How much does it cost to tailor a suit? The simple answer is that the price changes a lot. It can be as low as $20 for small fixes, like hemming pants. It can go up to $500 or more for big changes, like fixing the shoulders or taking apart much of the jacket. The total suit alterations cost depends on many things. This includes what you need done, the suit itself, and the tailor you choose. The average cost to alter a suit for common tasks like taking in a jacket and hemming pants is often between $50 and $200.
Image Source: alterations-express.com
What Does Tailoring a Suit Mean?
Tailoring a suit means making a suit fit you better. Suits come in standard sizes. But bodies are not standard. So, a suit might be too long in the sleeves. The pants might be too loose. The jacket might feel big around the middle.
A tailor is a skilled person who can change the suit. They cut and sew the fabric. They make the suit fit your body shape. This makes the suit look much better on you. A suit that fits well feels good. It helps you look sharp for important events or work.
Why Do Suit Alteration Costs Change?
The price a tailor asks is not always the same. Many things make the suit tailoring service cost go up or down. It is helpful to know what these things are.
What Needs to Be Changed
This is the biggest part of the cost. Simple fixes cost less. Harder fixes cost more.
- Simple fixes: Changing pants length, taking in the pants waist a little, shortening jacket sleeves without moving buttons. These are quick and easy for a tailor.
- Harder fixes: Taking in a jacket a lot, fixing the shoulders, changing the jacket length, adding working buttonholes on sleeves. These need more skill and time. Sometimes the tailor needs to take the suit apart and put it back together.
How the Suit Is Made
Not all suits are the same inside. Some suits have simple parts. Others have complex parts.
- Fused suits: These are often less costly suits. The front of the jacket has layers glued together. Changing these suits can be tricky. Sometimes, big changes are hard or not possible.
- Canvassed suits: These suits cost more. They have layers of canvas stitched inside. This makes the suit shape better and last longer. Tailors can make more complex changes to these suits. But, working with the canvas takes more time and skill. This can add to the cost.
The Fabric of the Suit
Some fabrics are easy to work with. Others are hard.
- Thin or delicate fabrics can be hard to sew without marks.
- Thick or heavy fabrics might need special needles and tools.
- Fabrics with patterns, like stripes or checks, need careful work. The tailor must match the pattern after making changes. This takes extra time and skill.
The Tailor’s Skill and Where They Are
A tailor with many years of work and a great name will often charge more. They have lots of experience. They know how to do even the hardest jobs well.
Where the tailor’s shop is also matters.
- Tailors in big cities often charge more than tailors in smaller towns. This is like how things cost more in a big city.
- A fancy shop might charge more than a small, local shop.
- Even within one city, local tailor prices for suits can be very different.
How Fast You Need It
If you need the suit back very fast, the tailor might charge you extra. This is called a rush fee.
Deciphering the Tailor Price List Suit
Most tailors have a tailor price list suit or at least can give you a price when they see the suit and know what you want. But remember, these are often starting prices. The final cost might be higher based on the points above.
Here is a look at costs for common suit changes. These are just rough ideas. Prices can be very different based on where you are and the tailor.
Changes to Suit Pants
Pants often need changes to fit right. They might be too long, too loose, or too tight.
- Hemming the length: Making the pants shorter or longer at the bottom. This is one of the most common changes.
- Simple hem: Just turning the fabric up or down.
- Cuffed hem: Creating a folded cuff at the bottom. This takes a little more work.
- Adding fabric to lengthen: If the pants are too short, the tailor might let out extra fabric hidden in the hem. If there isn’t enough, it might not be possible.
- Cost to hem suit pants: This often costs between $15 and $40. Cuffed hems might be $5-$10 more.
- Taking in or letting out the waist: Making the waist smaller or bigger. There is usually some extra fabric in the back seam of pants. A tailor can use this to make the waist a little bigger. Taking it in is often easier.
- How much can be changed? Usually, only about 1-2 inches can be let out. More can often be taken in.
- Cost to take in/let out waist: This usually costs between $20 and $50.
- Tapering the legs: Making the pants leg narrower from the knee down or all the way down. This gives the pants a slimmer shape.
- Complexity: This takes more time than hemming or changing the waist. The tailor has to sew down the inside and outside seams of the lower leg.
- Cost to taper legs: This can cost between $30 and $60 or more, depending on how much tapering is needed and if the lining needs to be changed too.
- Fixing the seat: Making the back part of the pants fit better.
- Cost to fix seat: Often around $20 to $40.
Changes to the Suit Jacket
Jacket changes can be more complex and cost more. The jacket has many parts: shoulders, chest, waist, sleeves, collar.
- Taking in or letting out the waist/chest: Making the jacket tighter or looser around the body. This is a common change to make the jacket look fitted.
- How it’s done: The tailor works with the seams on the back and sides of the jacket.
- Complexity: This is usually a standard change. But if the jacket has complex lining or is very structured, it might cost a bit more.
- Price to take in suit jacket: This is a very common request. The cost is often between $40 and $80. Letting out might cost a little more if it is difficult.
- Shortening the sleeves: Making the sleeves the right length for your arms.
- Simple shortening: If there are no buttons or the buttons are fake and can be moved easily, the tailor cuts from the bottom of the sleeve.
- Shortening from the shoulder: This is much harder and more costly. It is done when the sleeves are too wide or the upper arm fit is bad. The tailor has to take the sleeve off at the shoulder.
- Keeping working buttons: If the sleeve has buttons that actually unbutton (working cuffs), the tailor needs to keep these buttons. They usually shorten the sleeve from the shoulder or very carefully from the cuff, moving the buttons up. This is much harder than simple shortening.
- Suit sleeve shortening cost:
- Simple shortening (no buttons or fake, movable buttons): $20 to $50.
- Shortening and reattaching working buttons: $50 to $100 or more.
- Shortening from the shoulder: $100 to $200 or even more.
- Lengthening the sleeves: Sometimes possible if there is extra fabric hidden in the cuff. Not always possible.
- Cost to lengthen sleeves: If possible, similar to simple shortening, $20 to $50.
- Shortening the jacket length: Making the whole jacket shorter. This involves changing the bottom edge and sometimes the pockets.
- Complexity: This is a major change. It changes the look and balance of the jacket. The tailor has to consider pockets and vents (slits at the back).
- Cost to shorten jacket: This is usually a costly change, often $80 to $150 or more. Some tailors might not even recommend it if it changes the jacket too much.
- Shoulder alterations: Making the shoulders narrower or wider. This is one of the most complex and costly suit alterations.
- Complexity: The tailor must take the sleeves off, change the padding and structure inside the shoulder, and reattach the sleeves. This takes a lot of time and skill.
- Cost for shoulder work: This can easily cost $100 to $300 or more. It depends a lot on the suit’s structure and the tailor’s process.
- Adjusting the collar: Making the collar fit better around the neck or lie flatter.
- Cost for collar work: This can range from $30 to $80, depending on the issue.
- Moving buttons: Changing where the buttons are placed on the front of the jacket or the sleeves.
- Cost to move buttons: Usually $10 to $30 per set of buttons.
- Adding working buttonholes: Turning fake sleeve buttons into real ones that unbutton. This is a sign of a higher-quality suit and skilled tailoring.
- Complexity: This takes detailed hand-sewing.
- Cost to add working buttonholes: This can cost $50 to $100 or more per sleeve, depending on the number of buttonholes.
Changes to the Vest (Waistcoat)
Vests usually only need changes to the fit around the body.
- Taking in or letting out the vest: Making it tighter or looser.
- Cost to alter vest: Often between $20 and $50.
How Much Are Suit Alterations in Total?
Putting it all together, the how much are suit alterations question doesn’t have one simple number.
If you need just one or two simple things done, like hemming pants and taking in the jacket a little, the total might be $70 to $150.
If you need more complex things, like shortening sleeves with working buttons, taking in the jacket, and tapering the pants legs, the cost could be $150 to $300 or more.
If you need major work, like shoulder changes or shortening the jacket length, the cost could go over $300, sometimes even as much as the suit cost itself.
The Suit Fitting Cost Explained
When you go to a tailor, you will have a fitting. The tailor will ask you to put the suit on. They will look at how it fits you. They will use pins or chalk to mark where changes are needed. They will talk to you about what can be done and what you want.
This fitting process itself usually does not have a separate suit fitting cost. The cost of the fitting is part of the overall price of the alterations you decide to get. You pay for the tailor’s time and skill to figure out the needed changes and do the work. You don’t pay just to try the suit on and talk about it. However, some tailors might charge a small fee for a consultation if you don’t end up getting any work done. Always ask the tailor about this.
Getting a Grasp on Tailor Price List Suit Numbers
Let’s make a simple table to show possible costs. Remember, these are just rough ideas. Your actual cost could be higher or lower. These are suit alterations cost ranges for common jobs.
| Alteration Task | Simple/Easy Cost Range | Medium Cost Range | Hard/Complex Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pants | |||
| Hem length (plain) | $15 – $25 | ||
| Hem length (cuffed) | $25 – $40 | ||
| Take in/Let out waist | $20 – $35 | $35 – $50 | |
| Taper legs | $30 – $45 | $45 – $60 | |
| Fix seat | $20 – $40 | ||
| Jacket | |||
| Take in/Let out waist/chest | $40 – $60 | $60 – $80 | |
| Shorten sleeves (plain cuff) | $20 – $35 | $35 – $50 | |
| Shorten sleeves (moving buttons) | $50 – $80 | $80 – $100+ | |
| Shorten sleeves (working buttons) | $100 – $200+ | ||
| Shorten from shoulder | $150 – $300+ | ||
| Shorten jacket length | $80 – $150+ | ||
| Shoulder alterations | $100 – $300+ | ||
| Adjust collar | $30 – $60 | $60 – $80 | |
| Move buttons (jacket front) | $15 – $30 | ||
| Add working buttonholes (per sleeve) | $50 – $100+ | ||
| Vest | |||
| Take in/Let out vest | $20 – $35 | $35 – $50 |
(Note: Prices can vary greatly by location and tailor.)
Looking at this, the average cost to alter a suit with a few typical needs (like pants hem and jacket waist taken in) might fall in the $50 to $150 range. But if you need more, the cost goes up fast.
Finding a Good Local Tailor
Finding a good tailor is important. A good tailor makes your suit look great. A bad tailor can ruin it. Here are some tips for finding a good one.
- Ask people you know: Ask friends, family, or co-workers if they use a tailor they like. Personal recommendations are often best.
- Search online: Look for tailors near you. Read reviews from other customers. Websites like Yelp or Google Maps can be helpful.
- Check local stores: Ask stores where they send clothes for alterations. High-end clothing stores often know good tailors.
- Visit the shop: Go to the tailor’s shop before you leave your suit. Is it clean and well-kept? Does the tailor seem professional and knowledgeable?
- Ask questions: Talk to the tailor about what you need. Ask them what they think. A good tailor will explain what they can do and why. Ask for an estimate of the suit tailoring service cost.
- Start with a small job: If you are not sure about a tailor, try them with a small task first, like hemming pants. See how they do. If you are happy, you can trust them with bigger jobs later.
- Compare local tailor prices for suits: Call or visit a couple of different tailors in your area. Tell them what you need done and ask for a price idea. Compare the prices, but remember that the lowest price is not always the best value if the work is not good.
Thinking About the Value of Tailoring
Is it worth the suit alterations cost? Most people who tailor a suit will say yes.
- It looks better: A suit that fits you perfectly looks much better than one that is too big or too small. It makes you look more put together.
- It feels better: A well-fitting suit is more comfortable to wear. You can move more freely.
- It lasts longer: A tailor can sometimes fix small issues before they become big problems. Also, wearing a suit that fits right might put less stress on the fabric and seams.
- It makes a cheaper suit look more expensive: Even a less costly suit can look like a high-end one if it fits you perfectly. You can save money by buying a suit on sale and spending some money on tailoring.
- It saves an expensive suit: If you buy a costly suit, spending some money on tailoring protects your investment. It makes sure the suit fits as it should.
For some people, the suit alterations cost might seem high. Especially if the tailoring costs almost as much as the suit did. In this case, you need to decide if it’s worth it to you. If it’s a suit you will wear often, or for a very important event, the cost might be worth it for the look and feel. If it’s a suit you rarely wear or is not very good quality, maybe it’s not worth big changes.
Ways to Manage Suit Tailoring Service Cost
Here are some ideas to help you with the cost of tailoring:
- Buy a suit that is close to fitting: When you buy a suit, try to find one that fits your shoulders well. Shoulder changes are often the hardest and most expensive. It’s usually easier and cheaper to change the length of sleeves and pants, and the fit around the body.
- Know what you need: Before you go to the tailor, have an idea of what feels wrong with the suit. This helps you talk to the tailor and understand what they suggest.
- Ask for a full price before they start: Always get a clear price idea from the tailor after they have seen the suit and pinned it. Make sure you agree on the cost before they start cutting or sewing.
- Focus on the most important changes: If cost is a big issue, talk to the tailor about which changes will make the most difference to how the suit looks and feels. Maybe you only need the pants hemmed and the jacket taken in a little. You can skip smaller things.
- Factor tailoring into the suit cost: When you buy a suit, remember that you will likely need to spend extra money on tailoring. Think of the total cost: suit price + tailoring cost.
Common Suit Issues That Need Tailoring
What are the typical problems people have with how suits fit? Knowing this helps you understand why tailoring is needed.
- Sleeves are too long or too short: Your arms might not be a standard length compared to the jacket size.
- Pants are too long or too short: Like sleeves, pant length needs to match your leg length.
- Jacket is too loose or too tight around the waist/chest: Off-the-rack suits have a standard body shape. Your shape might be different.
- Pants waist is too loose or too tight: Your waist size might not match the pants size that comes with a jacket that fits you well.
- Shoulders are too wide or too narrow: This is a key fit area. If the shoulders don’t fit, the whole jacket looks wrong.
- Jacket is too long or too short: The bottom of the jacket should end around the middle of your hand when your arms hang straight down.
- Pants legs are too wide: Modern styles often have slimmer pants legs. Older suits or some styles might have wider legs than you like.
- Collar is not sitting right: The collar might be too far from your neck or bunching up.
All these issues can be fixed by a skilled tailor, but the suit alterations cost changes depending on the fix.
Comparing Simple vs. Complex Suit Alterations
Let’s look closer at why some changes cost more than others.
Simple Alterations (Lower Cost):
- Why they are simple: They usually involve changing straight seams or hems. The tailor doesn’t have to take apart major parts of the suit. The inside structure of the suit is not affected much.
- Examples: Hemming pants, taking in pants waist, taking in the jacket waist/sides a little, shortening sleeves without working buttons.
- Time: Take less time for the tailor.
Complex Alterations (Higher Cost):
- Why they are complex: They often require taking apart parts of the suit, like detaching sleeves or opening up the lining fully. They might involve changing the suit’s structure (like shoulder padding) or dealing with tricky parts like vents, pockets, or working buttonholes. They take more skill and careful hand-sewing.
- Examples: Shortening or lengthening jacket length, shoulder adjustments, significant changes to jacket width (requiring changes to front buttons), shortening sleeves with working buttons, tapering jacket sleeves or pants legs significantly.
- Time: Take much more time and focus for the tailor.
Knowing this helps you understand the tailor price list suit and why some lines on it are much higher than others.
Investing in Fit: Suit Tailoring Service Cost
Think of the money you spend on tailoring as an investment. You are making your suit look its best. A well-fitting suit can boost your confidence. It makes a strong good first idea about you. For job interviews, important meetings, weddings, or any event where you want to look sharp, a tailored suit is worth the extra cost for many people.
The total how much are suit alterations depends completely on your needs. Don’t be afraid to talk openly with your tailor. Tell them your budget if you have one. A good tailor will tell you what is possible and what they think are the most important changes for your suit and body.
FAQs about Suit Tailoring Costs
Here are some common questions people ask about how much it costs to tailor a suit.
h4 Is it always worth it to tailor a suit?
It is often worth it if the suit is of good quality and you plan to wear it often. Tailoring makes a suit look and feel much better. For cheaper suits or suits you rarely wear, the cost might be too high compared to the suit’s value.
h4 How long does suit tailoring usually take?
Simple changes might take just a few days. More complex changes can take one to two weeks or even longer. Tell your tailor if you need the suit by a certain date. There might be an extra fee for rush jobs.
h4 Can any suit be tailored?
Most suits can be tailored in some ways. But some suits, like very cheaply made ones or those with fused fronts, have limits on what can be done. Major changes like shoulders are not always possible or might cost more than the suit is worth. A tailor will tell you what is possible.
h4 Should I lose weight before getting a suit tailored?
If you plan to lose a lot of weight, it might be better to wait until you are closer to your goal size before getting expensive tailoring done. Simple changes like taking in the waist can often be done again later, but big changes are best done when your size is stable.
h4 How much does it cost to get a suit fitting?
The fitting itself usually does not have a separate cost. It is part of the service when you pay for the actual alterations.
h4 Will tailoring a suit ruin it if my size changes later?
Some simple changes can be undone (like letting out a waist seam if there was extra fabric). But many changes, especially cutting fabric to shorten lengths or taper legs, are permanent. Big changes make it hard or impossible to change the size later.
h4 Can I get a price idea over the phone?
A tailor can give you a very rough idea over the phone based on the type of change (like “hemming pants is usually $20-$40”). But they cannot give you a final price until they see the suit on you and pin it. The actual work needed depends on the suit’s construction and your body shape. Always get the final price during the fitting.
In Summary
The suit alterations cost covers a wide range. It goes from small fees for simple hems to hundreds of dollars for complex work. The average cost to alter a suit for typical needs is often between $50 and $200. Key things that affect the cost are the type of change, the suit’s quality, and the tailor’s location and skill. Getting a tailor price list suit idea is helpful, but always get a specific price after your fitting. Finding a good local tailor and investing in a proper fit makes a big difference in how your suit looks and feels. Don’t forget to include the potential suit tailoring service cost when thinking about the total price of a new suit.