FASHION
In a world of fast fashion and off-the-rack shopping, there’s one secret weapon that can drastically improve your entire wardrobe without adding a single new item: tailoring. We’ve all experienced the disappointment of a top that you love but fits awkwardly at the shoulder or a pair of trousers that are perfect except for the waist, the solution isn’t always to toss them aside for the donation pile. Instead, taking the time to visit the tailor will transform the way your clothes fit and give you an instant uplift to your style.
The truth is, tailoring is a game changer when it comes to your style. It has the ability to elevate cheaper pieces and maintain the look of the more expensive ones. Here's all the tips on why, what and how to make the most of tailoring.
Why Tailoring Makes All the Difference
No two bodies are exactly the same, yet most clothes are designed with standard sizes in mind, leaving the majority of us with garments that don’t fit quite right. Here’s how tailoring can make a dramatic difference in your appearance:
1. Tailored Clothes Flatter Your Unique Shape
We all have different body types—whether you’re petite, curvy, tall, or athletic, off-the-rack sizing doesn't takes this into account enough and most of the time not at all. Tailoring fits your clothes to your specific proportions, leaving no loose, wrongly baggy or awkward fits.
2. Elevates Even the Most Basic Pieces
You don’t need an endless wardrobe filled with designer labels to look like a vibe. The beauty of tailoring is that it can elevate even the simplest items. With a good tailor, basic wardrobe staples can be elevated to luxury-level chic, giving you a polished look that feels entirely bespoke.
3. Creates the Illusion of a Perfect Fit
Tailoring isn’t just about shrinking clothes to make them smaller. It’s about strategically adjusting them to create balance. For example, if you’re petite but love oversized blazers, a tailor can adjust the sleeves and nip the waist to keep that relaxed, chic look without drowning your frame. Or, if you’re curvy, a tailor can ensure your dresses and skirts hug your body in all the right places, without any awkward gaping or pulling. A perfectly tailored garment creates the illusion that it was made for you.
Tailoring is a game changer when it comes to your style.
What You Should Get Tailored
While not every item in your wardrobe needs to be sent to the tailor, there are key pieces that absolutely benefit from professional alterations. Here’s a guide to the items worth investing in:
1. Jackets and Blazers
Nothing says power dressing quite like a sharp, well-fitting blazer. However, blazers are notoriously tricky when it comes to fit. The shoulders are the most important aspect to get right (too loose, and it looks sloppy; too tight, and you’ll feel uncomfortable). Once the shoulders are perfect, the waist can be taken in or let out slightly to create a fitted look that’s flattering without being restrictive. Even a high-street blazer can look designer with the right adjustments.
2. Trousers and Jeans
Trouser fit can make or break your look. Either hemming trousers to the correct length (ankle-grazing for a modern look or floor-skimming for dramatic flair) or tapering them slightly to create a sleek silhouette, tailored trousers instantly elevate your outfit. If you’ve found a pair of jeans that fit well at the hips but are too long or too wide at the hem, take them to a tailor for a custom fit that flatters your legs and elongates your frame.
3. Dresses
From adjusting straps to taking in the waist or altering the length, a few small tweaks can take a dress from "good enough" to perfect. Dresses, especially ones with complex cuts or patterns, should skim your body—not cling awkwardly or hang limply. A well-fitted dress is timeless and chic, ensuring you feel as good as you look.
4. Skirts
Like trousers, skirts benefit from tailored adjustments—particularly at the waist and hem. Whether you’re working with a pencil skirt that could use a bit more curve-hugging definition or a midi skirt that needs to hit just the right length, a tailor can ensure the fit is precise, flattering, and elegant.
Tailoring Tips: What to Know Before You Go
Now that you’re ready to elevate your wardrobe through tailoring, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the best results.
Even a high-street blazer can look designer with the right adjustments.
1. Start with Good Foundations
A tailor can do wonders, but they’re not magicians. It’s important to start with a garment that already fits you well in key areas. For example, make sure the shoulders of jackets fit properly, as this is the hardest area to alter. Similarly, pants should fit at the hips; a waist adjustment is easy, but drastically altering the hips or thighs can affect the overall design of the garment.
2. Know When to Splurge
Not every item in your closet needs to be tailored, so choose wisely. High-quality pieces that you’ll wear for years—such as a classic blazer, an investment coat, or tailored trousers—are worth the extra cost of professional alterations. Fast fashion pieces may not be worth the investment unless you truly love them and plan to wear them often.
3. Communicate Clearly with Your Tailor
Tailoring is all about the details, so don’t be afraid to speak up about exactly what you want. If you’re unsure, ask your tailor for their expert advice—they’ll know which alterations will give you the most flattering result. Bring the shoes you plan to wear with the garment if length is involved, and don’t hesitate to point out areas that feel off or uncomfortable.
4. Allow Time for Alterations
Tailoring isn’t an overnight fix—especially if the garment needs multiple adjustments. Be sure to allow enough time before events or key moments in your wardrobe, as complex tailoring can take several fittings to get just right. Patience pays off when the result is a perfectly fitted piece that looks custom-made.
5. Find a Tailor You Trust
A great tailor is a valuable asset in your style arsenal, so take the time to find one with excellent reviews or through trusted recommendations. The best tailors have an eye for detail, work with a wide range of fabrics, and are experienced with different types of garments—from jeans to gowns.
Tailoring Is the Ultimate Style Upgrade
Tailoring is not just about making your clothes fit better—it’s about making them work for you. It’s a simple, often overlooked step that has the power to elevate your entire look, whether you’re wearing a basic tee or a designer dress. With a tailor on your side, your clothes will flatter your unique shape, fit perfectly, and give you the confidence of knowing you look your absolute best. So, the next time you find yourself reaching for an outfit that doesn’t quite hit the mark, ask yourself: is it really the garment’s fault, or does it just need a little tailoring magic?