Tailoring prices explained: From basic fixes to formalwear edits

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 the UK? 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 £7 to £120. Other factors you need to consider are materials, location, and the type of clothes/garments you have. 

Do you want to know how much it costs to tailor a dress, suit, and other types of clothing? 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)

Tailoring service price list

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

Shirts

Trousers

Jeans

Jackets and coats

Dresses & skirts

Factors that affect tailor costs

Suppose you want to determine how much it costs to tailor jeans or shirts. 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, tailoring jackets can cost more 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 £8 on average, adjusting a wedding gown bodice can set you back up to £120.

Location

If you live in more populated cities like London, Surrey, and Manchester, you'll pay higher service fees than someone in a smaller, rural town like Berkshire or Oxfordshire. The same thing also applies when you hire a professional tailor far from where you live. If you want to save more money, hire someone within your local area. 

Wedding dress alteration costs

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 learn more about wedding dress tailoring costs, check out our 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 how much it costs to tailor skirts, 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.