Tailoring 101: what’s worth altering
Tod
Lost once, now finds things · 2 min read · Nov 2026
Lost once, now finds things · 2 min read · Nov 2026
Easy wins, hard jobs, and how to get the most from a tailor visit.
Mom ran the counter at a Spadina tailor for years. Here’s what she’d tell you.
Easy wins
- Hems on pants, skirts and dresses.
- Taking in a waist or the sides of a shirt.
- Shortening sleeves on most jackets and coats.
- Zippers: often just the slider needs replacing.
Hard jobs
- Shoulders: buy for the shoulders, because they’re hard to change.
- Letting out is only possible if there’s extra fabric in the seams.
- Leather needs a specialist: old stitch holes don’t close up.
Get the most from your visit
- Wear or bring the shoes and undergarments you’ll wear with it.
- Stand naturally while they pin.
- For weddings and events, start two to three months ahead.
Tailor and alterations
Neli StyleTailor and alterations · 4772 Bank Street
Andrei Master TailorsTailor and alterations · 256 Dalhousie Street
Sara Alteration and Cleaner IncTailor and alterations · 673 Colborne Street
Whispers on this guide
Been lately? Add what’s changed, a place we missed, or your own tip.
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