Ask Belle: How to Find/Handle a Tailor

Oct 17, 2012

Belle,

I purchased my first suit earlier this year and I hate it because the jacket is too big. I have a large bust (34 D/DD), very small waist and hips. So, while i’m a small/xsmall in regular tops, my jackets and buttoned shirts need to be a size up to accommodate “the girls” and my hips. But, when I spoke to the tailor about altering the jacket sleeves to fit better (thin arms/wrists) she somewhat scoffed and said, “that’s how it’s supposed to fit”… I was a total newbie so I believed her. 

So, Belle, how does one go about getting a legit tailor who will make my garments sing when I wear them?  Is it even possible for the sleeves to be taken in width-wise? Or are me and “the girls” just shit-out-of-luck in the blazer department?

Thank you!! Amanda

Sleeves can be taken in, but you need to be careful about how much.  You don’t want to look like you have peg arms.  But yes, it can be done by a competent tailor.

Here in D.C., I like Cheryl Lofton in the Shaw area and Stephen the Tailor by GWU.  But no matter where you live, finding a good tailor is as simple as checking review sites, like Yelp, and picking up a phone.

Make a list of tailors with good reviews and then call them to get a gauge of their prices.  Someone who is a knowledgeable tailor should be able to give you a range of what narrowing a sleeve on a blazer should cost.  Not an exact price, but a range.  If they refuse to give you even a basic range, in my experience, that is not where you want to go.

Then, call the nices men’s suiting or women’s clothing store (that isn’t a chain or department store) in your town.  Ask them if they do tailoring on site, and whether they take garments purchased elsewhere in for tailoring.  If they don’t offer tailoring on site at all, ask where they advise customers to take their garments.  This should give you a good idea of who is reliable.

Always try on a garment when you take it to a tailor.  Then stand in front of the mirror and show the tailor what the problem is, ask what can be done.  They’ll pin the garment, and if it still looks wrong to you, say something.  Be respectful, but don’t just assume that they’ve got it right because they’re the tailor.  It’s your garment, you’re always right.

Lastly, when talking to a tailor, never take no for an answer.  If a tailor tells you no and then leaves it at that, they’re probably a hack.  A good tailor may say that they can’t do something, but they will always suggest something they can do.  

Ask The Edit, Style

share this post

Leave a Reply to Amanda Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. BN says:

    “nices[t] … women's clothing store (that isn't a chain or department store) in your town”

    What would this be for DC?

    Thanks for the great tailor tips!

  2. Nina says:

    Cheryl Lofton's staff is truly excellent. I had a tiered chiffon bridesmaids dress extensively tailored there – a super difficult project, some of the chiffon layers were even pleated – and it fits perfectly. I am now looking for excuses to wear it because it fits me so well!

  3. J says:

    I've gone to a tailor at Metro Center a few times and they've been great and reasonably priced – I don't remember the name but it's right next to Macy's. I've only had pants and dresses hemmed – but i'm sure they could fix a blazer.

  4. Anonymous says:

    I just wanted to echo Nina's comment about Cheryl Lofton – she and her staff are the best! I also have a large bust and small waist/hips, and she made my newest suit jacket fit perfectly. She even took it in more for free when I was not totally happy with it the first time around. She's also done some button-front shirts for me, and they are MUCH more flattering now.

    I can't say enough good things about her!

  5. gingerr says:

    It would probably be worth you time to study up on jacket design. Some jackets will alter more easily with less expense than others.

    I have short arms and often take jackets in to have the sleeves taken up. Rolled-up sleeves say, “I should ahve had this taken up” when I see other people in them. If the jacket has a placket/buttons that almost always is removed. If it's long enough to remain it will be more intensive to alter because they have to work with the facings.

  6. Amanda says:

    Thank you, Belle! This is very helpful =)

  7. Becky says:

    Another shout out for Stephen the Tailor. I've had repeated successes there.

Join The List

Stay up to date on the latest from Capitol Hill Style!

sUBSCRIBE

The Find: A Cute Spring Dress

Need a cute dress for a spring event? Something simple and easy to wear, something you can dress up or down? This is the dress for you.

0

READ MORE 

Recent Posts

Beauty Review: Bondi Boost

As I age, I notice many changes in my body. Most are fine. Some are frustrating. Like many women, I lost a lot of hair in my postpartum phase. Being anemic for more than a year after, it didn’t grow back in to its former glory. So I’ve tried any number of shampoos, pills and […]

1

READ MORE 

The Find: Shirts That Don’t Gape

I remember when Rochelle Behrens launched The Shirt — a button-down blouse with anti-gape technology (a patented internal button that keeps the look smooth). The idea seemed brilliant, but at the time, my bust didn’t require an extra button. One baby later, I understand the need for some extra security.

6

READ MORE 

VIEW ALL POSTS

Fantastic Finds, Style, Top Posts | March 28, 2024

The Find: A Cute Spring Dress

Need a cute dress for a spring event? Something simple and easy to wear, something you can dress up or down? This is the dress for you.

0

READ MORE 

Beauty, Top Posts | March 27, 2024

Beauty Review: Bondi Boost

As I age, I notice many changes in my body. Most are fine. Some are frustrating. Like many women, I lost a lot of hair in my postpartum phase. Being anemic for more than a year after, it didn’t grow back in to its former glory. So I’ve tried any number of shampoos, pills and […]

1

READ MORE 

Fantastic Finds, Posts, Style | March 27, 2024

The Find: Shirts That Don’t Gape

I remember when Rochelle Behrens launched The Shirt — a button-down blouse with anti-gape technology (a patented internal button that keeps the look smooth). The idea seemed brilliant, but at the time, my bust didn’t require an extra button. One baby later, I understand the need for some extra security.

6

READ MORE 

Features, Posts, The Range | March 26, 2024

The Range: Printed Shirt Dresses

If you’re preparing your wardrobe for the warmer weather, don’t sleep on shirt dresses. Casual when worn with sandals or sneaker, dressy with flats or heels, they’re great for any work situation. They’re a great piece that you can throw on any time you need to look pulled together. Here are a few choices.

6

READ MORE 

RECENT POSTS

©2023 CAPITOL HILL STYLE | SITE BY LEIGH THE STUDIO