How much do alterations cost?
How much do alterations cost?
$10 – $75 average cost per alteration
Average alteration prices
Alteration prices range from $10 to $75 on average, depending on the item being altered, the type of alterations needed, and the sewist you choose. Shirt alteration prices are $10 to $50, while altering pants or jeans costs $10 to $75. Some jacket and coat alterations cost more than average because of the garment's complex construction.
| Garment | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Shirts & blouses | $10 – $50 |
| Pants & jeans | $10 – $75 |
| Dresses & skirts | $15 – $65 |
| Jackets & coats | $25 – $150 |
| Other items | $10 – $40 |
Alterations price list
Whether you're petite, have a curvy figure, or simply crave a flawless fit, a sewist can be your secret weapon for looking great and feeling confident in your clothes. Most sewists provide alteration price lists for their most popular resizing services, which usually range from $10 to $75, depending on the complexity of the work.
Shirts & blouses
| Alteration | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Add darts | $10 – $30 |
| Shorten sleeves | $10 – $50 |
| Hem | $15 – $25 |
| Adjust shoulders (sleeveless) | $15 – $25 |
| Taper sleeves | $15 – $50 |
| Taper | $25 – $35 |
Pants & jeans
| Alteration | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Hem or cuff | $10 – $20 |
| Adjust waist | $15 – $25 |
| Replace lining | $15 – $25 |
| Adjust waist, seat, and crotch | $20 – $35 |
| Taper legs | $20 – $40 |
| Recut pants (slim through the hips from both seams) | $50 – $75+ |
Jackets & coats
| Alteration | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Shorten sleeves | $25 – $50 |
| Taper sleeves | $25 – $50 |
| Replace lining | $25 – $50+ |
| Taper sides | $25 – $60 |
| Add darts | $30 – $40 |
| Lengthen sleeves | $30 – $50 |
| Shorten | $30 – $90 |
| Adjust shoulders | $75 – $150 |
Dresses & skirts
| Alteration | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Taper sleeves | $15 – $25 |
| Adjust shoulders (sleeveless) | $15 – $25 |
| Shorten sleeves | $15 – $35 |
| Adjust waist | $20 – $25 |
| Add piping or details | $20 – $50 |
| Taper | $25 – $45 |
| Adjust shoulders (with sleeves) | $25 – $45+ |
| Hem (depending on lining) | $25 – $65 |
Other findings
Alteration "findings" refer to the smaller components and trim pieces like zippers, buttons, snaps, hooks, elastic, and belts that are easily damaged. Fixing these small fasteners can save a garment for just a few dollars.
| Alteration | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| Replace buttons | $1 – $3 per button |
| Replace or add a hook and eye | $1 – $3 per set |
| Replace zipper | $10 – $25 |
| Adjust straps | $10 – $40 |
| Add or alter belt/ sash | $10 – $40 |
*Minimum service fees may apply.
Many sewists charge a minimum fee of $10 to $15 for simple services, so it is more cost-effective to bring in a few pieces for repair rather than a single item with a missing button.
Wedding dress alteration prices
Wedding dress and bridesmaid dress alterations tend to be more complex and costly compared to regular clothing alterations. Wedding dress alterations cost $150 to $700 to alter the delicate fabrics with embellishments that require careful sewing to prevent damage. The boned bodices, multi-layered skirts, and trains of a wedding gown require advanced tailoring techniques, which increases costs.
Bridesmaid dress alterations cost $60 to $200 for alterations which commonly include hemming, taking in the side seams, and shortening the straps. Keep in mind that the delicate fabrics must be hand-stitched, and each dress layer hemmed separately, which accounts for the high alterations price.
Additional alteration costs
In addition to resizing clothes, sewists also perform other alteration services. Restyling services cost $50 to $150 to change the way a garment looks by altering the neckline, adding sleeves, or updating the design elements. Custom tailoring costs $75 to $200 to design and sew a garment from scratch, depending on the design complexity.
| Alteration type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Resize a garment | $10 – $75 |
| Restyle a garment | $50 – $150 |
| Custom garment (simple) | $75 – $200 |
| Custom garment (complex) | $200+ |
Alterations cost factors
Several factors affect alteration prices:
Alteration complexity: More complex alterations that require advanced skills and techniques will cost more. Simple hems or taking in side seams are relatively straightforward, while restructuring a garment, like moving darts, reshaping armholes, or adjusting shoulders, is far more time-consuming and costly.
Fabric type: Delicate fabrics like silk, chiffon, or lace are more costly to alter than sturdy fabrics like denim, wool, or polyester.
Embellishments: Altering garments with beading, embroidery, appliques, sequins, or other decorative details costs more to achieve a perfect fit while preserving the embellishments. Significant custom changes require more creative skills and effort, increasing costs.
Sewist experience level: More experienced sewers and tailors with advanced training and years of expertise can charge higher rates for their skills.
Geographic location: Alteration prices near you may be higher or lower, depending on where you live. Rates are usually higher in major metropolitan areas where the cost of living is higher.
Rush fees: Many sewists charge premium rush fees for requesting expedited service or very tight turnaround times that require them to prioritize and work overtime.
Garment value: Altering a vintage, couture, or very expensive garment that is difficult to replace adds risk and requires more care, leading to higher alteration prices.
Garment alteration FAQs
Is it worth getting clothes altered?
Getting clothes altered is often worth it, especially for formal or expensive garments, as proper fit can make a significant difference in how an outfit looks and feels. However, you should weigh the cost of alterations against the value of the clothing item.
Do you tip a seamstress or tailor?
Tipping your sewist is a great way to show them you appreciate their skills and the time they spent on your clothes. Tipping is not required but is appreciated, especially for intricate or custom work. A typical tip amount is 15% to 20% of the total bill.
Where can I get alterations?
You can get clothes altered at various places, including alteration shops, tailors, and dry cleaners. Some higher-end department stores like Nordstrom often offer in-house alterations, sometimes offering basic alterations for free on full-priced items. Bridal shops usually have experienced sewists on-site to handle wedding dresses and bridesmaid dress alterations.
How long do alterations take?
Simple alterations like hems may take 1 to 3 days. More complex alterations can take 1 to 2 weeks. For expedited timeliness, rush fees may apply.
Finding the best tailor or seamstress near you
Don’t throw out clothes you love just because they no longer fit. Instead, look for a skilled seamstress or tailor near you and follow these suggestions:
Look for sewists with great reviews on Fash and Google.
Ask to see a portfolio of their work.
Bring in your garment for them to evaluate before committing.
Communicate exactly what you want altered to avoid misunderstandings on the final product.
Discuss turnaround time and make sure any special instructions are noted on your order.
Expect to pay more for complex alterations or working with delicate fabrics.
Questions to ask an alterations specialist
Before handing over your favorite dress or suit, be sure to ask your alterations specialist these important questions:
Are you capable of doing the specific alterations I need?
Can you show me examples of similar alterations you've done before?
Do you have experience working with this type of fabric/beading/embellishments?
How many fittings will I need for these alterations?
How long does the full alteration process take from start to finish?
How much will the full set of alterations cost?
Does the quoted price include all alterations discussed, or are additional fees possible?
What is your payment policy?
Do you offer rush fees if I need the alterations sooner?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.