How To · Fashion · Build
Find a good tailor and build a relationship that lasts
A good tailor is not a luxury—they're infrastructure for a functional wardrobe. Here's how to find one, test their skills, and keep them in your corner.
5 min read · IrisMost men own clothes that fit poorly because they've never met the right tailor. A good one doesn't just hem pants—they understand proportion, posture, and how fabric should move on your specific body. The difference between a mediocre tailor and a skilled one is the difference between looking acceptable and looking intentional.
Finding that person requires some legwork, but it's worth it. Once you do, you'll stop buying clothes based on off-the-rack sizing and start buying based on potential. This guide walks you through vetting tailors, testing their work, and building a relationship that pays dividends across your entire wardrobe.
A good tailor doesn't just follow instructions—they ask questions about how you move and what you actually wear.
What you'll need.
- 01A simple garment needing basic hemming or shortening
- 02Clear written instructions or a detailed conversation about fit
- 03A mirror and your own eye for assessing finished work
- 04Willingness to communicate regularly and provide feedback
Step one · 1 minute
Ask your network for referrals
Start by asking men whose style you respect where they get tailoring done. Check local menswear shops, dry cleaners with in-house tailors, and independent alteration specialists in your area. Look for tailors mentioned repeatedly—that consistency matters. If you live in a smaller town, expand your search to nearby cities or ask if they do mail-in work.
Avoid chain dry cleaners unless they have a dedicated tailor on staff. The person doing your work should be the owner or a long-term specialist.
Step two · 2 minutes
Vet their portfolio and experience
Call or visit in person and ask to see examples of their work. A good tailor will have photos of completed projects or can show you garments they've altered. Ask specifically about their experience with tailoring (not just hemming)—can they adjust jacket shoulders, taper sleeves, take in or let out side seams, and work with delicate fabrics? Ask how long they've been tailoring and if they specialize in menswear.
If they seem reluctant to show work or can't articulate their process, keep looking. Confidence and transparency are green flags.
Step three · 2 minutes
Start with a simple, low-stakes project
Don't hand over your best suit for a complex alteration on your first visit. Bring in a pair of casual pants that need hemming or a shirt that needs sleeve shortening. This lets you evaluate their attention to detail, communication, and turnaround time without risk. Pay attention to whether they ask clarifying questions about fit and how you wear the garment.
Specify exactly how you want the hem finished (blind stitch, visible topstitch, etc.) and ask for a timeline. A good tailor will confirm details in writing.
Step four · 2 minutes
Assess the finished work carefully
When you pick up the garment, examine the seams, hems, and overall proportions. Are the stitches even and secure? Does the garment hang the way you discussed? Try it on and move around—does it feel comfortable and look intentional? Ask yourself if the tailor made the alterations you requested or if they added their own interpretation without asking.
If something's off, return it immediately and explain the issue. How they handle corrections tells you everything about whether they're worth a long-term relationship.
Step five · 1 minute
Establish a communication rhythm
Once you've found a tailor who delivers, start bringing them regular work. Build a relationship by being a reliable client—pay promptly, give clear instructions, and respect their timeline. Share your style goals and body quirks so they understand your preferences. A tailor who knows you'll anticipate fit issues before you do.
If you're moving or traveling, ask if they offer mail-in services or can recommend someone in your new location. Good tailors often have networks.
Step six · 2 minutes
Invest in a complex alteration to deepen the relationship
Once trust is established, bring in a garment that needs sophisticated work—a jacket that needs shoulder adjustment, a coat that needs restructuring, or trousers that need a full reconstruction. This is where a skilled tailor separates from a competent one. Their ability to handle complexity and problem-solve on the fly demonstrates their true skill level.
Before committing to expensive work, ask for a consultation. A good tailor will explain what's possible, what's not, and why—and won't oversell their abilities.
How to know you've found the right tailor
You'll know you've found a keeper when they ask more questions than you do, remember your preferences without you repeating them, and deliver work that makes you reach for those clothes more often. A great tailor becomes a collaborator—someone who understands your body and your style well enough to anticipate what you need.
Questions at the mirror.
What if the tailor's first job isn't perfect?
Return it and explain the issue clearly. If they fix it at no charge and listen to your feedback, that's a sign they're worth keeping. If they're defensive or charge you again, move on.
How much should tailoring cost?
Hemming typically runs $15–40 depending on fabric and complexity. Sleeve shortening is $25–50. Jacket alterations (shoulders, side seams) can run $75–150+. Ask for a quote before committing. Prices vary by region and tailor skill level.
Can a tailor fix a garment that's the wrong size?
Sometimes. If you're one or two sizes off, a skilled tailor can often make it work. But if you're three or more sizes away, the proportions become impossible to fix. Always try things on before buying if possible.
What if I move to a new city?
Ask your current tailor for a referral or ask locals for recommendations using the same vetting process. Many tailors will also accept mail-in work if you want to maintain the relationship.