How Much Does It Cost To Tailor A Suit?
There is something about a suit that fits you perfectly – it instantly makes you capture attention in a room. In fact, if you get the fit and the type exactly right, expect to even answer a few questions on where you got it from.
But before you try to get your suit tailored, it’s important to have an idea about the price. After all, that beautiful suit should not poke a perfect hole in your budget!
So, keeping that in mind, we have brought you a detailed account of how much you will have to shell out to tailor a suit. Read this till the end before you visit a tailor.
How Much Does It Cost To Tailor A Suit?
Contents
The cost of tailoring a suit depends on what and how much you are willing to alter and from where you are getting it done. For instance, a big department store will cost you a lot more than your local tailor, though the former might do a better job at it. So, tailoring the trousers cost around $20 to $30 in most cases, but tailoring a jacket can go up to $80. So, you will have to decide how much you need to be done and from where.
How Much Does It Cost To Tailor A Suit At Men’s Wearhouse?
The cost of alteration at Men’s Wearhouse tends to range in price based on the required adjustments (i.e., the extent to which it has to be let out or taken in). Typically, the cost for each alteration ranges from $9 to $65. However, in order to know the exact price, you will have to go to the nearest store of Men’s Wearhouse. The in-store representative will give you a better assessment of what has to be done.
The good news is that Men’s Wearhouse also tailors suits that are not bought there. You do not have to buy the clothing from their store to get it altered from them. They even do alterations for women.
Also, you can get custom suits made here. Custom suits are the kind of suits that are tailored to suit your body and make it fit perfectly. The price of a custom suit begins at $390 and it can go up depending on the suit alterations, additions, and fabric chosen, along with the requested turnaround time. The store typically needs five to six weeks to complete a premium quality custom suit, though you can request them to complete it in three weeks in case of an emergency.
How Much Does It Cost To Tailor Suit Pants?
Given below is a table showing the approximate cost of tailoring suit pants. Remember that these are only approximations and the prices can go up or down based on the tailor you choose.
| Length (shortening) | 0.76 | N/A | $20 |
| Length (Lengthening) | 0.76 | 4 | $20 |
| Seat | 0.76 | 3 | $15 |
| Waist | 0.76 | 5 | $15 |
| Tapering (Thighs) | 0.76 | 4 | $30 |
| Tapering (Lower) | 0.76 | 5 | $30 |
Given below is a brief discussion on the most basic alterations needed in suit pants.
Hem adjustments
Altering the trouser length is the most common and easiest modification. As such, the fabric should not bunch up on the shoes. Though the trousers can be shortened indefinitely, going over twenty cm isn’t recommended. You would not want to alter the trousers so much that their form changes. As per lengthening, the extra fabric will allow an increase in length up to four to five cm.
Turning up
This is more of a modification than an alteration. Usually, turn ups are commonly restricted at four to five cm at the hem. For this purpose, you will need to double the fabric of the required turn up, along with an extra fold of one cm. It is typically done in keeping with shortening the trousers to get a more elegant look.
Waist adjustments
Taking it in or simply letting that out is a quick and simple alteration. You can alter up to five cm up or down, which basically means a size down or up. You cannot do more than that because the belt loops get disproportionate and misaligned in that case. If you want to adjust over three cm at the waist, the seat has to be adjusted as well.
Seat adjustments
If the fabric is bunching or there is tightness at the seat, space can be added or removed up to three cm. It is an alteration that is combined with modifications at the waist.
Belt loop removals
If you don’t wear belts ever, the belt loops can be removed as well. Though it isn’t an actual problem, it is recommended to get trousers having side-adjusters.
Leg taperings (lower leg & thigh)
Tapering is a common but misused alteration. It is best to remove not more than four cm on the thighs and five cm on the lower legs. Now, trousers need a bit of additional fabric for stretch and movement as you sit. A highly tight slim fit might seem like the best bet but it will not let you sit comfortably.
You need to find a professional tailor who understands the usual form of your trousers and legs. The best thing you can do is to test while sitting and pulling your trousers up. When it is too tight, it’ll bunch up and become stuck on the legs.
How Much Does It Cost To Tailor A Suit Jacket?
Tailoring different parts of a suit jacket usually costs more than altering suit pants. Here is an approximate idea of how much it can cost to tailor suit jackets.
| Cuff length | 0.75 | 1.5 | $30 |
| Shoulder length | N/A | N/A | $80 |
| Waist (Let Out) | 0.75 | 3 | $30 |
| Waist (Take In) | 0.75 | 4 | $30 |
| Center Backseam | 0.75 | 1 | $20 |
| Jacket Shortening | 0.75 | 3 | N/A |
| Collar Roll | 0.75 | 1.5 | $20 |
Let’s move on to a detailed discussion on the different aspects of suit jacket alteration:
Cuff length
Sleeve length is the easiest alteration for the suit jackets. Though it is pretty simple, it depends on a couple of factors. Firstly, the buttonholes tend to limit how much you can shorten or lengthen the sleeves. The buttonholes will look odd if you add or cut out excess fabric that alters the proportions. Also, you might find decorative buttonholes easier to work around.
Shoulder length
At times, the sole way of adjusting the length is from the shoulders directly. But it involves detachment and reattachment of the sleeves later. Not only is it an expensive alteration, but also needs the tailor to be skilled enough.
Waist adjustments
By taking in or letting out the side seams, you can go down or up a size. Though it is based on the fabric present inside, the concept remains the same. Interestingly, you may remove a max/min of 4 to 0.75 cm while taking the seams in, but just 3 cm while letting it out.
Center backseam
Think of this as a bonus alteration. You can alter the center back-seam of your jacket to take out some folds. Also, you can let out a bit of additional space along the waist. So, about one cm is enough, though it isn’t necessary.
Jacket shortening
Shortening the jacket is best to be avoided. For this purpose, the tailor will need to insert pins manually following the lining of the jacket properly. So, if anything goes wrong, the jacket will be a complete mess.
Button alterations
It is best not to go overboard with fancy gold buttons. At the same time, adding a third button to a two-button jacket simply will not work. The same fact applies to altering the lapels – let them be as they are!
Collar rolls
The square back neck or collar roll alteration is all about changing the shoulder design. It is usually accentuated by some tightness around the shoulders and blades, which creates a rippling look below the neck. Also, pinning and pinching the middle with two added zero points lets you adjust it as required and remove the necessary bit.
This will not just eliminate the issue, but also improve the looks. However, you will need an expert sales rep or a spotter for this purpose.
Shoulder padding
Reconstructing, changing, or adjusting the shoulder pad is not advisable, particularly in terms of a more unstructured, natural shoulders. There are not many details to it – it’s simply costly and really needs an experienced pair of hands. This is not something that an amateur tailor can do.
Sleeve tapering
Finally, let’s discuss how to taper the jacket sleeves. It is a pretty basic alteration that any tailor can do. It is not recommended because it simply means that the suit isn’t for you or you have got the wrong size. As such, you have to custom if you need to taper the sleeves of the suit. A three cm allowance is sufficient for you to move the arms and keep adequate space right between the fabrics.
Crafting has always been a deep-seated passion of mine, one that has flourished and evolved over the years.
I've dedicated considerable time to both studying and practicing in the realm of fashion and sewing, amassing a wealth of experience and skills.
It brings me great joy to share these insights and experiences with you all, hoping to inspire and foster a similar passion for the art of sewing.
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