Ill-fitting clothes can ruin even the best look. The solution? Tailoring. As personal stylist Daniel Tyson says, it can morph a regular garment “into one that feels like it was bought from a luxury fashion store.” If you’re new to tailoring, it can seem intimidating, but with a few simple tips you can take your wardrobe to the next level. We spoke to Tyson about how to build your tailoring vocabulary, one seam at a time.
Come Prepared
Bring the shoes you intend to wear with the garment being tailored, especially if it’s a pair of pants or a dress, Tyson says, so the adjustments can be made for the appropriate height. Keep in mind that while tailors are skilled, they aren’t magicians — if a garment is too small in multiple places, for example, you may be better off buying the next size up instead.
Communicate Clearly
Before you arrive, have a clear idea of what you want. Tyson suggests trying on different pieces to see how they fit. “You can pay specific attention to how a garment sits on your waist, on your hips and how it drapes. Or you could pay attention to how the seams of a garment align with your body,” he says. “It’s always good to have an understanding of what exactly you want tailored and to articulate that explicitly to the tailor themselves, so you can get the best garment tailored for the money that you’re spending.” You’ll be able to see for yourself how much of the fabric you want adjusted — whether it’s adding a dart here or taking off an inch there.
Trust Your Tailor
“Don’t be afraid to ask your tailor for guidance,” Tyson says. “They have an understanding and a trained eye for what looks good.” Tyson adds that the tailor may have suggestions for a garment you haven’t considered. He also notes it may take time to find a tailor you really love, but in the end it will be worth it, because your garments will be unique to you.