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How To

How to Hire a Tailor

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(11 Ratings)

If you can't find the clothes you're looking for at a store, consider having them made. Good tailors can create garments that reflect your personal style and fit your figure impeccably. They also can perform minor miracles when you need an item updated or altered.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Yellow Pages
  • Pictures
  1. Step 1

    Ask friends or your favorite salespeople for recommendations. A local fabric store is another possible source for referrals. Otherwise, look up "Tailors" in the Yellow Pages.

  2. Step 2

    Talk to tailors about their skills and experience. Do they specialize in a certain sort of work, such as bridal gowns or suits? Women's or men's clothing?

  3. Step 3

    Check availability and turnaround time. If possible, give the tailor a deadline that's a few weeks before you need an item, in case of an unexpected delay.

  4. Step 4

    Inquire about their rates. Although tailors should be able to give you a ballpark estimate, they'll need specifics before they will give you a firm price.

  5. Step 5

    For custom designs, ask to see examples of their work and get the names of some of their former clients. Call the clients to see if they were happy with the work and if it was delivered on time.

  6. Step 6

    Bring any garments or pictures that would help illustrate what you'd like done. If a tailor is reluctant to try something, ask why; his or her expert opinion might change your mind.

  7. Step 7

    Take advantage of what tailors can do to update or alter existing garments. Generally, it's far easier to take in or shorten clothes than to let them out or lengthen them. Adding cuffs, narrowing pants legs and changing necklines are all possible. Complexity adds to the price, and some alterations aren't worth it unless the piece is very high-quality, or a beloved, irreplaceable garment.

  8. Step 8

    Once the tailor has a firm idea of what you expect, get a description of the work, the price and the delivery date in writing.

Tips & Warnings
  • Make sure the tailor measures both legs and arms for symmetry.
  • The more complex the job, the more often you may have to visit the tailor for fittings.
  • See <a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_108148_buy-custom-tailored.html" target="_top">How to Buy Custom-Tailored Clothes in Asia</a>.
  • Try on the tailored clothes when you pick them up to make sure they fit.

Comments  

john001 said

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on 6/5/2009 I think maybe you can try to order some clothes from website ,recommend you a website, Simply provide him with your size

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on 3/11/2009 Having clothing made is expensive. Many people think that they can have something made cheaper than buying one. With the influx of foreign sewing factory workers, it is a challenge to find a skilled creative tailor. A custom made suit starts about $700 and can run up into thousands of dollars depending on the choice of materials and the design. Yes, most things can be altered. A creative tailor will have suggestions of what can be done. An exact price can not always be set before the project due to so many foreign made garments are very complex designs. Ask you friends and neighbors for recommendations.

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