Whether you’re a size 2 or a size 20, great fitting clothes are hard to find off the rack. Our bodies are all shaped differently, which makes it difficult for a standard design (or standard of measurement) to fit billions of different people all around the world.
That might seem like a big downer for everyone…but don’t lose hope just yet. You know how a dog is man’s best friend? Well, a tailor is a woman’s best friend!
A tailor can alter clothing to match your exact measurements so you look fantastic in any ensemble you put together.
Where to find a Tailor
Finding a tailor is as easy as opening the Yellow Pages. Otherwise, check at your local dry cleaner for a tailor. If you’re still having trouble finding a reliable tailor, ask for a reference from a high-end boutique in your area. They will usually have a couple tailors they suggest to their customers.
In upcoming posts I’ll be giving you tips for tailoring all of your wardrobe basics. This week, let’s talk jackets.
I’ll start with the fun part – shopping! It may seem counter-intuitive, but when you are shopping for a jacket you don’t necessarily want the size that fits you best as-is. Instead, pick out the jacket that fits you perfectly in your LARGEST PART, whether it’s your shoulders, chest, stomach, or long arms and torso if you’re tall.
Altering Jackets
Remember: you can alter anything at the seams.
Here is a list of the most common jacket alterations, and the prices you might expect to pay. The prices I’ve listed are what you are likely to see in an urban area, and may be a little bit less elsewhere…
- Remove shoulder pads (usually without a tailor)
- Take in the shoulder seams — $30
- Take in the length of the sleeves — $20
- Extend the length of the sleeves — $20 plus cost of materials
- Take in the width of the sleeves — $25
- Take in the at the bust — $35
- Take in at the waist — $35
- Take in the length of the jacket — $35
- Extend the length of the jacket — $35 plus cost of materials
- Add buttons — $5 plus cost of buttons
- Replace zipper — $20 – $25
**For leather jackets, an additional cost is often added because special machinery is required
With the help of your local tailor, you no longer have to give in to ill-fitting, mass produced clothes! Nancy’s Gone Green makes it easy for you to find eco-friendly clothes that fit by providing you with complete measurements for each and every item (no more meaningless size charts). Remember what I said about fitting your largest part? Here’s where it counts to know your measurements!
Making an investment in your clothes is the difference between looking alright and looking put together and fantastic.
Now there is no excuse to shy away from vintage and eco friendly fashion. Buy your favorites without fear and perfect them at your local tailor. It’s the easiest way to develop your own personal style.
See you next week,
Naomi
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