how do you find a good tailor?
Hello, I live in northern NJ in the US and I’ve struggled to find a decent tailor. I’m tall and somewhat slender, forward posture with a long torso and most things do not fit me. The few I’ve been to in my area did not really understand what I was looking for, or made alterations that made everything just fit super tight, or only tailor suits (and make them very modern slim fit). Idk if anyone has specific tailor recommendations so I’m wondering how this group vets a tailor? I figure there may be NYC people here but I’d only go to NYC for tailoring if they’re willing to take a lot of garments at once. It’s a hike from where I live. Maybe I need to adjust my expectations for what a tailor can do? Thanks
5 Replies
In my experience, it’s a lot of word of mouth and looking at any pictures that are posted to see what their “style” is. After that, I had a stack of clothes I thrifted that I use as fodder for seeing how capable they were before I brought in more loved items
Yeah this is solid advice. I'd survey your area and read up on reviews before visiting a shop, and even then start with an easy job like a pants hem to get a feel for the person and how they work. Granted, you should know what you're asking for and be able to communicate it clearly because it helps your tailor do their job better.
It can be like finding the right hairdresser, where someone who speaks your language may be a better fit than someone who is objectively "the best." You probably won't get the perfect haircut the first time you go to a new person, but over time you learn how to work with each other and it gets better/easier.
This is a pretty decent guide on it: https://putthison.com/a-tailoring-directory/
Put This On
A Tailoring Directory
Every once in a while, I’ll get an email from a reader who asks the most important wardrobe question: Can...
I asked the guy at the vintage suit shop in my town what alterations tailor he would recommend and he recommended me one and she is pretty good if a bit blunt sometimes.
Thanks all. I’ll run with these tips!