A Guide to Clothing Alterations: What's Possible?

A garment that fits perfectly looks and feels completely different from one that's slightly too long, too wide or too loose. Professional alterations can transform an off-the-peg item into something that looks almost made to measure — and can give new life to a garment you love but that no longer fits quite right.

At Bordon Dry Cleaners, our experienced tailors offer a comprehensive alterations and repairs service. Here's a guide to what's possible.

Trouser Alterations

Trousers are the most commonly altered garment. The most frequent alterations we carry out include:

• Hemming and shortening: taking up the length to achieve the right break over the shoe
• Lengthening: letting down the hem if there's sufficient fabric in the turn-up
• Waist adjustment: taking in or letting out the waistband
• Tapering: slimming the leg for a more contemporary fit
• Zip replacement: replacing a broken or worn zip

When buying trousers off the peg, it's worth choosing a pair that fits well in the seat and thighs — these are harder to alter than the length or waist.

Suit Jacket Alterations

Suit jackets can be altered, though they're more complex than trousers. Common alterations include:

• Taking in the waist: creating a more tailored silhouette
• Shortening the sleeves: one of the most common and impactful alterations

When buying a suit jacket, prioritise getting the shoulders right — shoulder alterations are extremely complex and expensive. Everything else can be adjusted.

Shirt Alterations

Shirts can be altered in several ways:

• Sleeve shortening: particularly useful for off-the-peg shirts where the sleeves are often too long
• Taking in the body: slimming a shirt that's too boxy

Curtain Alterations

We also alter curtains — shortening or lengthening them to fit new windows or poles. This is particularly useful when you move house. We handle all curtain types, from voile to heavy interlined. See our curtain cleaning and alteration service for more details.

Repairs

As well as alterations, we carry out a range of repairs:

• Zip replacement and repair
• Button replacement
• Patch repairs
• Seam repairs

Getting a Quote

The best way to find out what's possible with your garment — and what it will cost — is to bring it in to us. We'll assess it and give you a price before any work begins. There's no obligation, and we'll always be honest about what's achievable.

Visit us at Bordon Dry Cleaners, Monday to Friday, 9am to 2pm. No appointment needed.