To Alter or Not to Alter – That is the Question

By Jo Clary Maughan

We all wish that buying off the rack was as simple as walking up, selecting a garment, trying it on and wow - it’s perfect. But how many times does this actually happen? 

Shopping for clothes can be a tedious process, but you can have more freedom to purchase clothing off the rack if you are open to alterations.  Altering a garment can ensure it fits you perfectly rather than putting up with something that will have to do.  Below are a few tips on what you can and cannot alter:

Buy or alter an existing garment if:

1.   Altering an elastic waistband.

2.   Shortening straps or sleeve length.

3.   Taking up the hemlines. You can only take up 7.5 cms on skirts otherwise you lose the line of the garment which will result in having to take the sides in too.

4.   Shortening T-shirt, blouse and suit jacket hems.

5.   Taking in the back or side seams of waists on trousers and skirts.

6.   Putting in or making darts smaller in blouses and jackets.

Do not buy or alter an existing garment if:

1.   You need to let out more than the seam will allow. This goes for side seams and trouser length.

2.   Very sheer fabrics, knits, leather or fur will leave    holes in the fabric where the original stitching was.

3.   Lowering the crotch (rise) by more than one centimetre or quarter of an inch.

4.   Making smaller armholes in jackets, tops and blouses with sleeves.

5.   It is almost impossible to relocate a pocket, or remove it altogether, as you will always see the outline where the original pocket was.

While the 5 alterations (above) can be performed, the cost will be much higher due to the complexity of the work and may cost you the same price as the garment itself - so your purchase may not be worth the money.