When Choosing A Clothing Alteration Service Joliet Customers Should Remember These Tips


By Lelia Hall


Just about everyone has purchased a new garment, only to bring it home and realize that its fit isn't ideal. On a similar note, most people also own a favorite item of clothing which due to frequent wear, will inevitably need to be mended. Those who don't have time or know how to perform these tasks rely on the services of a professional tailor or seamstress. If they keep these points in mind when looking for a clothing alteration service Joliet IL customers should find it easier to choose one which meets their needs.

An expert in alterations should have no problem adjusting any garment to fit the wearer better. It be necessary to take in a seam or add some darts, or alter the length of the sleeves on a shirt or adjust the waist or hemline on a dress, skirt, or pair of slacks. Garments in need of repair may require a new zipper, or a tear or hole to be mended.

Professionals who provide clothing alterations are usually either seamstresses, or seamsters in the case of a male, or tailors. The key difference between these two related but distinct occupations is that seamstresses or seamsters primarily do adjustments to the seams and hems of existing articles of clothing, while tailors can not only do this, but also custom build garments to the specifications of their customers.

A custom tailor who can also be referred to as a "bespoke" is someone with the highest degree of familiarity with textiles, styles of sewing, and fitting their clients. These experts may also do simple work like repairs and alterations, but most of their time is spent building clothes from scratch according to their customers' specifications.

The best way to locate a skilled tailor or seamstress is to simply ask around; one can ask friends, family, and coworkers if they can recommend someone. Dry cleaners may also be helpful in this respect, since many of them have an alterations staff that works with them, or if not, they may be familiar with someone because they too work in the apparel industry.

Customers need to find out how long any potential tailor or seamstress has been in business for, and if they have sufficient experience working with this particular type of garment. They should express an in-depth understanding of a wide range of fabric types and know how to alter any garment they are presented with. Some will also provide special services such as updating older pieces of clothing, or repairing leather.

There should be an established pricing system in place for repairs and alterations. This can differ according to the type of garment and the fabric it is made from. It's best to ask for price quotes from several tailors so that one can compare them and determine what the going-rate is for this work, it can also help identify anyone who is charging unfairly.

An expert tailor or seamstress will always have the customer try on the garment first, so it is easier to make accurate adjustments. This better enables the client to explain the changes he or she wants made. During the fitting, the garment will be marked and pinned to prepare it for alteration.




About the Author: