The quality of alteration work can differ in many ways, including in the stitching, fitting, and other aspects of a garment. For example, most customers are not aware that trousers should be tapered equally both inside and outside of the clothing. Some tailors taper one side only because they do not know how to do both or because they do not want to spend more time on the task. But this can cause the center line to be distorted or leave the pants uncomfortable. So, if the price for tailoring is too cheap, you take the risk of poor work.
How long will my alteration take?
Jobs normally require about a week, but for more complex alterations we may need more time. However, we will always try and fit the job completion around our customers’ requirements. Just tell us if you are in a rush. We can even finish in a day or in just a few hours if the job is simple to do. We don't charge extra for express orders. However, if a garment being altered needs a special material, such as a zipper or specific fabric, it may take more time because we’ll need to make a special order to buy the exact size, color, or material required.
Do I need to make an appointment?
No, just walk in any time during our business hours.
Is invisible mending (Weaving) possible?
A tear or hole in a loved piece of clothing can be heartbreaking. It was practical to do invisible mending a long time ago, but not now. This is because the cost of such a repair is not worth it nowadays, just like the cost to repair most electronics. However, there is usually an alternative way to repair your clothing, like by attaching a patch if it is not formal dress, such as leather or casual fabric. Please contact us for more details.
What do I do if I have questions regarding an order or service?
We are very happy to answer any questions you may have—please call us or bring the clothing piece in. Alternatively, you can contact us through this site or email questions to provoalterations@gmail.com.What forms of payment do you accept and when should I pay?
We accept cash, check, and credit cards (Visa, Master, AMEX, Discover). We require prepay because some customers do not pick up their alterations for unknown reasons.
Do I need to have my clothing alterations fitted?
Ideally we like to fit our customers’ garments in one of our personal fitting rooms within our shop. This allows you to see clearly the alteration being pinned in a full length mirror ensuring a better fitting garment. If you own a perfectly fitting garment, we can use that as a template for your alterations if you cannot be fitted in-store.
Do I have to wash my clothing item before I drop it off?
We'd like you to do so for an old garment. If a garment has not been washed for a long time, the seamstress may be bothered by the smell.
What can I expect my alteration to cost?
The alteration cost totally depends on the time and difficulty to do it. It has nothing to do with the value of the garment. (The same principle applies when you pay to fix a car.) Therefore, we recommend that you think beforehand about whether your item is worth it for you to repair, and when you buy a new garment, consider the possible alteration cost, especially when you buy online. Also, we do charge the same no matter the age of your clothing, but, honestly, an old dress is harder to work with than a new one because it is harder to take out the threads.
We charge the most for altering the shoulders and hemming (shortening the length of) men’s suits.
Why you do not estimate prices over the phone?
We can estimate the price for altering men’s
suits, hemming jeans, adding zippers, etc. But for most of ladies’
dresses—prom or wedding dresses in particular—it is hard to estimate prices without
seeing the items. This is because there are so many kinds of fabrics, designs, and
decorations on ladies’ dresses. Sometimes a desired alteration looks like
a small job, but it’s actually hard to do. Feel free to bring your
clothing in and ask the estimate.