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:

• Try everything on.  Even if you’ve bought it before, the cut might have changed or this production run might be just a little longer/tighter/boxier.  If you don’t want to wait for a dressing room, wear a tank top when you go shopping: checking the fit of a top becomes easy and fast.
• Check the price after you check the fit.  Sometimes a dress fits so well you’re willing to pay more – lots more – and other times it seems like a steal…until you get it over your hips.  Try it on, figure out how much you’re willing to pay, then check the tag.  If it’s “thirty dollars cute” but costs thirty-five, don’t buy it.
• Find the garment’s potential…and go to the tailor.  Those brand name jeans that are on sale for half the price are an amazing deal…or would be, if you had Amazon legs.  But if they’re “seventy dollars cute” and only cost fifty, you could run them to a tailor, have them hemmed for ten bucks…and they’re yours, for cheaper than your limit.

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:

•  Yelp.com.  This review site is perfect for anyone that lives in or near a big city.  I found reviews (good and bad) for three tailors within walking distance of my office, and two near my house.  With a little comparison shopping – which you should all know how to do, my online shopper friends – you can find the tailor that best fits your price range and needs.
• Talk to your friends.  If you know someone with really great style, you can bet that they probably have a good tailor.  This goes for bloggers, too: if you follow a fashion blogger that lives in your city, check in with her!  Most would be happy to refer someone to their seamstress.
• Confer with old people.  No, seriously.  Nowadays, most shopping prays on a sense of urgency (sample sales, one-day-only, and all that jazz) and immediate availability (expedited shipping, “petite” sizing, long hems), so actually waiting for something that fits right and looks good has gone the way of ten-cent Cokes.  Check in with your mother, grandmother or aunt for their recommendations.  It’s not like their tailor only works on clothing that Baby Boomers wear.
• …and rich people.  The exception to the “only old people use tailors” rule is, of course, money.  People who can afford $200 jeans don’t just automatically look amazing in them; they make them look amazing, with a nip here, a tuck there, a hem in the back…and even if they’re a little shy about admitting that those brand new, costs-more-than-my-couch jeans have been altered, they’ll eventually give up the secret.

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.]