Since I get so many items tailored and am always asked about how much alterations cost, I’ve compiled a pricing guide below. I hope this is helpful for anyone looking to assess the feasibility of altering anything from a recent shopping find, to thrifted items, or even handed-down family vintage.
The price guide below has been gathered from various sources around the web, as well as my own experiences having things tailored by multiple shops around California.
I am not a tailor, but if you need one, here are some handy posts I’ve written to help you find a great alterations specialist in your area:
10 Tips For Finding Your Perfect Tailor
Recommended Tailors (From Petites)
Enjoy!
Disclaimer – prices are meant as a rough guide only. They are highly subjective and can vary wildly based on many factors including (but not limited to) average city living costs, city storefront rental rates/taxes, tailor skill level/experience, competition from other tailoring shops, and complexity of the individual tailoring job. It is up to you to determine what is a fair price you are willing to pay to have an item altered, whether it falls within the pricing guide below or not.
Tops, Shirts & Blouses |
Approximate Cost | |
| Hem | $15 – $25 | |
| Slim | $25 – $35 | |
| Shorten Sleeves (no cuff details) | $12 – $20 | |
| Shorten Sleeves (with cuff details) | $20 – $30 | |
| Adjust Shoulders (no sleeves) | $15 – $25 | |
| Adjust Shoulder (with sleeves) | $45 – $65 | |
| Slim Sleeves | $15 – $25 | |
| Add Darts | $10 – $20 |
Pants & Bottoms |
Approximate Cost | |
| Hem | $10 – $20 | |
| *linings may increase prices | Slim Leg | $20 – $40 |
| Adjust Waist | $25 – $45 |
Denim |
Approximate Cost | |
| Hem | $10 – $20 | |
| *slimming works best on | Original Hem | $15 – $25 |
| non-distressed denim | Slim Leg | $25 – $35 |
| Adjust Waist | $25 – $35 |
Jackets & Coats |
Approximate Cost | |
| Shorten | $30 – $90 | |
| *linings may increase prices | Slim | $40 – $60 |
| Shorten Sleeves (from cuff) | $25 – $40 | |
| Shorten Sleeves (from shoulder) | $30 – $50 | |
| Slim Sleeves | $25 – $45 | |
| Adjust Shoulders | $75 – $150 | |
| Add Darts | $30 – $40 | |
| Replace Lining | $50 and up |
Dresses & Skirts |
Approximate Cost | |
| Hem | $25 – $35 | |
| *linings may increase prices | Hem with Pleats/Details | $35 – $45 |
| Slim | $25 – $45 | |
| Shorten Sleeves | $15 – $25 | |
| Shorten Sleeves (Detailed Cuff) | $25 – $35 | |
| Slim Sleeves | $15 – $25 | |
| Adjust Shoulder (No Sleeves) | $15 – $25 | |
| Adjust Shoulder (With Sleeves) | $45 and up |
Other |
Approximate Cost | |
| Add/Remove Zippers/Buttons | $15 – $25 | |
| Move Zipper | $50 and up | |
| Heavily Embellished Items | $150 and up | |
| Hem Leather | $30 – $40 |
