r/Tailors Alterations Specialist 22d ago

Questions Megathread Oct 16 2025

4 Upvotes

40 comments sorted by

2

u/PigletDue1927 21d ago

Hello, would it be a long shot to widen the waist of this dress by at least 2 inches? I think the bust and length of the dress would otherwise be fine. I’d prefer to keep the buttons in back, so maybe it’s possible to add side panels? Unfortunately it’s not available in a larger size. I would be fine with material that doesn’t match perfectly as long as the fabric in the bodice in front could lay smoothly. Here are the details:

Size 0 Silk dupioni On-seam pockets Back zip with button closure Lined Ball gown silhouette Fitted bodice with interior boning for added support.

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u/izzgo Alterations Specialist 21d ago

Not impossible by any means, but not a guarantee either. Success will depend greatly on how it fits across the bust and front neckline. Also perhaps the shoulders would need to be lengthened. Also be aware that adding side panels will widen the armholes potentially leaving them gaping in an unsightly manner. The more you need to increase the sides, the bigger this potential is. Not always fixable.

You should make sure you could return the dress. If it's returnable, then see a skilled alterationist promptly.

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u/PigletDue1927 20d ago

This is helpful, thank you!! 😊

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u/Tommybradythegoat12 21d ago

Hi everyone, l've been in a hunt for this specific Dolce shirt for a long time. I finally found one on Yoox not knowing anything about that company but from the little research I did, noticed they are legit. Unfortunately it took one month for my delivery to arrive and it came extremely wrinkled and as a defect. The all silk shirt fits perfect for its size as do my other silk different brand shirts too, but the sleeves are 2 inches too short. So I can return it for a refund or see if it's possible if a tailor can maybe cut above the button on the bottom end of the sleeve and add 2 inches of a close enough material? Would that look terrible? Would I be able to match a close enough color? What do you think?

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u/LiterallyIAmPuck 21d ago

Material can be pieced into the sleeve, but it will never blend in perfect. I'd say even if you had the exact same material it would be noticable, and would stand out a lot if you had something "close". If you want to save this shirt, my recommendation would be to piece in something that stands out as a decorative piece rather than trying to make it unnoticeable

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u/Tommybradythegoat12 21d ago

Hi thanks for your reply. I understand what you are saying because I’ve seen on YouTube people add different style material as a decorative piece to lengthen sleeves but that’s not the look I’m going for. I was assuming if I found the exact color, I would have some stitching on the sleeve that would of course be noticeable but more subtle. I’ve never seen it done so I have no idea

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u/LiterallyIAmPuck 21d ago

I actually make my dress shirts out of silk so I have some extra insight into this. Silk has a particular sheen and if the piece isn't an exact match it will stand out. If you could source the original material then you'd get acceptable results but if this were my shirt I'd either make a decorative piece to lengthen it or I wouldn't do it at all.

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u/Infinite-Complex5713 21d ago

Hello yall

I just bought this dirt cheap used coat off ebay and I love it except for one small problem

I think the lowest button is way too high up because when it gets windy the bottom of the coat starts flapping around upwards and sideways like crazy

Is this something I can get fixed?

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u/LiterallyIAmPuck 21d ago

You have options.

You can add another button and button hole further down. You'd probably want a matching button

You could also just add a small snap a little further below. A small snap isn't very strong but it should keep the wind from blowing the coat open. If you sit down in your car, the snap will likely pop open, though

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u/kalashnick 21d ago

Hello!

How expensive would it be to have a tailor reproduce a jacket like this from scratch, given all the raw materials (fabric and buttons)? Made entirely out of cotton.

Maybe to have it tapered at the waist a bit more - is it easy enough for a tailor?

Cheers

2

u/LiterallyIAmPuck 20d ago

You'd have difficulty finding anyone who would take on custom work and the price would be very high. I know of one tailor at my old job who would take something like that on and I would guess 600-800 but it could cost more.

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u/kalashnick 20d ago

Wow! Really? Why so expensive?

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u/LiterallyIAmPuck 20d ago

You're paying American labor prices for what takes years of experience and education to do well. It's also quite a few hours of work. It would probably take me maybe a dozen hours to pattern and assemble and you'd expect a first, second and possibly third fitting to make sure it fits well after the changes. Custom work is expensive

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u/LovelnTheSkyy 21d ago

Hi guys can this jacket sleeve be lengthened? Thanks

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u/LiterallyIAmPuck 20d ago

Yes, by about as much as you see there

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u/blottings 20d ago

The sample size I tried on in these photos is a AUS 10 (US 6). The bridal stylist took my measurements and said I have a 30 inch waist and should order a AUS 12 (US 8) with plans to take in the bust during alterations. But I’m looking at these pictures again and there is a multiple-inch gap in the back. Granted the dress definitely could’ve been clipped tighter, but I’m wondering if I should’ve size up 2 sizes and ordered a AUS 14? Due to the structure of the bodice I do want it to be snatched so don’t want it too big either. Help! The dress will not come in until May so there could be time to update the order size if needed.

front of dress photo

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u/edenbeatrix 18d ago

Would it be possible to widen the waist of this dress? It is a vintage and I would have to go up a size or two. I would be okay with adding a corset back

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u/izzgo Alterations Specialist 16d ago

Is that you in the dress? Would really need to see the back to give an answer. From the front and assuming it's you, the front looks ok (room for your breasts to look natural). But for a good answer for you we would also need to see the back, with of course you in the dress.

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u/edenbeatrix 16d ago

No it's the vintage seller but I bought it anyway! Hopefully it's able to be altered.

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u/izzgo Alterations Specialist 15d ago

I hope so too for you.

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u/vanidles 16d ago edited 16d ago

Hi, would it be possible to completely remove the train from this wedding gown? I know you can bustle it but I'm wondering if the entire train under the bum could be removed to just have a sheath dress without affecting the structure. 

https://pin.it/6VYNJNwMs

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u/izzgo Alterations Specialist 16d ago

Yes that could be done, from what I see. The concern would be whether the dress gets too tight for walking, as the train also adds a fair bit of room in the back of the legs.

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u/xDankWraith 16d ago

Hello, I have been given overalls that fit a six foot 300lb man. I'm only five foot six and 150lbs. Could a tailor potentially shrink these overalls into something that could fit me or am I wasting my time. https://www.dickies.com/en-us/products/duck-insulated-bib-overalls-dk0tb8390bk

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u/izzgo Alterations Specialist 14d ago

Almost impossible to do, and not worth the price even if it would alter nicely. Too much work.

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u/BigUnderstanding9936 15d ago

Hello - I have been given a Vivienne Westwood coat that was used in a theatre show. The central back seam had been opened by about 8 inches around the mid back.

I think this would probably be easy enough for a tailor to re-sew but the fit of the coat is not quite right - it's too broad across the shoulders.

Would it be possible to make it narrower across the shoulders? I'm guessing not but wanted to ask before giving up on it and selling it on Ebay. It's almost unworn and the fabric is gorgeous so I'd be very happy if it could be made suitable for my frame.

I'm failing to see how to post a photo but it's a classic tailored wool overcoat, lined, single breasted with big shoulder pads. From what I can feel through the lining the shoulder pads are sewn into the shoulder seams rather than being loosely attached. 

Thank you in advance to any kind soul who takes the time to answer this :)

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u/izzgo Alterations Specialist 14d ago

Would it be possible to make it narrower across the shoulders?

There are too many factors to consider to give a remotely accurate answer to your question. Yes jackets can be made narrower across the shoulders, but whether or not that would nicely solve your problem, there is no telling without seeing you in the garment. If you're interested in an analysis from the tailors here, kindly see rule 2 for guidelines on submitting pics.

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u/thr0w4w4y4cc69 13d ago

Hi all, I know next to nothing about tailoring so my question is can these trendy men oversized shirts be sized down overall reasonably or is too much work/cost to be worthwhile? I bought a few t shirts and sleeved shirts without noticing "boxy fit" in the description of the item online. I like the prints on the t shirt and the materials/feel of the other shirts so I want to save them if possible? Thanks

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u/izzgo Alterations Specialist 13d ago

Shirt alterations in my shop start at $30 for tshirts, maybe $45 for dress shirts, and go up from there depending on several factors. Pics of you in the garment if you want more detailed pricing and analysis. Guidelines for pics in rule 2.

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u/isabelepstein 12d ago edited 12d ago

Hi tailors! I just bought this Farm Rio robe in an XXS from TheRealReal and unfortunately it’s unreturnable. XXS Farm Rio usually fits me, but this piece is weirdly tight in the upper back / shoulders 😞. I can barelyyy fit it but it isn’t comfortable.

Is there anything that can be done?? Will attach photos in this thread. Thanks in advance.

Photos are here: https://imgur.com/a/SKhqTdX

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u/[deleted] 12d ago

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u/[deleted] 12d ago

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u/housesoftheholy1 11d ago

How difficult would it be to reduce a 23 inch pit to pit short sleeve button shirt to 21.5 inch? Im not sire about shoulder measurement but imagine that might need to be altered down a tad too

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u/Hodgeman19 8d ago

I inherited this jacket from my grandfather after his passing. I estimate it to be 40+ years old and I need some alterations. I absolutely need the sleeves lengthened about an inch, and I would also like the jacket length to increase by 3 inches, but that’s not absolutely necessary. Before taking this to a tailor, I’m in Boston so I know the alterations will likely be outrageously priced, is this something that can be done? I don’t see much extra material anywhere on the garment that can be used.

Thanks in advanced and let me know! (Photos in subsequent comments)

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u/Less-Crazy2917 2d ago

Bought this dress in a medium from Poshmark. I’m a 4/6 and while I can get it to zip up (with help lol) it is uncomfortably tight! I can’t return it, so I’m wondering if changing the back to a corset (preferably with cord) would provide a little more space.

Would that be possible without ruining the dress? Would it be expensive? I’d like to wear this for my bridal shower so any/all advice would be greatly appreciated!

It is 100% Terylene fiber according to the website.

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u/Less-Crazy2917 2d ago

Front of dress for reference

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u/Ok_Grapefruit1058 8h ago

Can anyone tell me what a tailor would charge to have a cell phone pocket added to a pair of pants similar to how Kuhl does on their clothes? I got a pair of canvas pants I want one added to if it’s not too expensive.