Why Should I Get my Clothes Tailored?
One of my favorite fashion ideologies is – “the most sustainable thing you can own is already in your closet.” Meaning you don’t need to look further than what you have to live sustainably. You can be your most sustainable self just by wearing what you already own!
The best way to make use of what you own is to take care of it. General maintenance on your clothing like cleaning any stains and sewing loose buttons are musts. But, if you really want them to last, get them tailored!
Tailoring your clothes makes them specific to your body. By simply shortening a hem or taking in a waist, you transform your clothes. They fit better, look better and last longer!
Tailored clothes are the perfect investment in your wardrobe. Not only are you getting clothes that flatter you, but you’re also saving money by shopping within your closet. No new clothes necessary!
Your Best Clothes are on the Other Side of Fear
I’ve long been an advocate for tailoring clothes over buying new ones. However, it was always my lowest purchasing priority. Some years back, I actively avoided visiting a tailor. Based on no empirical evidence, I assumed a tailor would be too expensive so I always put off actually seeing them in person.
I didn’t realize this at the time, but avoiding tailors was a sign I didn’t fully respect my style intuition. I didn’t recognize the link between dressing well and feeling true to myself yet. And because I didn’t value that connection, visiting a tailor seemed that much more unnecessary.
They say everything you want is on the other side of fear. I owed it to myself to look deeper into why I was avoiding putting an investment in my clothes. When I did, I realized my fears weren’t even scary. They were expected!
I was nervous about the money required to get my clothes tailored. And the long amount of time I’d be separated from them while they were fixed. And how I would react if my expectations weren’t met.
But, those are concerns you stumble upon in everyday life. I had just exaggerated them astronomically to avoid doing something my subconscious knew would be great for me long term.
See, getting your clothes tailored may seem like a small act, but it’s actually a meaningful step toward investing in yourself. It’s a statement that you believe enough in your style choices to put a little money in them and make them last even longer. It seems like an obvious decision once you think about it!
Consider a piece in your closet. Ask yourself, ”Do I trust this style choice enough to upgrade it?” If the answer is yes and you have an extra $30, do yourself a favor and get it tailored!
My Tailoring Experiences
Growing up, my mama would hem my pants. She used a needle and thread to shorten my pants’ cuffs so my little 5’3” body wouldn’t look completely ridiculous at school.
Now, I have a sewing machine and I shorten my own clothes. I actually have more experience shortening sleeves or heightening necklines since I’m very much a sewing beginner. I don’t trust myself with high quality pants yet.
Although I need more sewing experience, I at least recognize the opportunity that lies in every garment. Every garment has potential to make you feel confident. And tailored clothes make that potential a reality!
I first started going to professional tailors to address my habit of always buying pants that were too large on me – especially work pants. I don’t know what it is about tapered slacks, but I consistently buy them too big! They hang loose on me in a way that makes me even more unmotivated to go into the office.
The first time I went to a tailor on my own, I took in three pairs of pants. Two of the pants were jeans, but my real concern was the tan trousers. See, I had a pair of light tan, suede, high-waisted, tapered trousers that I believed in. Meaning I loved these pants for their uniqueness, but in wearing practice they were just odd. They were too big in the waist and too long in the leg. When I wore them it looked like I was wearing the bottom half of someone else’s zoot suit. Not cute.
But, I saw potential in these pants. I’d never seen anything like them before, and I wanted to make them work. So I took them to a local tailor to help me out.
And she made magic! Suddenly those comically large trousers were tastefully large trousers. Their loose shape was perfectly complemented by a smaller waist and perfect height to match my short stature.
I was shocked. Not only by the tailor’s expert craftsmanship, but also by the difference I felt putting these pants on now versus before visiting her. It’s a small change – some seams in a pair of pants – with huge impact. A few seams turned pants I was at a loss with to pants I was excited to wear. It instantly upgraded a wardrobe essential which gave me confidence in pairing them with a lot of other pieces in my closet.
That’s the power of tailored clothes – one strong garment allows for infinite strong outfit combinations!
I had the same experience more recently. I visited a new tailor, Mychelle’s, to fix a dress, a pair of pants, and a skirt. See it all unfold below!
Luckily, I’ve never had a bad experience with a tailor. Every one I’ve been to has been highly skilled and listened closely to my concerns. My most recent experience was the same. My did an exceptional job with my clothes!
I think about the lesson of my zoot suit pants every time I’m considering whether to get something tailored. I remember the excitement of wearing something custom and the thrill of realizing a garment’s true potential. I think I’d like to feel the joy of getting my style right again. So I book an appointment with my tailor!
Tailoring FAQ’s
1. Is getting my clothes tailored expensive?
Tailoring is a specialty service done by artisans so yes, it costs some money. In my experience, costs can range from $20 – $120 for one garment. The differences being in the time needed to complete the work, the garment’s material, the difficulty of the work, etc.
The price will vary from person to person so ask around! Visit multiple tailors, show them your garments and ask what they would charge. That way you can spend whatever is reasonable to you.
Remember, this small investment will make your clothes last. It’s worth it!
2. What can I request of my tailor?
Usual tailoring requests are hemming pants, shortening sleeves, taking in garments, letting out garments and other small fixes. But, tailors are capable of a lot more. If there’s some alteration you want for your clothes, just ask your tailor for their suggestion. They will find a way to make it happen. Remember, they are masters of their craft. They can make any garment look better through their work, and they know what will look best.
So I say ask them for everything! You never know what your tailor is capable of until you ask. Just make sure you confirm their expertise with past examples of their work before fully committing.
3. Why get my clothes tailored when I can just buy new clothes?
Because tending to clothes you already own and love is more cost-effective and sustainable than aimlessly buying more clothes. If you find yourself with ”nothing to wear” despite having a closet full of clothes, your problem clearly isn’t quantity. It’s finding and wearing clothes that make you feel confident.
So once you have a garment that excites you, you owe it to your wardrobe to make that baby last! I guarantee one top, pant or dress that makes you feel confident is worth more in the long term than 20 random purchases. After all, you want your closet to reflect your style not your unhealthy spending habit.
4. What if my clothes don’t last after I get them tailored?
The only reason why your clothes wouldn’t last after being tailored is if something tragic befalls them. Just protect your clothes as usual and you’ll be fine. Or if, for example, a seam gets ripped simply take it back to your tailor for a quick fix.
To avoid spending money on a garment only for it to not work for you anymore shortly after, be sure you’re getting your clothes tailored at an opportune time. Meaning don’t have your clothes tailored before changes in your life that would impact your body’s weight or proportions.
So if you plan on gaining some more happy weight or getting pregnant, don’t get your clothes tailored. If you plan on being the same shape and size as you are now for the foreseeable future, get those clothes tailored!
Have more questions? Ask them in the comments below!
More Sustainable Clothing Resources
- The Conscious Closet: The Ultimate Guide for Ethical Fashion Fans [PART THREE]
- How to Find your Personal Style Courtesy of The Curated Closet [PART TWO]
- Want to Know if a Brand is Fast Fashion? Just Answer These Questions!
