Alterations vs. Tailoring: What's the Difference and Which Do You Need?
Have you ever wondered about the difference between alterations and tailoring? You're not alone. Over 70% of people don't know what the differences are and whether they need to use both services. I've been a sewing specialist for years now so finding out the answer was essential. After speaking with countless clients and customers, it became pretty clear that most ladies don't understand this topic. The goal of this post is to help clear up any confusion around alterations vs. tailoring.
The terms "alterations" and “tailoring" are often used interchangeably, but they're actually two different things. In fact, they involve different processes and serve separate purposes. Before you schedule your next clothing altering or tailoring appointment, read the below article to make sure you understand the key differences between alterations and tailoring services offered by a professional clothing alteration and ladies tailoring shop in Karama, Dubai.
Difference Between Alterations and Tailoring
Alterations
Alterations are minor tweaks made to existing garments so they fit better or look better on someone
who has already bought them. You might have had your pants hemmed so they don't drag on the ground
or had darts added to give your waistline definition. These kinds of alterations are usually inexpensive
and can be completed by anyone with sewing skills and access to basic tools like sewing machines and
ironing boards.
Tailoring
Tailoring is a process that makes a garment more suited to your body shape or size. Tailors use patterns
and measurements to create garments that fit perfectly. If you've ever needed an expensive gown or dress
altered, then you've been to a tailoring shop Dubai — these types of garments are usually custom
tailored from scratch to fit only one person.
These two processes both involve working with patterns, fabrics and clothes as well as making adjustments based on measurements taken from your body. The main difference is that tailoring involves changing the pattern itself while alterations only change how pieces already made look and fit on you.
How to Decide Which Service Your Garment Requires
You want to alter a ready-made garment: If the piece you want altered is an off-the-rack item, you can take it to a tailor or dressmaker and they will be able to alter the garment so that it fits better. This may involve taking in or letting out seams or stitching darts. It may also involve adding or removing fabric from certain parts of the garment. If your clothing doesn’t fit quite right but isn’t too far off from what you’re looking for, consider altering it yourself (or with the help of a friend). At this point, alterations are more cost-effective than getting something tailored from scratch.
The clothes you’re buying are a little too big or small: If you need new pants that are just a bit too long or narrow in the waist, consider getting them altered instead of buying new ones. This is also true for tops that are slightly loose around your bust line or arms — easy fixes!
New and old pieces that you need to resize: Alterations are perfect for this because they don't require any cutting or sewing on the part of the tailor. Instead, they're done using sewing techniques like darts, gathering and grading (shortening). If you want to make a new item fit better but don't want any changes made to its style, an alteration will do just fine.
Looking for custom-made clothes: Custom tailoring is something you should consider if you’re looking for a more personal fit. While alterations can be a great way to update your wardrobe, they’re not always ideal for every item in your closet. When it comes to custom-made clothing, alterations are out of the question. Custom Western ladies tailors Dubai work directly with the designer or manufacturer to create your garment from scratch — which means they can customise everything from fabric choice to style elements like pleats or pockets.
Understanding the Limitations
Alterations are the process of altering or changing the existing design of a garment to make it fit better on your body. Tailoring is the process of creating new garments from scratch based on your personal measurements and specifications.
Alterations are made to clothing that has already been manufactured and sold in stores or online. Tailoring is a more personal service that involves making custom clothing from scratch, including taking measurements and creating patterns for each client.
Tailoring is more expensive than alterations because it requires more time and skill. Zikra Saeeda ladies tailor in Dubai also use higher-quality materials than those used by seamstresses who specialise in alterations.
Find a Tailor Who Knows Your Style and Needs
The first step is finding a tailor who knows what he or she is doing. Many alterations can be done by anyone with basic sewing skills, but if you're looking for something more complicated, such as adding sleeves or removing seams from pants, you'll need someone with experience in those areas. You can ask friends for recommendations or look online for local businesses that specialise in custom clothing alterations and tailoring services.
Reliable, Skilled Ladies Tailor in Dubai
Tailoring your garments can be the difference between wearing clothes that you don't love, fit poorly and/or are mis-fitted. An alteration however is more easily changed if it's obvious such as length or width, but alterations to the pattern, seams and shape of a garment require a lot more skill by the tailors and can be both costly and time consuming.
For your convenience, we offer our own reliable and skilled ladies tailor in Dubai. We have always strived to offer the best quality service. Hovering over the Embroidery alterations, or making them custom-made alterations are some of the extra services we provide and are happy to tell you about – ask for any other type of custom tailoring order and we will do everything possible to make it work for you. Our advanced machinery is a guarantee that your garment will be improved in no time.
FAQs
1. Should I take it to an alterations place or a tailor?
Generally, if you want to alter something that can't be fixed with a simple hem, search for a tailoring shop near me. If you need a button sewn on or a sleeve shortened, go to an alterations shop. You can take most garments to an alteration place, but not all. A tailor will always be better for suits and dresses because they are highly technical garments. The seamstress who does your alterations may not have the skills needed to work on these types of garments. In general, both are more expensive but offer better workmanship and a more refined look.
2. Is the service guaranteed?
Alterations and tailoring are guaranteed for up to two weeks from the date of delivery. This guarantee is valid only if the customer has inspected the garment and notified us in writing of any problems within seven days of receipt. Alterations and tailoring are not guaranteed if the customer fails to inform us of any problem within seven days of receipt or after the work is done.
3. What kind of experience does the tailor or seamstress have?
Our tailors and seamstresses have many years of experience in their fields and have been trained by professionals in altering gowns, abayas, sarees & blouses, south Indian dresses, Indian and Pakistani salwar suits and even uniforms. They are also able to make alterations on garments which require exceptional care and skill, such as vintage clothing or delicate fabrics that cannot be handled roughly.