Suit alterations cost: How much do tailors charge in the UK?

Looking to refresh your wardrobe? Start with suits that fit you perfectly. While a recent poll shows that just 7% of workers wear suits to work now, having one ready still matters for those important meetings, special occasions, and unexpected client visits that pop up. The good news is that if you already own a suit, you can update it with simple alterations to match your current size and style.

So how much does it cost to alter a suit in the UK? Depending on what you need to adjust, you’ll pay £5 to £60. For example, trouser alterations cost less than adjusting lapel shapes. To help you out, this guide walks through everything that affects the final price so you know exactly what to budget before you hand over your suit to a professional tailor.

Suit alteration price list

This table shows what you’ll pay to get your suits fixed at UK tailors. We’ve broken down costs for complete suits, individual pieces, and even accessories like silk ties. 

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

Factors affecting suit alterations costs

A tailor or an alterations professional will inspect the suit and measure your body. 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 style of the suit. A blind-stitched (or invisible) hem will most likely cost less than a top-stitched hem. Alterations that need 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 that the designs are placed accurately. 

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

4. Fabric

The type, thickness, and machine requirements of the fabric 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

Where you live changes what you’ll pay for suit alterations. For instance, tailors in London and Bristol often charge more than those in smaller towns because their rent costs more. Tailors in busy shopping districts also pay premium prices for their shops, and those costs get passed on to customers. Some customers can save money by traveling to outer suburbs for alterations.

6. Tailor skill level

Finally, 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

Don’t let a great suit sit unworn because of a poor fit! Post your first suit task and get quotes from skilled UK tailors right away.

Here’s how:

1. Take clear photos of what needs changing
2. Write down exactly what needs fixing
3. Post your task with all details
4. Pick the right tailor after checking reviews

Need other clothing fixed too? Jacket, jeans, or shirt alterations all cost less than buying new. Most suit fixes take less than a week, and many tailors offer pickup/delivery options for busy professionals.