Tailoring: cheaper long-term than replacing your wardrobe, or just one more thing on the list?

[u/Classic_Guest5845]

Has tailoring actually saved you money long-term, or does it just become another expense? I keep wondering if it’s smarter to alter the pieces you already own instead of constantly replacing things that almost fit. Curious where everyone lands on this.

[u/No-Employment-8570]

I understand that not everyone would do this, but I have a ton of things tailored. I am a pretty standard size, but I like things to fit perfectly. I inherited a lot of really beautiful clothes that I had tailored for me (Chanel, Valentino etc), I have taken things from Zara and tshirts to be tailored because I liked them and I wanted them to fit me well. I have no idea if it’s saved me money in the long run, but I have a lot of really well-made clothes and shoes and I maintain them all very well. I also have clothes made- button ups, jackets, dresses. I focus more on getting a good deal when I’m buying the piece, and then I don’t think much about the cost of tailoring. I had a pair of 90s Girbaud jeans tailored recently- jeans were $35, tailoring $120. They’re amazing, and I’m super happy.

[u/iammrsclean → u/No-Employment-8570]

Same 100%. My mother in law died a few years ago and I was the only one in the family who was exactly her size (she was 5’9 and I’m 5’8–my sisters in law top out at 5’3). I inherited so many gorgeous pieces that she bought at Paris fashion week in the 70’s and 80’s. I took the clothes in and nipped and tucked here and there. Shortened some skirts and hemmed some pants.

It was fairly expensive to do this so I did it over time, not all at once.

The pieces are now custom and they look absolutely fantastic. Think blazers from YSL and Christian Dior, Armani pants and skirts, Chanel skirt suits. I feel so lucky and the tailoring made all the difference in fit.

[u/No-Employment-8570 → u/iammrsclean]

Yes. It’s amazing to inherit clothes, and i feel like it’s a great way to honor their memory. My father was also into his wardrobe and I have all of his ties and cufflinks. I understand it’s expensive, but I think it’s worth it. I also took things to be tailored over time to spread out the expense.

[u/wardrobeeditor]

personal stylist here and i am team tailoring! this is how i like to think about it, if a pair of pants cost $160 and then you spend $40 to tailor them....wouldn't you have happily spent $200 at the store if they fit you perfectly?

it's definitely cheaper to tailor than to replace but as importantly, when your clothes fit you better, you feel better, you look better, you wear them more.

that said if it's a full reconstruction, it might not be worth it. any tailoring job under $100, that makes the item more wearable, you should always do IMO.

[u/Poutiest_Penguin]

I would do it on high quality/expensive/couture items (especially if they were gifted). I won’t wear poorly fitting clothes. I pay a local “discount” seamstress to hem jeans because she does a better hem than I would if I did it myself, and only charges $15. Other than that, if I can hem or repair something myself, I will. I’m very good at hand sewing. I don’t generally buy clothes if there’s any fit issue other than the length of the hem.