When perfecting your wardrobe, well-fitted shirts and suits are essential. A good fit can elevate your appearance, boosting your confidence and ensuring you look sharp and professional. However, not everyone is fortunate enough to get a perfect fit right off the rack, which is where alterations come in. While shirt and suit alterations can greatly improve your clothes, several common mistakes can compromise the outcome. Here’s a guide to help you avoid these common mistakes and achieve the perfect fit.
1. Ignoring the Importance of the Shoulders
When altering a suit or shirt, the shoulder fit is critical. The shoulders are one of the most challenging areas to alter, and if the fit is off, it can throw off the entire garment. When buying a suit or shirt, it’s essential to make sure the shoulders fit well from the start. Tailors can make adjustments to other areas like the sleeves or waist, but altering the shoulders can be costly and often doesn’t lead to a satisfactory outcome.
Always choose a suit or shirt that fits your shoulders well. If the shoulders are too big or too small, consider selecting a different size or style before thinking about suit alteration or shirt alteration.
2. Over-Tailoring for a Slim Fit
While slim-fit shirts and suits are currently in style, over-tailoring can lead to garments that are too tight or uncomfortable. There’s a fine line between achieving a slim fit and making your clothing restrictive. Over-tailoring can also compromise the fabric’s integrity, causing the seams to strain or even tear over time.
Make sure there’s enough room to move comfortably in your altered shirts or suits. A good tailor will help you strike the right balance between a sleek, modern look and comfort.
3. Altering the Length Too Much
For both suit alteration and shirt alteration, adjusting the length is one of the most common changes. However, shortening a jacket or shirt too much can disrupt the proportions of the garment, leading to an unbalanced look. Similarly, pants that are hemmed too short can expose too much of the ankle, which can look unprofessional, especially in formal settings.
Be cautious when altering the length of any garment. Consult with your tailor to ensure that the length is appropriate for your body shape and the style of the clothing. Suit alteration ensures that the suit jacket covers your rear and the sleeves end at your wrist bone.
4. Neglecting the Functionality of the Sleeves
For men’s shirts, adjusting the sleeve length is a common alteration. However, some people make the mistake of shortening the sleeves too much or neglecting the cuffs and placket, leading to functionality issues. For example, if the sleeves are too short, you might not be able to roll them up comfortably, or the cuffs may not sit properly on your wrists.
Ensure that your sleeves are altered to the right length, allowing enough room for movement and comfort. When it comes to suit alteration, make sure that about half an inch of your shirt cuff shows when your arms are relaxed.
5. Choosing the Wrong Tailor
The skill level of your tailor plays a huge role in the outcome of your alterations. Some tailors may not have enough experience with certain types of alterations, especially complex adjustments like reshaping shoulders or tapering a suit jacket. Going to an inexperienced tailor can lead to irreversible mistakes, wasting both time and money.
Always research tailors in your area and check reviews or ask for recommendations. A skilled tailor can make a world of difference in how your clothing fits after suit alteration or shirt alteration.
6. Overlooking Fabric Constraints
Not all fabrics respond well to alterations. Stretch fabrics, for instance, can be tricky to tailor, as they may not hold their shape after being altered. Similarly, certain delicate fabrics like silk or linen require extra care when making adjustments.
Be aware of the fabric’s limitations before requesting alterations. If you’re unsure whether your clothing can be successfully altered, consult with Shirts alteration London for advice on what can and cannot be done.
With proper shirt and suit alterations, your clothing will fit well and enhance your overall look and comfort. Always consult with a skilled tailor to ensure your alterations are done correctly, leaving you with a polished and professional appearance.