What will they need from me?  What if they screw it up?

 
It only looks like a torture device.

The reality is that it’s way easier than you think it is, and that it’s easy…if you do it right.  The first step is finding a great tailor.  Here are your resources:

If, after exhausting all your research skills, you’re still not sure which tailor to choose – the pricey five-star tailor your rich friend recommended or the less expensive, three-star tailor your mom swears by – consider your clothing: do you just need a hem, or a few seams re-sewn?  That’s not too tough; go for the cheaper tailor.  But if you need a pair of pants taken in three sizes (including moving those back pockets over, fixing the zipper so it doesn’t pucker, etc.) or an extra panel of fabric added to a dress, play it safe and stick with the expensive option…this time.  You can always switch tailors later.

Last, but not least: if it’s not done right, ask them to do it again!  We all make mistakes, and if your tailor sees that your pants are uneven or your seams are coming loose, he or she will fix it, free of charge.  If you get pushback, stand your ground – you paid them good money for this.  And if all else fails, write a bad review on Yelp, so the world knows their business practices.  (Conversely, if they do well, write a good review so others can follow your lead!)

Have you ever been to the tailor?  What was your experience like?

[Images c/o Wikisource.org and MySingaporeTailor.com. Click the image to be taken to its homepage.]

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Comments ( 27 )

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jen, Jaime Palmucci. Jaime Palmucci said: Amazing advice from @craftyasparagus on @TheDemoiselles Wing Tips: Finding a Tailor | The Demoiselles http://bit.ly/4r4Zsb [...]

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[...] Jennifer was shocked to hear that many of our readers haven’t been to the tailor.  Not only that, but most are nervous about going: what will they do?  What do they need?  How do I know I’m getting the right work done?  With a little push from Elle (who hasn’t been to a tailor either) Jen decided to write up a few tips on finding, going to, and working with a tailor.  This is Part Two: Your First Time…at the Tailor. Just in case you missed it, here is Part I: Finding a Tailor. [...]

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I have been to many a tailor… sometimes, it takes a few tries to find the right one.

My biggest advice? Make sure you find a tailor who understands what YOU want, not what they want to give you.

And if anyone in Denver knows of someone good to go to, let me know!
.-= Jaime @ Denim Debutante´s last blog ..Denim Debutante in WWD! =-.

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Jaime @ Denim Debutante added these pithy words on Nov 19 09 at 3:17 pm

A simple tip in looking hot: go to the tailor. RT @TheDemoiselles Wing Tips: Finding a Tailor | The Demoiselles http://bit.ly/4r4Zsb

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Jen added these pithy words on Nov 19 09 at 6:18 pm

I always go to the tailor.

Mostly for my jeans

Everything else, I just hem it on my own with some sewing tape and an iron :)

It’s only my jeans that need a Euro hem…

I also go if I want to take in the darts on a wrap dress that is more structured.. and let out another dress with some fabric, but that’s on my To Do list.
.-= FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com´s last blog ..3 Random Thoughts =-.

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FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com added these pithy words on Nov 19 09 at 7:30 pm

Amazing advice from @craftyasparagus on @TheDemoiselles Wing Tips: Finding a Tailor | The Demoiselles http://bit.ly/4r4Zsb

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Jaime Palmucci added these pithy words on Nov 19 09 at 8:18 pm

I’ve been to a few tailors in my time, usually to get my pants taken up, though I did once recruit one to make a dress for me (and I was very happy with the results!) But there is nothing worse than getting your pants taken up, and finding that they’ve been done to short – nothing can be changed about that! So yes, finding the right tailor is very important – probably why the ‘jeans with a rolled up cuff’ trend has been around for so long!
.-= Amelia M´s last blog ..Music man =-.

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Amelia M added these pithy words on Nov 20 09 at 8:34 am

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