Just about everyone has purchased a new garment, only to bring it home and realize that its fit isn't ideal. On a similar note, most people also own a favorite item of clothing which due to frequent wear, will inevitably need to be mended. Those who don't have time or know how to perform these tasks rely on the services of a professional tailor or seamstress. If they keep these points in mind when looking for a clothing alteration service Joliet IL customers should find it easier to choose one which meets their needs.

A talented seamstress or tailor can take any garment, and make suitable adjustments so it fits the wearer perfectly. Various types of alterations can be made such as raising or lowering the hemline on a dress, skirt, or pair of pants, or adjusting the sleeve length on a blouse, shirt, or blazer. Adding darts, or taking in a seam, can also make a garment fit better. Typical repairs include mending tears or holes in fabric or replacing a zipper.

Professionals who provide clothing alterations are usually either seamstresses, or seamsters in the case of a male, or tailors. The key difference between these two related but distinct occupations is that seamstresses or seamsters primarily do adjustments to the seams and hems of existing articles of clothing, while tailors can not only do this, but also custom build garments to the specifications of their customers.

A custom tailor or "bespoke" is a person who makes articles of clothing to the specifications of his or her clients. They can be expected to have an extensive knowledge of all types of sewing and fitting methods, and fabrics. While they can certainly make adjustments, they primarily focus on designing and constructing apparel, which can take weeks or months, depending on the amount of work involved.

The easiest way to begin one's search for a reliable seamstress or tailor is to ask people one knows if they can recommend someone they are happy with. One can also look online for services which have received favorable reviews, or ask a dry cleaner, which may have their own alterations provider, or if not they may still know someone since the two industries are related.

When interviewing prospective services, it's important to find out how long the person has been in business for and if they have extensive experience in working with the type of garment one is looking to have altered. Some of them also offer specialized work such as leather repairs, or restyling outdated clothing to give it a more up-to-date look. They should demonstrate a wide breadth of knowledge about all fabric and garment types.

A professional service will have a standard pricing system for the alterations and repairs they provide. In some cases prices may vary depending on the garment and fabric type. Establishing a "going-rate" for the task at hand is best accomplished by comparing price quotes from several tailors or seamstresses, and this will also reveal if one is overcharging.

A fitting is a basic requirement for most alterations if they are to be done correctly. This provides the wearer with the best opportunity to explain to the tailor or seamstress exactly how he or she wants to have the garment changed so it can then be pinned and marked as needed for the adjustments.