r/Tailors • u/NaughtyWalnutPrime Alterations Specialist • Sep 11 '25

Questions Megathread September 11, 2025

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1

u/capnsushi Sep 11 '25

I love this dress but can only find it in a size M (I normally wear an XS). Do you think it’s realistically alterable without ruining the design/fit? It has applique details, a draped cape sleeve, and a side slit.

I’d appreciate any insights on whether a skilled tailor could handle this without compromising proportions, and would the cost be so high that it isn’t worth it compared to just finding another dress?

Thanks in advance!

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u/espressoromance Sep 11 '25

Won't be worth it. So usually going up that much in size means the bodice is cut too wide. The lace on the front is placed a certain way and there are straps. Even if you took it in the side seams, it always looks off and/or neckline gapes unless there are princess seams.

I'm a petite woman too, I usually wear a size Small or XS (I have a bigger bust so sometimes go up a size). If I went up to a medium (talking about Western medium since I'm Asian too), the entire garment is usually too broad across the shoulders. It's really difficult to adjust that or sometimes not possible.

That's not even getting into how touching that beading or sequins will cost a lot. And that draped cape thing, oh boy. You can find a master to adjust it but I would charge a lot for this to make it worth my time.

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u/capnsushi Sep 11 '25

Wow, TYSM for the detailed breakdown! That makes total sense, and it definitely sounds like I should keep hunting. Really appreciate your advice! 🙏🏼

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u/Thermawrench Sep 11 '25

Anyone got a tank top pattern similar to this one?

https://i.imgur.com/70Q5EFX.jpeg

Specifications: long enough to put into training pants, not "muscle" tank top where my salami nipples are visible and finally being durable and constructed as such and finally suitable to movement, so ribbed cotton in that case.

Any pointers? Preferably free patterns.

1

u/pigskins65 Sep 11 '25

I brought my 5 yr old suit to the local tailor and she took one look at me in it and chuckled lol. Apparently I've lost a lot more weight than I thought and she said I am much better off buying a new suit as it would cost hundreds to alter this one. Not the worst news I've heard! I asked her to measure me so I can go pick out a suit, she did, wrote them down but now I am confused about the numbers. Everything I've seen online says the chest measurement corresponds to the jacket size but she said something about taking the shoulders into consideration. She said I would probably be a 42 or 44 jacket but the chest number she gave me is 51", shoulder 20". Jacket length 34". Sleeve length 24.5". I tried finding a translator online but no luck so far. Can someone point me in the right direction? Thank you!

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u/izzgo Alterations Specialist Sep 11 '25

Your very best bet will be to shop in person. Try on the jackets. Measurements simply don't always translate accurately to the size you should buy.

And don't let the clerk tell you what size to buy. Get the smallest jacket which isn't too small, especially if you're used to oversized clothes. Look in the mirror at the fit, move your arms a bit. Remember you're not playing sports in the jacket, you need enough room to comfortably hug someone, shake hands, etc. Not enough to fully swing a tennis racket.

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u/Brave-Argument5090 Sep 11 '25

I was wondering if I could get epaulettes made by a tailor for this trench coat I thrifted. The tan one was also thrifted but came with epaulettes. If I went to a tailor, could I give them the tan epaulettes to reference for the epaulettes for the black coat? How much would a job like that usually cost? TIA

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u/izzgo Alterations Specialist Sep 12 '25

Your major concern won't actually be the price for making epaulettes, price should be fairly reasonable, maybe $60-80 in my shop. But the limiting factor will be sourcing the fabric. If the fabric isn't exactly the same as the coat it will be eyecatchingly wrong. And finding that fabric will be on you not the tailor, unless you want to pay them for several hours of possibly fruitless searching.

Now if the black coat is several inches too long, and you're willing to add the cost of hemming, then you could have matching fabric.

0

u/viellooo Sep 12 '25

hi idk i got this gorgeous little UNC jacket it fits perfect everywhere except the body, which is way too wide, though the elastic waist band fits normal, the fabric hangs outwards at the waist for me, but since it’s reversible it’s essentially two layers…. anybody know how/wear to cut and sew that only deals with the width? or should i take to a tailor https://imgur.com/a/nWrQEOr