If your first thought upon seeing the title of this post is, “I never alter my clothes,” you’re not alone. With the exception of having their pants hemmed or getting wedding or formal wear tailored, most people do not alter their clothing.

In this post, I present an overview of the incredible power of alterations to help you look more stylish and polished, as well as slimmer and more attractive.  It’s amazing how some simple and often inexpensive tailoring can take garments from so-so to fabulous.

Off the Rack = Not Perfect

Most people expect clothing to fit them perfectly off the rack.  If that doesn’t end up being the case, they tend to blame their bodies and think something is wrong with the way they are shaped.  In truth, it is extremely difficult for clothing designers and manufacturers to create clothing for all of the many body shapes and sizes which are out there.  In fact, it’s next to impossible.  There are just too many possibilities and permutations!

Celebrities Tailor ALL of their Clothes!

Now you may look at celebrities in their impeccably fitting clothing, even jeans and t-shirts, and think that if you were shaped like them, your clothes would fit you like a glove.  But what you don’t know is that many celebrities have each and every thing they own tailored, right down to their tank tops, khakis, and shorts.  I have this on good authority from Clinton Kelly of “What Not to Wear” fame.  No, I didn’t speak with him personally, but it’s splashed all throughout the Internet, including in this article.

Love Your Wardrobe More & Feel Amazing

I discovered the power of alterations myself about seven years ago and I have been an “alterations junkie” ever since!  My clothes are now tailored to showcase my figure’s strong suits and skim right over those parts I don’t love as much.  Please believe me when I tell you that a tailor can help you to love your wardrobe more and feel even more amazing in what you wear.

Many Tailoring Possibilities…

Here is a list of alterations that I have personally had done to my clothes over the years or have seen done to other people’s clothing (if you are in the Point Loma area of San Diego, check out Tiffany’s Alterations – I swear by her excellent work and reasonable prices!).

Alterations for Shirts and Jackets

1. Take in at the sides (my most common alteration!)
2. Shorten straps on tank tops and camisoles
3. Narrow sleeves
4. Shorten sleeves (e.g. too short long sleeved tees can be made into ¾ length)
5. Lengthen sleeves (take down hem or add fabric at bottom)
6. Narrow shoulders (shoulder seam should hit at the outside of your actual shoulder)
7. Remove or replace shoulder pads (modernize those 80s and 90s style blazers!)
8. Take up at shoulders (give a very low-cut top a more manageable neckline)
9. Replace buttons (can really modernize a dated look!)
10. Shorten shirts and blouses
11. Shorten jackets (not always possible, but can be done)
12. Add hooks or snaps to wrap-style tops (or sew shut at top)
13. Add snaps between buttons on blouses to avoid gaping

Alterations for Pants

1. Hem/shorten (most people know about this and have done it!)
2. Lengthen (take down hem or add similar or contrasting fabric)
3. Narrow legs
4. Take in at waist
5. Let out at waist (if seam allowance exists)
6. Take out side or back pockets and sew shut (good for those of us with fuller hips)
7. Make full-length pants into cropped pants or shorts
8. Remove or add cuffs
9. Take in seat / shorten rise (a difficult alteration but can be done)

Alterations for Skirts and Dresses

1. Shorten (good for petites or for when styles change)
2. Lengthen (take down hem or add similar or contrasting fabric)
3. Narrow at sides
4. Take in at waist
5. Let out at waist (if seam allowance exists)
6. If elastic waist, tighten or loosen elastic (can also replace with wider or narrower elastic)
7. Tack down pleats
8. Add hooks or snaps to wrap-style dresses (or sew shut at top)
9. Take in sleeves on dresses
10. Shorten sleeves on dresses (make ¾ sleeves, short-sleeves, or sleeveless)
11. Add sleeves (in same or contrasting fabric)
12. Take up dress at shoulder to make less low-cut

Give Your Clothes New Life

The list above is just a sampling of the magic that can be worked by a talented and qualified tailor.  There are many other options at your disposal!  It never hurts to ask if something can be done to improve the fit and functionality of a garment.

Often, clothing items that might otherwise be tossed aside or donated can be revitalized and given new life with a visit to your local tailor.  Of course, you’ll have to decide if the alteration is worth the cost to you.  I have to admit that I’ve had occasions of “throwing good money after bad” by altering garments I probably should have let go.  But more often than not, my alterations have been of great benefit.

I hope this post has helped to open your eyes to the power of alterations.  At the very least, I hope you’ll at least consider the possibility of tailoring your clothes moving forward.  It really can make a tremendous difference and help to amp up your style!