The moment I realised I could get clothes altered by a tailor was the moment a whole wardrobe full of possibilities became open to me. No longer do I see midi as my maxi but I can now wear a maxi as a maxi, a midi as a midi and a mini as a mini. Finding a good tailor is an absolute game changer.
Google search
Google search 'good local tailors near me' and you will get a list of local tailors. Make a note of their contact details and start putting a list together.
Ask for recommendations
Ask your friends who live nearby or ask your neighbours for recommendations of tailors. Given that Londoners do not talk to each other (except in case of an emergency) go onto Facebook and join local groups and ask for recommendations of tailors. Add the names you get to your list.
Compare rates and turnover time
Now that you have a list of good local tailors start calling up to get an idea of their rates and turnaround time. A good tailor will have plenty to keep them going so you will most likely have to wait at least a week or so before your garment will be ready so keep this in mind when getting your clothes altered. If you do need your clothes back earlier, you may have to pay extra. Also tailors do not have a price list as different garments require different time, labour and equipment for the alteration process. It therefore is difficult for tailors to come up with a fair and standard rate.
Test run
If you need an important garment altered (say a wedding dress, bridesmaid dress, a suit, etc..), you may want to test run on a simple garment first. Ask the tailor to do a simple hemming on a skirt or dress. Look at their finish. If you are happy with their work then you're on to a winner. Also a nifty thing to keep in mind is to look for a tailor who does alterations for wedding dresses. Wedding dresses can be very intricate and requires a lot of skill so if your tailor is able to do wedding dress alteration, then they will be able to do any kind of alteration.
Don't be loyal
Remember this is a business transaction. You may think your tailor is lovely and charming and you have a good rapport with them but this is a business deal. Always keep your eyes and ears out for a better tailor who has lower rates and faster turnout times.
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