How to Prepare for an Alterations Fitting

A fitting takes a few minutes and determines the result entirely. Most disappointing alterations trace back to something that was missing from the fitting rather than to the sewing.

Bring the shoes

This is the one people forget and it is the one that matters most.

Trouser length is measured against a specific shoe height. Hem trousers over trainers and wear them with dress shoes and they will be visibly short. Hem them over heels and wear them flat and they will drag. There is no neutral length.

If the garment will be worn with more than one shoe height, bring both and we will decide together which to prioritise, or where to compromise.

Wear what you will actually wear underneath

For a dress, wear the same kind of underlayers you will wear on the day. A bodice fitted over different underwear will not sit the same way, and that difference is not small on a fitted garment.

For a jacket, wear the shirt you would normally wear with it. Fitting a jacket over a t shirt gives you a jacket that is too tight over a shirt.

Come clean, and come with the garment clean

Fabric can shift very slightly during cleaning. Altering a garment and then cleaning it risks undoing careful work, so clean first where the garment needs it.

We can collect it, clean it and have it ready for your fitting, which saves you a trip.

Know what you want, roughly

You do not need technical vocabulary. Plain description works better than jargon. Useful things to be able to say:

• Where it feels tight or loose, and when, standing, sitting or reaching
• Whether you want it fitted or comfortable, because those pull against each other
• Whether it needs to last or just needs to work for one event
• Anything you have had altered before that you did or did not like

If you are unsure, say so. It is easier to advise than to guess.

Expect a second fitting

On anything substantial, taking in a jacket, reshaping a dress, major structural work, a second fitting is normal and is a sign of care rather than a mistake. Fabric behaves differently once it has been worked on.

Which means the single best thing you can do for an event garment is come early. The week before is when you discover you needed three weeks.

When to say no

Not everything is worth altering, and we will tell you when that is the case. Letting out only works if there is seam allowance left. Going down more than about two sizes distorts the proportions, because pockets, buttons and detailing stay where they were. Shoulder alterations are major reconstruction and rarely worth it unless the garment is valuable.

Arrange a fitting

Call 954 983 7519. Alterations are done in house at the shop. See our alterations page.

La Mar 1 Hour Dry Cleaners, 6430 Pembroke Rd, Miramar, FL 33023. Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm, Saturday 8am to 6pm.