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

The cost of suit tailoring in the US can vary based on factors such as the complexity of alterations and the tailor’s expertise. Basic alterations like hemming pants or adjusting sleeves may range from $20 to $50. More extensive alterations, such as taking in the waist or adjusting the shoulders, can cost between $75 and $150 or more.

Suit alteration price list

This section shows what suit fixes cost at American 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

Suit pant 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 cases, it must be enlarged. Read on to learn the factors affecting average suit alteration costs.

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 get to have it altered. Is it a slim-fit suit, giving a form-fitting style narrow at the chest and waist parts? 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 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 New York and California 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

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 professional tailor can work wonders on any suit that needs fixing. Most people don’t realize how much money they throw away buying new suits when simple fixes would do the trick. Thanks to this article, you now know what suit fixes cost and why they’re worth it.

Need your suit fixed quickly? Stop wasting time calling shops for quotes! Post your requirements on Airtasker, check the offers that come in, and select someone with good ratings. Remember, there are several skilled tailors in your area who are waiting to make your clothes fit just right!