A great suit can only take your look so far. To really get the full experience of looking sharp in a suit even with a budget-friendly, off-the-rack suit, you will need to get it tailored.

Properly tailored suits are transformative – they will accentuate your every angle, broaden your shoulders, and trim your waist. Many people who wear suits have no idea what is involved with getting one tailored. If you're wondering how should a suit fit, check out our guide separately.

Tailoring consists of way more than simply hemming the pants. Understanding the basics of tailoring will help you discern the proper fit and how to work with your tailor to get the perfect fit for a great look.

The short answer: if you want to look your best you should certainly get it tailored, or order bespoke. So if you have someone to impress, or you're playing a part in a wedding or other formal gathering, then you'll definitely want to get it tailored.

 

Suit Tailoring 101

Whether you need a new suit for a job or an event, you will need to get it tailored by a professional to accentuate your features and get the most bang for your buck. So, the obvious question is: Where to buy a suit? And, what will the tailor do to your new suit?

How long it takes to tailor a suit really depends on 2 things - what time of the year and where you go. If you go to large department stores such as Nordstroms or big brands like Men's Warehouse it can easily take 3-4 weeks, and even as long as 6 weeks.

However, if you're in a rush you'll have a better chance of finding a mom and pop shop that can do it in less than 2 weeks, and often for a better price. When I had to get my suit tailored for a wedding I was getting quotes of 3 weeks, but then I went to a local tailor and they finished it 3 days. Life savers.

Consider a Bespoke Suit

Custom made suits are a whole other game where you work with a suit maker or supplier to construct a custom suit from scratch. They'll take your exact measurements and you can select from a fabric swatch book as well as pick out details like the type of buttons and lining inside.

Affordable custom suits are hard to find and you might find yourself compromising on quality of materials for a lower price point when it comes to going the custom route for men's suits. A custom garment comes with its price point because it is truly one of a kind and made especially for you.

If this doesn't sound like the route for you, you can always search for mens suit stores near you or "suit store near me" on any search engine.

Finding a Men’s Suit Store

A regular department store will not cater to your needs for a proper tailoring. While they may hem the pants, or attempt to measure you for a fitting, they typically are not professionals in men’s wear.

Stores catered to men’s fashion will be much more suited to adjusting your suit. A professional tailor will measure, measure again, fit, and refit you to get the ideal suit for your body. You can go to Jos a Bank or Men's Wearhouse, Friar Tux, Nordstroms, and more.

At these places it can cost anywhere from $25-$250 for tailoring depending on which place you go, and how much work you need done. The average cost of suit can be hard to calculate given all the different variables like fabric and construction quality. Getting this done at a higher end tailor can be more expensive.

One of our employees had his slacks adjusted in one area, and his suit jacket in one area and it came out to be $50.00. The more areas for each article of clothing, the more expensive.

 

Fix Jacket Collar Gaps

That’s right – collar gaps. Your tailor will measure your neck so they can ensure that the collar fits properly against your neck. Ill-fitting suits sit away from the shirt collar, creating an unsightly gap. You may not be able to see it, but other people will. 

 

Shoulders Should Fit Comfortably

 

Snug fit around the shoulders

 

The tailor should craft your suit jacket to fit your shoulders snugly. Avoid wearing a suit that's too baggy, where the fabric in the shoulders are pointing outwards. You want to be able to have natural movement with no sagging, but not too tight.

The shoulders on a suit are so important that many tailors will work with you to find a suit off-the-rack that fits your shoulders perfectly, and then they will make additional adjustments from there.

 

Hemming Perfect Sleeve and Trouser Length

Extra-long trousers and a long sleeve length create a sloppy overall appearance. Long trousers make you appear shorter and stout.

Trousers that brush the tops of your shoes are properly fitted and elongate the appearance of your legs. Popular styles right now take this a step further and show off more leg – time to show off those fancy socks.

Proper length trousers with socks showing

 

Dress suit jackets should not fit like a regular outdoor jacket. They should not hit your knuckles or hang from your arms. Your jacket sleeve should end about a quarter- to half-inch before the shirt sleeve are preferred. This look will show a slight sliver of your shirt cuff and adds a touch more class to your style.

 

Suit jacket with sliver of shirt cuff showing

  

Adjustment for Waist Measurement

Off-the-rack suits are often designed to fit men with a bit of girth in their midsection. For those who are a bit huskier or slimmer, you will need to have your suit adjusted. If you are slim, the boxy fit of an off-the-rack suit creates a sloppy look.

At the same time, never settle for a suit that is too tightly fitted. In most circumstances, you will be wearing this suit jacket for a lengthy period and you will want it to fit comfortably. Here's a guide on how to measure waist accurately.

 

Suit Alterations Cost vs Value

Cost of Tailoring: Tailoring services vary widely in cost, depending on the extent of the modifications needed. Minor adjustments, such as hemming trousers or shortening sleeves, might cost just a few dollars.

More complex suit alterations, like adjusting the jacket’s fit or reworking the suit’s structure, can run into several hundred dollars. It’s important to evaluate whether the cost of tailoring fits within your budget and if it aligns with the value you place on achieving a perfectly tailored suit.

Suit Investment: When you’ve invested in a high-quality suit, suit alterations can be a valuable way to enhance its overall appearance and longevity. A well-tailored suit not only looks sharper but also maximizes the potential of the fabric and construction, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.

In contrast, if the suit is of lower quality or the cost of tailoring exceeds the value of the suit, it might be worth reconsidering whether the tailoring expense is justified. Tailoring is most beneficial when it complements a substantial investment in a quality suit, helping to achieve a customized fit that enhances both style and durability.

How to Tailor a Suit Jacket Yourself

While a name brand suit crafted to your body might be preferred, not everybody has that kind of time or money. There are some nifty hacks that you can perform to get a more tailored look on your own. 

Shorten Sleeves

Shorten the sleeves of your suit jacket by flipping the jacket sleeves inwards. Once the desired length is achieved, secure them with a couple of bobby pins that match your suit’s color. 

Waistline

If your pants are a bit loose and a belt does not match with your outfit, you can use binder clips for a better fit. Cinch the fabric at the back of your waistline and use the binder clips to hold them in place.

Hem Pants

Using fabric tape, cuff/fold your pants inward to the desired hemline and secure with fabric tape. 

Know Your Size

While department stores are not the place to go for professional tailoring, they can measure you and help you determine what size and cuts are best suited for your suits. In the era of online shopping, it is imperative to know your measurements.

Different brands will fit you differently, even if they are the same size, so be sure to check size guides that list measurements if you are shopping online.

 

How Long Does It Take to Get a Suit Tailored?

If you are a new client to the tailor, then this process will take a bit longer since they will need to start from scratch. However, typically, you should expect a 2-to 4-week total from purchase to complete set. With smaller shops you can get it as fast as a few days from a local tailor.

Keep in mind that things like busy seasons can make suit alterations take longer. Some tailors may have rush service that will require an additional fee if you need your suit completed faster.

The type of suit alterations that you need may also interfere with the time of completion. For example, if the store does not have a particular fabric in stock, you will need to factor in shipping times for that.

 

Suiting Your Suit Needs

A sharp looking suit on a hanger can fall flat and look sloppy once you put it on, and that can damage our confidence. The last thing we need when going on a job interview or a vital meeting is to have our self-esteem damaged by an ill-fitting suit.

Last minute hacks can elongate and accentuate your look in a moment of need. Whether you go to the tailor or DIY hem, the importance of a properly fitting suit is clear to dress like a lawyer.

Planning ahead and understanding the expected timeline can help ensure that your suit alterations is ready when you need it, allowing you to enjoy a perfect fit and enhanced confidence for any occasion.

 

FAQs about getting a suit tailored

How fast can I get a suit tailored?

The time it takes to get a suit tailored can vary based on several factors, including the tailor's workload, the complexity of the alterations, and the type of suit. Generally, you can expect the process to take anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks. For urgent needs, some tailors may offer expedited services, though this may come with an additional cost.

How long do tailors usually take?

Tailors typically take between 1 to 4 weeks to complete alterations on a suit. The exact timeframe can depend on the tailor’s schedule, the specific alterations needed, and whether the suit is being custom-made from scratch or just altered. It’s always a good idea to ask for an estimated completion date when you first visit the tailor.

How many hours does it take to make a tailored suit?

Creating a tailored suit from scratch can be a time-intensive process, often requiring anywhere from 20 to 50 hours of work. This includes time for pattern making, cutting fabric, sewing, and fitting adjustments. The exact number of hours depends on the complexity of the design and the skill level of the tailor.

How long should a suit fitting take?

A suit fitting typically takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour. During the fitting, the tailor will take measurements, assess the initial fit of the suit, and make notes for adjustments. Depending on the number of fittings required and the complexity of the alterations, subsequent fittings may also take a similar amount of time.