son is getting married. Went to rent a tux and bought one instead for a give away price (34.00 for the jacket). The jacket is great in sleeve length, just a tad too big in chest though. Can this be altered and if so, what can I expect to pay. I figure even if it is like 80-90 I still OWN a tux for under 200 instead of renting one for 160.00. any help appreciated
Almost anything CAN be altered. Suit and tuxedo jackets are fairly complex pieces of clothing, though. The more complex, the more a seamstress or tailor will charge you to make it right. You're in a better position with it being too big than too small because it's easier to take away fabric than add it back in.
I wouldn't begin to guess how to estimate what it'll cost you, because there are so many variables to consider (if the jacket is cut such that altering is easy or hard, how much local people charge for their work, who you go to (skilled amateur, a professional tailor, the men's warehouse, or a dry cleaning shop, for example), how much has to be taken in and where, whether it's a rush job, etc).
I would recommend that you go to the yellow pages and find four local people who you might take it to. Ideally have him to take it to them and ask for an estimate (if he goes, they can see how much needs to be done). If he's not available, see if you can get an idea of how much it would need to be taken in, then give them a call and assure them you're only looking for a rough figure of how much it might cost.
In some places, alterers charge $10 an hour, some charge $30, and some just make a project price (like $50). People vary so much, the only helpful number you're going to get is from the people you might actually employ.
Where are you? This is an international discussion group.
That's not a simple job, it will probably involve altering both front and back seams of both the fashion fabric and the lining, and possibly re-setting the sleeve head. *If* it can be altered in the chest area by taking in the *back* seam only without skewing the fit, it might be reasonable to do so. For the U.S. I suggest you look here:
"BEI Design" wrote in >
reasonable to do so. For the U.S. I suggest you look here:
Tthe PACC page is an excellent resource, so I'm quoting it just to reiterate it. ;) Also remember you want a TAILOR. There are a lot of alterationists (like me) that do only women's clothing. A tailor will do menswear. If you talk to someone that bills herself as an alterationist, be sure to ask if she tailors too. You want someone who really knows what to expect when they open out that tux jacket.
Another resource you could try... If you have a Mens Wearhouse store near you, they will have tailors on staff. I don't know what they would charge you to do something that you didn't buy in their store, but it's worth a shot.
Good luck!!
Sharon
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