About the tailors with online booking
A tailor makes clothes to measure and alters the ones you already own. The most common requests are the made-to-measure suit (jacket and trousers, sometimes a waistcoat), made-to-measure shirts, adjusting an off-the-peg suit and the everyday alterations, such as shortening trousers, taking a waist in or letting it out, slimming a jacket, replacing a zip. Each tailor decides what they offer and how long they book for each appointment, and you see it on their page exactly as they have set it up.
A made-to-measure suit means several appointments, not one. The first is the consultation and measuring. You choose cloth, lining and details and the tailor takes your measurements. Weeks later comes the first fitting, with the garment basted together, and depending on the workshop a second fitting before collection. Book each step separately, and the tailor will tell you when the next one is due.
As for timing, measuring with the choice of cloth usually takes 45 minutes to an hour. A fitting, half an hour. Pinning an alteration, ten to twenty minutes. Collecting a garment, about fifteen minutes if you want to try it on before taking it home. Workshop lead times are separate. A simple alteration may be ready in a few days, while a made-to-measure suit takes weeks.
Before you go, bring the shoes and the shirt you will wear with the garment, because trouser and sleeve lengths are pinned with them on. If you are coming for an alteration, bring the garment clean and know when you need it by, so that the tailor can tell you whether it is doable.
Frequently asked questions
What should I bring to the measuring appointment for a made-to-measure suit?
The shoes and the shirt you will wear with the suit and, if you have one, the belt. Trouser length, sleeve length and the way the jacket hangs are all pinned with them on. If you own a garment that fits you particularly well, bring it along, as it gives the tailor a reference.
How many fittings does a made-to-measure suit need?
Usually one or two after measuring. At the first the garment is basted and the shoulders, chest and lengths are adjusted. If needed, the second checks the corrections. Then comes collection. Each workshop has its own method and will tell you how many appointments you will need.
How long does it take to shorten trousers or take in a waist?
Pinning it at the appointment takes ten or twenty minutes. The workshop time is usually between a few days and a week, depending on how busy the tailor is and what needs doing. If you have a deadline, say so when you book or in the appointment notes.
Can I book an appointment just for an alteration?
Yes. Book an alteration and bring the garment clean, with the shoes you will wear it with if it is a trouser hem. The tailor pins it on you and tells you when it will be ready.
Do I need an appointment to collect my garment?
It is a good idea, as someone from the workshop is expecting you, you try it on before taking it home and, if anything is not quite right, it is corrected there and then. Many tailors offer collection as a short appointment of about fifteen minutes.