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Brian Sacawa is the Founder of He Spoke Style and one of the original men’s style influencers.
MoreI’m often asked how much it costs to get a suit – or other basic menswear items – tailored. The answer? Well, it depends. Alterations and tailoring services vary depending on the tailor, their location and the quality of their services.
However, if one thing is certain, it’s that the cost associated with alterations is always money well spent.
Here is a general price list for common suit jacket/blazer, pants and shirt alterations.
Suit Jacket Alterations
Shorten/Lengthen Sleeves: $60
Shorten/Lengthen Sleeves (with functioning button holes): $150
Let Out/Take In Side Seams: $65
Let Out/Take In Back Seam: $55
Shorten Jacket: $75
Reduce Shoulders: $160
Reline Jacket: $200
Replace Pocket Linings: $25
Replace/Tighten Button: $2-5
DON’T MISS: The HSS Guide to Suit Jacket Alterations
Suit Pants Alterations
Hem: $10
Hem with Cuff: $20
Taper Leg (Two Seam): $30
Taper Leg (Four Seam): $60
Adjust Waist/Seat: $25
Replace Zipper: $25
Add Hem Guard: $25
DON’T MISS: The HSS Guide to Suit Pants Alterations
Shirt Alterations
Add Darts: $15
Taper Sides (Serged): $25
Taper Sides (French Seams): $45
Shorten Shirt Tails: $25
Shorten Sleeves: $25
Move Collar Button: $5
My favorite story of the “money well-spent” aspect of suit alterations is the story of my vintage Yves Saint Laurent three-piece suit. I found it in an LA consignment shop and though it didn’t fit me perfectly – the pants were classic 1970s wide and the jacket sleeves were a little long and wide as well – I knew that I wouldn’t take much for my tailor Earle to whip it into shape.
DONT MISS: The HSS Guide to Finding a Quality Tailor
The suit’s main “selling point” for me was that the shoulders fit immaculately. (N.B. Reducing a suit jacket’s shoulders is major surgery. I would never buy a suit or blazer – vintage or otherwise – if the shoulders didn’t fit. It’s simply not worth the hassle, expense, or potential headache if it doesn’t come out right.) So at $250, it was a steal.
So $150 in alterations later, I had a suit that I’d say I’ve gotten more than my money out of.
Thanks for reading.
Stylishly Yours,
Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style
Brian Sacawa
Brian Sacawa is the Founder of He Spoke Style and one of the original men’s style influencers. Since 2013, his goal has remained the same: to provide men the advice and inspiration they need to dress well, develop their personal style, and gain more confidence. Brian’s interest and passion for men’s style and luxury watches has led to his writing for The Robb Report, The Rake, and Sotheby’s and he has been quoted on menswear in publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Today.com, Brides Magazine, and the Huffington Post. He lives in the woods north of Baltimore with his wife, Robin, kitties Nick and Nora, and German Shepherd/Collie mix Charlie.
