Investing 101: Tailoring
Disclaimer: The content presented here is for educational and entertainment purposes only with no intent to bash those who have an aversion to tailoring.
The reason your pants don’t fit you well isn’t because you don’t hit the gym (unless, it is). Really, it’s because you’ve probably never been to a tailor and if you’ve gotten far enough to even consider going to one, the prices were off-putting. While this is understandable, just marinate on how those ill fitting pants made you feel.
If the image wasn’t compelling enough to make you take on the expenditure, stay at ease and read no more. However, if you winced and want assistance with making an informed investment, journey ahead.
Often characterized by measuring tape sported as a scarf, tailors play an integral role in making sure that the clothes we invest in live up to their role and price tag. With formal origins in Europe’s Medieval Ages, tailoring enabled social hierarchy to be upheld. Not surprisingly, the most luxurious textiles and flattering fits were reserved for aristocrats. Still, commoners experienced the significance of the trade and were clothed modestly in comparison. Tailors took on the heroic role of fashion designers and shaped trends at the time.
Snack for thought: Moroni’s famous The Tailor painting captures the allure of the tradesman and illustrates a character that over 500 years of viewers hold in high regard. This painting drew in many female spectators as the man depicted sparked many romantic fantasies even in today’s age.
Deciding to Invest
Behind every good investment is quality information that led to it. Now that you’re informed of tailoring’s genesis, the following are three reasons why we think getting your clothes tailored is worthwhile:
1. COMFORT
There is nothing like having a reliable garment that can be worn without causing worry. Whether it’s the pants that mop the floor or the dress that fits too loose, you can be sure that a tailor will properly alter your piece to reflect what best flatters your body’s many nuances. This also allows you to learn your body type and how to accentuate your best physical features. Having a garment that simplifies the dressing process not only contributes to ease, but it can be transformative when it comes to boosting your confidence levels. Chances are, if you love how your clothes look on you, you’ll have the perfect outfit and attitude to take on the day. That’s something you can’t put a price on.
2. LONGEVITY
There is much to be said about fast fashion brands that don’t prioritize the quality of the items they sell. One thing we will say is that if you seek a garment that will last you a while, this is not where to find it. It’s like a company with a high turnover rate. Everyone quits since the benefits are slim, so the company ends up losing money in the long run trying to recruit new hires. Some things just don’t work. The same goes for your clothes. It’s better to finance a garment that will last you years, rather than something you’ll only get a few wears out of. With tailoring, the lifespan of your piece increases exponentially and allows you to not have to worry about renewing clothes frequently and ultimately wasting money. This is especially true with bespoke tailoring, where your tailor makes a custom garment for you from the ground up. While the price of tailoring can be discouraging and almost anxiety inducing at first, that is money you would probably spend on lower quality or ill fitting items anyway. Put your dollars to positive use.
3. PRESERVATION
Preservation is arguably one of the best reasons to get your clothes tailored. By this, we mean the preservation of artisanship. Many argue that tailoring is a dying art and while it’s still alive its prevalence has dwindled drastically. By investing in tailoring, you communicate that you value true artisans. This allows your local small business to stay afloat and practice a craft that has shaped the face of fashion for over 500 years. That is how true fashion is supported and skillset is passed down to the upcoming generations of designers. So, if you really want to support fashion, run to your local tailor.
Don’t Say We Didn’t Warn You —
Finding a good tailor should be like finding a good partner. You’re seeking to develop a great relationship with the person responsible for what you wear. Look for the following in your potential tailor:
1. QUALITY WORK
This is a given. But how do you make sure your tailor knows what they’re doing? Ask for samples of their work. A good tailor should want to put your concerns to rest. The easiest way to do that is to assure you with examples of work they’ve done. You want to look out for clean stitching as this can mark good artisanship. Moreover, the more receptive your tailor is to questions and has obvious vast knowledge, the higher the probability of you being in good hands. Start small. If you really want to get a sense of a tailor’s skill set, you can start off by getting smaller work done. Don’t start off getting your favorite garment altered, instead opt for getting your everyday pants hemmed.
2. APPOINTMENTS
A good tailor is willing to get to know your body. In order to do this, they must set time aside to study its nuances by taking your measurements and observing your proportions. In fact, if a tailor doesn’t ask you to come in for a fitting, run, don’t walk.
3. COMMUNICATION & PATIENCE
A good tailor won’t make you feel rushed or uneasy. Your gut won’t lie. A quality tailor will ease your stress as much as possible. If you are seeking to get a complex alteration done, the time they propose it will take should make sense. Granted, there are surcharges for rushed or emergency services. However, no good thing is ever rushed. Seek someone who understands that principle.
The prospect of getting clothes tailored shouldn’t incite fear. It is a process that draws us nearer to our garments and enhances our relationship with fashion. We hope to have armed you with an adequate toolbox for engaging with one of fashion’s most transformative procedures. Any investment has risks, but you owe it to yourself to take a chance and expand the power of your wardrobe. It’s time to truly own what you wear.
