Possible alterations to a suit
For a made-to-measure suit
While some men wear suits every day, others only take them out of the wardrobe for special occasions: job interviews, weddings, New Year's Eve parties, and so on. Either way, suits remain a real headache for men! While some flaws can be concealed in jeans and trainers, in a suit it's a real feat. With a suit, every detail is important if you don't want to adopt your great-uncle's famous "penguin look"... Touch-ups are therefore almost essential to adjust and perfect your outfit as well as possible.
If, like many people, you didn't buy your suit from a professional tailor but from a classic ready-to-wear shop, the likelihood that the sales assistant wasn't able to advise you on the essential alterations you need to make is very high. Don't panic though, we're here to help and advise you on the alterations you shouldn't miss!
Alterations to the jacket
The sleeve is too long
There are two types of alterations for taking up a sleeve that is too long. The more noble version, which involves taking up the jacket sleeve from the top, and the "simpler" version, which involves taking up the sleeve from the bottom.
The difference between the two lies in the sleeve buttonhole, which must always be in the right place so as not to unbalance the jacket.
The difference between the two lies in the sleeve buttonhole, which must always be in the right place so as not to unbalance the jacket.
What is the top sleeve touch-up?
To shorten the sleeve and remove the excess fabric, the sewist will have to dismantle the jacket with the lining and re-cut a perfectly rounded shoulder. In some cases, to touch up the sleeve, he may also have to rework the jacket's shape.
Note that with this method, the sleeve of the garment will inevitably be narrower than originally.So make sure this technique is possible!
Top-sleeve alterations require greater attention: at the fitting, make sure you button your jacket up and get comfortable (Don't forget that you'll certainly be swaying in this beautiful suit!).
Note that with this method, the sleeve of the garment will inevitably be narrower than originally.So make sure this technique is possible!
Top-sleeve alterations require greater attention: at the fitting, make sure you button your jacket up and get comfortable (Don't forget that you'll certainly be swaying in this beautiful suit!).
What is the bottom sleeve alteration?
Sleeve alterations should be carried out from the bottom if your jacket is already well fitted around the body.
In fact, if your shoulder is already quite cramped, it will be even more so if the sleeve is taken up from the top. This method of alteration from the bottom is possible when the length to be taken up is less than 1.5 cm.
In fact, if your shoulder is already quite cramped, it will be even more so if the sleeve is taken up from the top. This method of alteration from the bottom is possible when the length to be taken up is less than 1.5 cm.
Jacket too big
You're swimming in your jacket but the matching trousers are a real eye-catcher? Have you recovered one of your grandfather's jackets from the 60s? There's no need to draw a line under it, just have it refitted!
If the vest is too big by more than 4 to 5 cm: ask your alteration specialist to rework the seams on the back, sides and front.
If the vest is too big by more than 4 to 5 cm: ask your alteration specialist to rework the seams on the back, sides and front.
The jacket is too small
Unfortunately, this case is a little more restrictive...
The sewist can retouch your jacket by loosening inside, but it's important to specify that with this method, you won't gain more than 3 cm in total in any case (depending on the material and fabric left over from the making). It will also be possible to recover a maximum of 1 to 1.5 cm by removing the shoulder pads.
And if that's really not enough, there's always one last option for the more "creative": you can widen the jacket with a strip of fabric in another color or pattern. That way, you can be sure of making a difference!
The sewist can retouch your jacket by loosening inside, but it's important to specify that with this method, you won't gain more than 3 cm in total in any case (depending on the material and fabric left over from the making). It will also be possible to recover a maximum of 1 to 1.5 cm by removing the shoulder pads.
And if that's really not enough, there's always one last option for the more "creative": you can widen the jacket with a strip of fabric in another color or pattern. That way, you can be sure of making a difference!
And the shirt alterations?
If your jacket is now the right size, don't neglect your shirt. It'll be showing sooner or later!
The most recurrent problem is the shirt sleeve that's too long. To shorten the length of your shirt sleeves, it's very simple: choose the length you're most comfortable with while taking care to bend your elbow while taking the measurements. This way you'll avoid unpleasant surprises once your shirt sleeve is cut.
The most recurrent problem is the shirt sleeve that's too long. To shorten the length of your shirt sleeves, it's very simple: choose the length you're most comfortable with while taking care to bend your elbow while taking the measurements. This way you'll avoid unpleasant surprises once your shirt sleeve is cut.
Trousers alterations
Don't fit into last winter's trousers? Don't blame yourself - the trousers are to blame! In any case there's no need to throw them away, it's always possible to enlarge the waist. Because if you doubted it... clothing designers are sometimes on our side, and always leave a 4 cm margin inside a pair of suit trousers.
Widening pants at the waist
To widen the waistband of your trousers, disassemble the belt, paying particular attention to the seam-belt joint. For made-to-measure trousers, the sewist can enlarge the waistband on the sides. You can usually get back 1.5 cm on the sides of your trousers and 1.5 cm behind, i.e. a maximum of 3 cm.
And if you need more, your sewist can also suggest adding a fabric yoke, which again has the advantage of personalizing your trousers. Yes, another chance to stand out from the crowd!
And if you need more, your sewist can also suggest adding a fabric yoke, which again has the advantage of personalizing your trousers. Yes, another chance to stand out from the crowd!
Bend the thighs
If your trousers are too wide in the legs, you can have them trimmed from the bottom of the pocket!
Nothing is impossible! Retouching, ourlet, resizing, fitting, customization: don't be afraid to buy a suit in a boutique anymore. A Tilliste sewist can always help you design the suit of your dreams!
Nothing is impossible! Retouching, ourlet, resizing, fitting, customization: don't be afraid to buy a suit in a boutique anymore. A Tilliste sewist can always help you design the suit of your dreams!
Les retouches du costume
avec Tilli
avec Tilli
You don't want to walk around all day with your suit to be altered? And it's not always pleasant to have a fitting in an unfamiliar alteration shop?
Don't worry, our sewists will come to you at the same price as in a classic retoucherie. They are carefully selected to offer you the best services, and are fully conversant with the techniques used for costume alterations and adjustments. What's more, they all have training in styling and pattern-making, and will also be able to advise you on how to personalize those suits.
Don't worry, our sewists will come to you at the same price as in a classic retoucherie. They are carefully selected to offer you the best services, and are fully conversant with the techniques used for costume alterations and adjustments. What's more, they all have training in styling and pattern-making, and will also be able to advise you on how to personalize those suits.
How does a Tilli appointment work?
1. Make an appointment on our website tilli.fr and choose the time that suits you.
2. A sewist will be assigned to you as soon as possible and will come to your home to take your measurements.
3. Your alterations will be made within 3 days and sent by courier to your home.
2. A sewist will be assigned to you as soon as possible and will come to your home to take your measurements.
3. Your alterations will be made within 3 days and sent by courier to your home.
And women's suits?
Are you eyeing your partner's oversized suit? Our Tillistes sewists can also transform it to fit your morphology and curves! We keep telling you: nothing is impossible!
Cet article a été écrit avec plein de bonnes intentions pour nos clients grâce à Paule.
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