So, how much does it cost to tailor a suit jacket? The cost to tailor a suit jacket varies greatly, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $20 for a simple sleeve shortening to $150 or more for complex work like shoulder adjustments. The average price suit jacket tailoring falls somewhere in the $40 to $100 range for one or two common alterations. Prices depend on what changes you need, how complex the work is, where you go, and the tailor’s skill level.
Getting a suit jacket that fits just right is key to looking sharp. An off-the-rack jacket might be close, but often it needs a little nip and tuck. This is where tailoring comes in. Tailoring turns a ready-made jacket into something that looks custom-made for you. Knowing the suit jacket alteration cost helps you budget and decide which changes are worth it.
Image Source: alterations-express.com
Why Your Suit Jacket Needs Tailoring
Buying clothes that fit perfectly right off the rack is hard. Body shapes are different. Suit makers use standard sizes, but your body isn’t standard. A jacket might fit in the shoulders but be too wide in the waist. Or the sleeves might be too long.
Wearing a poorly fitting suit takes away from your look. It can make you seem sloppy or like you’re wearing clothes that aren’t yours. A good fit makes you look put together and confident. Tailoring fixes these small fit problems. It shapes the jacket to your body.
Think about these fit problems:
* Sleeves hanging too long over your hands.
* The jacket body feeling too baggy or loose.
* Shoulders that stick out past yours.
* The jacket being too tight when buttoned.
* The back bunching up or wrinkling.
These are all things a tailor can fix. The goal is a clean, smooth look that follows your body’s lines.
Learning About Suit Jacket Alterations and Their Prices
Suit jacket alterations range from easy fixes to very hard jobs. The harder the job, the more it costs. Here is a look at common changes and what they might cost.
Shortening or Lengthening Sleeves
This is one of the most common requests. Often, jacket sleeves are a bit too long.
How Sleeve Alterations Work
Shortening is usually easier than lengthening.
* Shortening: The tailor takes fabric up from the cuff. They might need to move buttons if the cuff has working buttons (buttonholes that open). This is more complex and costs more. If the buttons are just sewn on for show, it’s simpler.
* Lengthening: This is only possible if there is extra fabric folded up inside the sleeve cuff. Not all jackets have this extra fabric. If they do, the tailor lets it down. Again, moving working buttons adds cost.
Cost to Alter Suit Sleeves
The price depends on if the sleeves have working buttons or not.
* Simple shorten (no working buttons): $20 – $40
* Shorten with working buttons: $40 – $70
* Lengthen (if possible): $30 – $60
Remember, these are just estimates. Local tailor suit jacket prices will vary.
Taking In or Letting Out the Waist
Another common fix is changing the jacket’s body width. This is often needed to make the jacket look less boxy.
How Waist Alterations Work
Tailors usually take in the waist by sewing deeper seams at the back or sides of the jacket.
* Taking In: This makes the jacket tighter around the stomach and chest. It gives the jacket a more fitted shape. Tailors can often take in a few inches.
* Letting Out: This is only possible if there is extra fabric folded into the seams. Like sleeve lengthening, not all jackets have this extra fabric. If they do, the tailor lets out the seams. You can usually only let out a jacket a little bit, maybe an inch or two total.
Tailor Suit Jacket Waist Price
This alteration is usually moderate in cost.
* Taking in sides/waist: $30 – $60
* Letting out sides/waist (if possible): $35 – $65
This change makes a big difference in how the jacket looks and feels.
Changing the Shoulders
Shoulder alterations are much more complex. They are also riskier. It’s often better to buy a jacket that fits well in the shoulders from the start.
How Shoulder Alterations Work
- Taking In Shoulders: This involves taking the sleeves and collar off the jacket, cutting the shoulder pads or fabric, and then putting everything back together. This changes the structure of the jacket significantly.
- Widening Shoulders: This is rarely possible. There is almost never extra fabric in the shoulders to let out.
Because of the work involved, shoulder alterations are expensive.
Suit Jacket Shoulder Alteration Price
Expect to pay a lot for this.
* Taking in shoulders: $80 – $150 or more
Some tailors won’t even do shoulder work because it’s so complex and can change the jacket’s shape in unexpected ways.
Shortening or Lengthening the Jacket Body
Changing the overall length of the jacket is possible but not always recommended.
How Length Alterations Work
- Shortening: The tailor removes fabric from the bottom hem. If there are pockets near the bottom, shortening too much can make them look out of place or cut off.
- Lengthening: Like sleeves and waist, this needs extra fabric at the hem, which is rare.
Shortening the body also changes the balance of the jacket. It can make the pockets or buttons look wrong.
Cost to Alter Jacket Length
- Shortening jacket length: $50 – $100
- Lengthening jacket length: (If possible) $60 – $120
Be careful with this one. Shortening a jacket too much can ruin its look.
Other Suit Jacket Alterations
Besides the main ones, other changes are possible.
- Changing the Collar: Can sometimes be adjusted if it’s not sitting right, but this is complex.
- Adjusting the Back Seam: Can fix issues with the upper back or shoulder blades.
- Moving Buttons: Can adjust where the jacket buttons, slightly changing the fit.
- Fixing the Vent(s): Making the back vents lie flat.
These smaller changes usually cost less than the main ones, maybe $20 – $50 each.
Price Range Suit Jacket Alterations: What Influences the Cost?
The cost of tailoring isn’t fixed. Many things can make the price go up or down. Knowing these factors helps you understand the quote you get.
Complexity of the Work
This is the biggest factor.
* Simple jobs (sleeve shortening without buttons, taking in the waist a little) cost less.
* Complex jobs (shoulder work, sleeves with working buttons, major relining) cost more.
* Working with tricky fabrics (very thin wool, silk lining) can also add to the cost.
Skill and Experience of the Tailor
A highly skilled tailor with years of experience will charge more than someone new or a dry cleaner offering basic services. You pay for their expertise and ability to do complex jobs well.
Location Matters
Where the tailor is located affects prices.
* Tailors in big cities or high-rent areas usually charge more than those in smaller towns.
* Local tailor suit jacket prices can vary a lot even within the same city.
Fabric and Jacket Structure
Some jackets are harder to work on.
* Fully lined jackets take more time because the lining must be opened and sewn back.
* Jackets with special details or complex construction cost more to alter.
How Fast You Need It
Need your jacket back tomorrow? Expect to pay a rush fee. Standard turnaround times are usually one to two weeks.
Where You Go for Alterations
Different types of places offer tailoring.
- Independent Tailor Shops: These are specialists. They often have the most skill and can handle complex jobs. Their prices are usually higher, but the quality is often the best.
- Dry Cleaners: Many dry cleaners offer basic alterations like simple hemming or sleeve shortening. Dry cleaner suit jacket alterations cost is usually lower. However, they may not have expert tailors for complex work. Quality can vary.
- Department Stores: Some higher-end department stores have in-house tailors. If you buy the suit there, alterations might be free or cheaper. Prices for outside garments can be moderate to high. Quality is often good.
Cost Comparison Table
Here is a general look at how prices might differ by location type for common alterations:
| Alteration Type | Independent Tailor Shop | Dry Cleaner | Department Store Tailor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shorten Sleeves (simple) | $25 – $40 | $20 – $35 | $30 – $45 |
| Shorten Sleeves (working buttons) | $45 – $70 | $35 – $55 | $50 – $75 |
| Take in Waist/Sides | $35 – $60 | $30 – $50 | $40 – $65 |
| Shorten Jacket Length | $60 – $100 | $50 – $80 | $70 – $110 |
| Take in Shoulders | $100 – $150+ | (May not offer) | $90 – $140+ |
Note: These are average ranges. Actual prices can be higher or lower.
Average Price Suit Jacket Tailoring: Putting It Together
So, what’s the total cost? This depends on how many things you need changed. If you only need sleeves shortened and the waist taken in, you might pay:
- Sleeves: $30
- Waist: $40
- Total: $70
This would be a very common scenario and falls within the average price suit jacket tailoring.
If you need more complex changes, like sleeves with working buttons and taking in the shoulders, the cost goes up a lot:
- Sleeves (working buttons): $60
- Shoulders: $120
- Total: $180
The price range suit jacket alterations can be anywhere from $20 for one simple job to $200 or more for multiple complex jobs.
How much to tailor suit jacket depends entirely on the specific work needed. It’s not a fixed price per jacket. It’s a price per alteration.
What About Altering a Blazer Jacket?
People often ask about the cost to alter a blazer jacket. The good news is that the cost to alter a blazer jacket is generally the same as altering a suit jacket. A blazer is just a type of jacket, and the alteration techniques and complexity are similar whether it’s part of a suit or worn on its own. Prices will follow the same ranges listed above.
Finding a Good Tailor and Getting a Quote
Don’t just pick the first tailor you find. Do a little research.
How to Find a Good Tailor
- Ask for Referrals: Ask friends, family, or colleagues who wear suits and look sharp where they go.
- Read Online Reviews: Check Google, Yelp, or other local review sites. Look for reviews that mention quality of work and good service.
- Visit the Shop: A clean, organized shop can be a good sign. Talk to the tailor. Do they seem knowledgeable? Do they listen to what you want?
Getting a Quote
Always get a price quote before leaving your jacket.
* Be Clear: Tell the tailor exactly what you feel is wrong with the fit.
* Let Them Pin: A good tailor will have you try on the jacket and pin it on you to show how it will fit after changes.
* Ask Questions: Ask about the process, how long it will take, and the exact suit jacket alteration cost for each specific change they recommend.
* Get it in Writing: For major alterations, it’s wise to get the quote in writing.
What to Look for During the Fitting
- Listen to the Tailor: They are the expert. They might suggest changes you didn’t think of or tell you if a change isn’t possible or a bad idea.
- Move Around: Don’t just stand still. Raise your arms, sit down, button and unbutton the jacket. Make sure it feels comfortable and allows you to move.
- Check the Mirror: Look closely from all sides. Does it hang smoothly? Are the sleeves the right length? Is the waist fitted but not tight?
Deciding If Tailoring is Worth the Cost
Is paying the suit jacket alteration cost worth it? Most of the time, yes.
- Better Look: A well-fitting suit makes a huge difference in your appearance. It looks more expensive and shows attention to detail.
- Comfort: A jacket that fits well is more comfortable to wear.
- Saving Money (Sometimes): Tailoring a good quality jacket you already own is often cheaper than buying a new one. Also, you can buy a slightly-off-the-rack jacket on sale and tailor it, saving money compared to a perfectly-fitting full-price suit.
- Making the Most of Your Clothes: Tailoring lets you get more use out of a jacket you like but doesn’t quite fit.
However, there are times when it might not be worth it:
- Very Cheap Jacket: If the jacket is low quality, spending a lot on tailoring might not be wise. The cost of alterations could be more than the jacket is worth.
- Major Alterations Needed: If a jacket needs extensive work (like shoulders, length, and waist), the cost can add up fast. It might be better to put that money towards a new jacket that fits better initially.
- Poor Starting Fit: Some jackets just don’t fit your body type at all. If the basic structure is wrong, even a tailor can’t perform miracles.
A good tailor will be honest with you about what can be done and if it’s worth the cost for your specific jacket.
Gaining Insight into Different Alteration Types
Let’s look a bit closer at the process for the most common changes. This helps explain why the suit jacket alteration cost varies.
Focusing on Sleeve Length
Shortening sleeves is popular. There are two main ways tailors do this:
- From the Cuff: This is standard for sleeves without working buttons. The tailor opens the cuff, folds the fabric up inside, cuts off the extra, and re-sews the hem and lining. This is pretty straightforward.
- From the Shoulder: This is a more complex method, usually done if the sleeve cuff has working buttons that you don’t want to move, or if the sleeve taper needs adjustment. The tailor detaches the sleeve from the shoulder seam, shortens it from the top, and reattaches it. This is much harder and costs more.
Most sleeve shortening is done from the cuff. The complexity comes in if the cuff has buttonholes that actually work (working buttons). If they are just fake buttons sewn on, the tailor just removes them, shortens the sleeve, and re-sews the buttons in the new spot. If the buttonholes are real, the tailor might need to remove the bottom of the sleeve, shorten the main part, and then reattach the buttonhole section. Or, if shortening from the shoulder, they adjust from the top. This is why the cost to alter suit sleeves changes based on the button type.
Examining Waist Adjustments
Taking in the waist is common for a more modern, fitted look. Tailors usually do this through the side seams and sometimes the center back seam.
Side Seam Adjustments
The tailor opens the side seams of the jacket and its lining. They mark how much needs to be taken in on each side. Then they sew a new seam line inside the original one, making the jacket body narrower. The extra fabric might be cut off or just pressed flat inside. The lining is then sewn back. This is a common and fairly easy alteration.
Center Back Seam Adjustment
Less common for taking in the waist area specifically, but sometimes used to fine-tune the back shape or shoulder blade area. Like the side seams, the tailor opens the seam, takes it in, and re-sews it.
Letting out the waist uses the same seams but requires existing extra fabric folded inside. If it’s not there, it can’t be done. This is why tailor suit jacket waist price for letting out might be slightly higher if the tailor has to search for and carefully use the minimal seam allowance fabric.
Surveying Shoulder Work
This is where tailoring gets tricky and expensive. Suit jackets are built around the shoulder pads and canvas inside. Changing the shoulder width means changing this structure.
The Process
The tailor has to:
1. Remove the sleeve from the armhole.
2. Open the shoulder seam.
3. Adjust the shoulder pad and internal canvas structure.
4. Cut and reshape the fabric at the shoulder or armhole.
5. Reattach the sleeve precisely.
6. Re-sew the lining.
Any mistakes here can ruin the jacket’s shape, making the shoulder look bumpy or uneven. This is why the suit jacket shoulder alteration price is high. It requires a lot of skill and time. Some tailors may refuse this job, especially on cheaper jackets where the internal structure isn’t designed for such changes.
Interpreting Jacket Length Changes
Shortening the jacket body seems simple – just cut the bottom. But it’s more than that.
Considerations
- Pocket Placement: If you shorten the jacket a lot, the pockets might look too low or too close to the new hem.
- Button Placement: The button stance (where the buttons are) might look off compared to the new length.
- Jacket Balance: Shortening changes the overall balance and proportion of the jacket.
- Vents: If the jacket has vents in the back (slits), shortening changes their length and how they sit.
Lengthening is very rare as extra fabric at the hem is uncommon. When possible, the tailor lets down the hem and tries to press out the old fold line, which can sometimes still be visible.
Because these changes can affect the jacket’s look significantly and involve careful work around the hem and lining, the cost to alter jacket length is moderate to high.
What to Expect When You Visit a Tailor
Knowing what happens during a tailor visit can make you feel more comfortable.
- Try On the Jacket: Wear the shirt and shoes you plan to wear with the jacket. This helps the tailor see the fit accurately.
- Discuss the Fit Issues: Tell the tailor what feels wrong or looks off. Point out areas like the sleeves, waist, or shoulders.
- Tailor Pins the Jacket: The tailor will use pins to show you how the jacket will fit after alterations. They will guide you on what changes are needed. This is the time to ask questions.
- Agree on Alterations and Price: The tailor will list the needed changes and give you the suit jacket alteration cost. Make sure you understand exactly what they will do and the total price.
- Jacket is Taken: You leave the jacket with the tailor. They will give you a pickup date.
- Second Fitting (Sometimes): For complex alterations, the tailor might ask you to come back for a second fitting before they finish the final sewing. This is good practice to ensure the changes are correct.
- Pickup: You try on the finished jacket. Check the work carefully. Make sure you are happy with the fit before paying and leaving.
How Much to Tailor Suit Jacket: Summing Up the Costs
To figure out the total cost to tailor a suit jacket, you add up the cost of each individual alteration needed.
Example 1: Basic Fit
* Shorten sleeves (no working buttons): $30
* Take in waist: $40
* Total: $70
Example 2: More Involved
* Shorten sleeves (working buttons): $60
* Take in waist and sides: $50
* Shorten jacket length slightly: $70
* Total: $180
Example 3: Complex
* Take in shoulders: $120
* Shorten sleeves (working buttons): $60
* Take in waist: $40
* Total: $220
These examples show the wide price range suit jacket alterations can fall into. The average price suit jacket tailoring is lower because many people only need one or two simple changes.
Remember that dry cleaner suit jacket alterations cost will likely be on the lower end of these ranges, while experienced local tailor suit jacket prices might be on the higher end. The cost to alter a blazer jacket follows the same rules.
Making Smart Choices
- Prioritize: If your budget is tight, focus on the most important changes first. Sleeves and waist often make the biggest difference in how a jacket looks and feels.
- Know When to Stop: If a jacket needs too many expensive changes, it might be cheaper and better to buy a new jacket that fits closer to your size.
- Build a Relationship: Finding a good tailor you trust is valuable. They can give you good advice and consistent quality work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
h4 Is it cheaper to get alterations at a dry cleaner?
Yes, dry cleaner suit jacket alterations cost is usually lower for simple jobs like hemming. However, they may not have the skill for complex tailoring, and quality can vary more than at a dedicated tailor shop.
h4 Can any suit jacket be tailored?
Most suit jackets can be tailored to some extent. However, the amount of change possible depends on the jacket’s construction and if there is extra fabric in the seams. Major changes like altering shoulders are not always possible or recommended.
h4 How long does it take to tailor a suit jacket?
Simple alterations might take a few days to a week. More complex jobs can take one to two weeks. Rush services are often available for an extra fee.
h4 Is the cost to alter a blazer jacket different from a suit jacket?
No, the cost to alter a blazer jacket is generally the same as a suit jacket. The type of garment doesn’t change the alteration process or cost.
h4 Can a jacket be made bigger?
Making a jacket bigger is only possible if there is extra fabric (called seam allowance) folded inside the seams. You can usually only let out a small amount, maybe an inch or two total around the body or a little on sleeve length. Shoulders cannot typically be made wider.
h4 Is tailoring worth it for a cheap suit?
It depends on the alteration needed and the cost of the jacket. For simple, inexpensive changes, it might be worth it. But if the alterations cost more than or close to the jacket’s original price, it might be better to buy a new jacket that fits better.
h4 How much does it cost to tailor suit jacket sleeves with buttons?
The cost to alter suit sleeves with working buttonholes is usually higher than plain sleeves, often ranging from $40 to $70 or more, because the tailor has to carefully work around the buttonholes or alter from the shoulder.
Knowing the typical suit jacket alteration cost helps you plan. Investing in tailoring ensures your jacket fits well, looks great, and helps you make the best impression. While the price range suit jacket alterations is wide, getting a few key changes is often affordable and greatly improves your suit’s look.