How to Find a Good & Inexpensive Tailor

When I find a pair of pants that fits in the hip, inseam, and thigh, they're often too big in the waist. For years, I dealt with this by just cinching my belt and hoping the bunched fabric at the top wasn't too noticeable. Then I found a great, inexpensive tailor, and my life changed! I no longer need to wear a belt if I don't want to; I can pick up bargain pants that are too big for a song, and then pay a little to have them fit perfectly; my expensive designer jeans now fit like a glove; and, my tailor has even made pants for me (like when I wanted a lightweight pair for a trip to Africa when all the stores were stocked with the fall staples instead of the linen-cotton blend I needed to stay cool in 100-degree temps). The benefits of a having an experienced tailor are many, and I think everyone needs one. 

How then, do you go about finding yourself a great tailor who doesn't charge a bundle? My advice is to ask people you know who work in formal office settings, but for non-profits. These are people who wear suits and need to look nice, but don't usually have big budgets for clothes and alterations. My tailor was referred to me by a friend who works in the development (fund raising) office for a local university. She and her coworkers all use the same tailor, who is just a couple blocks from campus. I’ve been going to this tailor now for about three years, and have been very happy with her work. 

After you get some recommendations from people you trust, call the tailor and ask how much she/he charges for the work you want done. The tailor should be able to give you a price range if there’s not set amount, and not surprise you with a number when you go to pick up your clothes. During your first visit, I'd start with just one article of clothing so you can test their work and see if this will be a good relationship.