How much do alterations cost where you live?

[CDNSushi]

I've been living out of touch with the western world for so long, I have no idea what anything is worth anymore, or the value of money... Sigh. Would some of the rabble perhaps indulge me and tell me what clothing alterations are going for these days in your neck of the woods...

I'm wondering specifically about how much it costs to:

- have a kilt taken in by a few cm
- have trousers taken in by a few cm
- replace a faulty zipper
- repair a fraying or unstitched seam
- have a suit jacket shortened
- have a suit jacket taken in and altered to fit better

No need to answer ALL of the above -- simply the one(s) that you know...

I'm trying to determine whether it's better to... get my clothes repaired before I leave Japan, or wait till I get to Canada... or just get rid of them entirely...

Cheers!

JD

[CMcG]

At my local alterations/drycleaning shops in Toronto, some prices are posted, while others are not... it appears there may be a bit of leeway on the cost. One place I went to would cut a deal if you brought in a bunch of items at the same time.

- pants hemmed $7
- zipper replaced $12
- jacket cuffs let out $38
- jacket waist taken in $30

At the local kilt shop, I had the buckle/strap adjusted for size and a drycleaning all for $25, but that was 5 or 6 years ago...

[Chas]

In the UK last month, I was quoted £10 to shorten a sleeve. Including remaking the cuff 'opening' and re-positioning the buttons.

Regards

Chas

[Grizzly]

Have only today been quoted £15 for sewing on 6 buttons and creating a buttonhole. I know you didn't particularly ask for buttons but as a comparison to re sewing a frayed or unstitched seam it may be useful.

[CDNSushi]

Have only today been quoted £15 for sewing on 6 buttons and creating a buttonhole. I know you didn't particularly ask for buttons but as a comparison to re sewing a frayed or unstitched seam it may be useful.

I didn't specifically, but yes -- that can also give a good idea of what the range of services might cost. ;-) Thank you.

[Cygnus]

Sleeve shortening really depends on the sleeve. I had my regulation doublet sleeves shortened at the best local tailor I could find (which was a bit more than the others, but I really wanted quality here). I was initially quoted $15 (US), but that quickly increased to around $40 when it became apparent that the gauntlet cuffs with holes for the button shanks going all the way through required the sleeve to be shortened at the shoulder rather than the cuff.

Having once attached the sleeves to a shirt, I can completely understand the cost.

I had some trousers let out in the waist as well, and that was in the neighborhood of $15.

[aonghas]

Just in the process of having a kilt re-sized for my son, about 50$

[McFarkus]

I was recently charged $20 to move the buckles on the kilt (narrow or widen the waist).

[AKScott]

I got my winter pants hemmed when I first bought them uhh, four years ago, my first winter in Alaska. 22 ounce wool (kinda felted), $15 and they were ready the next day.

You might find in Canada (at least I do in the US) that there are more tailors - and more competitive with each other- near military bases.

[Kiltboy]

Here's the alteration list from my dry cleaner in Dallas. Copied it from their posted sign. Prices in USD:
Hem $10
Waist $14
Taper shirt/blouse $14
Taper sleeve $10
Hem sleeve $12
Dart back $10
Taper Jacket $25
Zipper $14

Hope this helps.
And if your garment is a fur which needs alteration, check out this price list, and open your wallet.