A great custom suit should last you a long time. During its lifespan, you might need alterations to accommodate a changing frame.
When you work with Metro Detroit’s best tailor, they’ll make sure your custom-fitted suit is able to be altered as you need it, but keep these things in mind:
- Generally speaking, most suits can be altered up to one full size up or down.
- Anything beyond that is likely to negatively affect the first, particularly the pockets and lapels.
At Sam Michael’s Menswear, we craft our custom suits with the potential for future alterations. For a great-looking, long-lasting suit, come see us in Farmington Hills, or call (248) 477-4615!
Know These Rules About Tailoring Custom-Fitted Suits
While custom suits can be altered, your tailor faces certain limitations. The more you know about it, the better you can adjust your expectations.
Here are the limitations that even the most experienced tailors need to work within when altering your suit:
1. Adjusting for Larger Frames
If your perfect fit requires a bit more fabric, you’re in luck. Most master tailors leave extra fabric called an “inlay” hidden within your suit’s seams. This allows the suit to be expanded to fit you.
Because this extra material is already built into your jacket and trousers, expert tailoring releases the seams to give you more breathing room. This future-proofing helps you stay comfortable and aligned if your measurements change over the years.
2. Taking in Your Custom Suit
If you’ve slimmed down and need your suit refitted, you’re in luck. It’s easier to eliminate volume than to add it.
This is another reason why it’s important to work with the best local tailor. These expert clothiers can slim your waist, taper your trousers, and shorten your sleeves to better suit your leaner frame.
3. Some Suit Alterations Are More Difficult
Just because tailoring can be done doesn’t mean the job is easy. Alterations such as working with the chest and torso width of your jacket, trouser leg taper, and crotch depth tend to take a lot of work and time.
Adjusting your jacket’s shoulder width, length, and armhole position is extremely risky. Here are three things that make these fixes next-to-impossible:
- Shoulder Width: Requires a complete deconstruction of your jacket, and often misaligns the chest proportions.
- Jacket Length: You can only shorten a jacket by no more than an inch. Any more has negative effects on pocket placement.
- Armhole Position: Raising a low armhole requires re-cutting the entire side panel and sleeve, which can cause huge problems with your overall fit.
Tailors Often Make These Alterations to Made-to-Measure Suits
Even the perfect fit has to be adjusted sometimes. Most men should expect to have their custom-fitted suit altered at least once during the garment’s lifetime.
- Waist/Seat: This is the most common request for altering a custom suit.
- Side Seams: Modern styles emphasize a slimmer-fitting suit. This helps turn a boxy look into a high-performance silhouette.”
- The Hem: Switching from a thick-soled dress shoe to a slim loafer requires changes to the trouser break.
- Sleeve Length: Over time, your jacket’s sleeves can shift at the elbows. Tailors realign the sleeve to show 1/4″ of cuff.
Do you need this or other tailoring done to improve your suit? If so, your best move is to take it to the area’s most experienced tailors.
Trust Sam Michaels to Restore Your Suit’s Perfect Fit
A custom-fitted suit can stand the test of time because it adjusts as you evolve. At Sam Michael’s Menswear, we’ll conduct expert alterations so you can get the most of out your suit.
Are you ready to continue looking your best in that sharp-looking suit you purchased? Visit us in Farmington Hills, MI, or call (248) 477-4615 to learn more!
