How much does tailoring cost: A breakdown of alteration prices

Looking polished and put together doesn't mean splurging on high-end, designer clothes. Sometimes, all you need is a good tailor to make everything in your wardrobe a perfect fit for your body. A professional tailor can make minor tweaks or significant adjustments to your clothes, from secondhand dresses to older clothes that no longer flatter your figure. 

But how much does tailoring cost in Australia? In general, the cost of hiring a tailor depends on the alterations you need. The number of tweaks and changes to your clothing will also influence the overall price of the service. On average, alteration prices range from $3 to $150. Other factors you need to consider are materials, location, and the type of clothes/garments you have. 

Do you want to know the average price of a tailored suit, dress, or suit? Check out this price list and look your best for any occasion!

Tailors use precision tools and pattern templates to ensure accurate alterations. (Source: iStock)

Custom tailor prices

Different types of clothes or fabrics affect the overall cost of the service. Here's an overview of how much tailoring costs in Australia: 

Tailored shirt costs

Tailored trousers cost

Tailored jeans cost

Tailored suit cost

Tailored dresses cost

Factors that affect tailor costs

Suppose you want to determine how much it costs to tailor pants, shirts, or even trousers. In that case, it's essential to consider the various factors affecting the final price of the service. We've listed them below to help you understand how much tailoring costs near you:

Clothing or fabric

Certain clothes that take more time to alter will be more expensive than regular ones. For example, blazer-tailoring costs can be higher than changing a plain shirt or a pair of trousers. In addition, tailors will charge more for clothes that use unique fabric and intricate stitching. Dresses with elaborate designs such as wedding gowns and evening wear will also have higher fees. 

Type of alteration

Clothing alterations in department stores can cost more, especially if they require much sewing. While button replacement costs $3 on average, adjusting a wedding gown bodice can set you back up to $150.

Location

Rates for professional tailors can vary significantly depending on location.  While residents of larger cities like Sydney might expect higher costs, the same principle applies across the country.  For example, a tailor in Brisbane may have different pricing than a tailor in Melbourne. Even within a state, a tailor in South Adelaide could charge differently than a tailor in Queensland's more rural areas. 

If you want to save more money for your tailoring services, hire someone within your local area. 

The cost of tailoring wedding dresses

Since most wedding boutiques only carry gowns in two sizes, brides-to-be often have no choice but to alter their wedding dress. Sizing for wedding gowns usually runs smaller than your actual street size. So it's no surprise that most gowns make room for further adjustments or alterations. If you're planning to buy a wedding dress, go up a size so that you don't have to make significant changes to make your gown a perfect fit. 

Wedding gowns, in general, cost more because they use special fabric and intricate stitching, making alteration a bit more complicated to achieve. Some even have beads, stones, and other materials requiring more hand labour. If you want to find out how much it costs to tailor dresses for your wedding, check out our cost guide below: 

Detailed alterations like jacket tailoring require handwork, especially for custom fits and designer pieces. (Source: iStock)

Things to know when hiring a professional tailor

Some people might find it intimidating to hire a professional tailor. They are often too afraid to ask challenging questions. Since garments need to fit your body perfectly, you need to work closely with your tailor by asking the right questions and being as honest as possible. 

To help make your tailoring journey a success, follow these tips: 

• Set an appointment. You need to work well with your tailor to make the whole process a breeze. Schedule an appointment with them to ensure you have enough time to discuss what type of alteration you need. This will also allow your tailor to determine the correct size, fit, and other adjustments your clothes might need.
• Bring all the essentials. Once you've secured an appointment, make sure you have all the other things you’ll wear, such as shoes, undergarments, and accessories. Doing this is crucial in wedding and evening gown alterations because your tailor will base the length of the hem on your shoes.
• Be honest. If you feel the fit needs to be tighter or looser, don't be afraid to tell your tailor. The same thing applies if the dress needs to be longer or shorter. While your tailor should have keen eyes for details, sharing your honest opinion makes a huge difference in the final alteration. 
• Try your clothes one last time. Before you leave and pick up your altered clothes, it's best to check the fit one last time. Not only will this save you time and effort, but it will also lessen the hassle on your tailor's part.

Get your clothes tailored via Airtasker

Now that you know the average prices of custom-made suits, shirts, and other types of clothing, it's time to hire a professional tailor near you. Post a task, review offers, and choose someone to do the job for you! Here are some things you might want to include in your task listing:

• The type of clothes you have
• What needs altering
• Your preferred fabric
• Your location

Feel free to add more details if you want your listing to be more personalised. The more information you provide, the more offers you'll receive within minutes. Post a Task now on Airtasker and hire a professional tailor near you.