Suit alterations cost: How much do tailors charge in Australia?

That suit in your closet that’s slightly too big still has potential. Instead of replacing it, take it to a professional tailor who can reshape it to match your measurements perfectly. This option saves money compared to buying new and aligns with sustainable fashion practices by extending the life of clothing that would otherwise go unused.

Curious about alteration costs across Australia? This guide outlines current pricing for common suit adjustments from professional tailors nationwide. You’ll discover what you might pay for standard modifications and learn about the various factors that influence pricing, from fabric type to the complexity of the changes needed.

Suit alteration price list

This section shows what suit fixes cost at Australian tailors. You’ll find prices for jackets and full suits first, followed by pants and small extras.

A tailor altering a suit jacket. (Source: iStock)

Suit jacket alteration costs

Trouser alteration costs

Factors affecting suit alteration costs

A tailor or an alterations professional will inspect the suit and take your body measurements. Sometimes the garment is downsized, while in rare times, it must be enlarged. To know the factors affecting suit alterations cost, read on.

1. Alteration job complexity

Some common alterations men request for their suits are sleeve tapering, waist tightening, and trouser resizing. From simple button repairs to remaking, the price for the alteration will mainly depend on the difficulty of the alteration job. Say you want to resize the suit. A centre seam in suit jacket alterations costs less than a side seam. 

Do you also want to make changes to the details of the suits? The intricacy of the alterations will also affect suit jacket alteration costs.

2. Suit type

Are you going to have a blazer, sports coat, or suit jacket altered? The more elaborate the suit, the more expensive it can be. Is it a slim-fit suit that gives a form-fitting style narrow at the chest and waist? Or is it a classic-fit suit, which is comfortable to wear because of its breathability? The suit type can also affect the cost of alterations, and your tailor can help you change yours according to the style and fit you want.

3. Stitch type

There are different types of stitching depending on the suit’s style. A blind-stitched (or invisible) hem will most likely cost less than a top-stitched hem. Alterations that require more hand sewing can be more laborious, take longer, and thus cost more. Most formal attires with delicate fabric, intricate designs, or elaborate details might require hand sewing to ensure the designs are placed accurately. 

A customized suit jacket with a newly replaced button. (Source: iStock)

4. Fabric

The fabric’s type, thickness, and machine requirements to be altered also contribute to the alteration service’s cost. For instance, shortening and hemming a suit made of denim or other similar fabric will require a tailor to use a sewing machine with heavier-gauge needles and threads. 

Almost any tailor or alteration professional can do regular alterations. However, for leather materials, you might need to find a specialist, who will cost more. Although leather is a rare material used in suits, it will usually cost as much as 50% more than altering fabric.

5. Your location

Like for any other project, the location of professional tailors might affect the total costs of suit alterations. This is due to business costs, such as storefront rental and taxes. Naturally, expect suit alterations in major cities to cost more than in other areas. For example, if you want to get your double-breasted suit altered in NSW, expect rates to be higher, especially if you want them done on the same day. 

6. Tailor skill level

The person fixing your suit affects the price tag. A master tailor with 30 years of experience typically charges more than someone just starting out. These veterans bring better technique, faster work, and sharper eyes for detail. They'll often spot issues others miss and suggest fixes that make your suit look custom-made. 

While newer tailors charge less, they might take longer or miss subtle details that experts catch right away. Very specialized work like adjusting shoulders or working with luxury fabrics usually goes to experienced hands.

Post a task for suit alteration

Overall, a well-fitted suit can make one look fashionable and boardroom-ready. If you have old suits with sentimental value, you can have them altered and dry-cleaned instead of throwing them away by setting up a job at Airtasker:

Here's what to do:

1. Snap photos of your suit and what needs work
2. List what changes you want with a rough timeline
3. Check past customer reviews when tailors message you
4. Pick the right person for your job

Got a formal meeting coming up? Grab that navy suit from your wardrobe and make it fit perfectly with help from a skilled tailor.