THE QWD BUYING NOTE / ALTERATIONS
Tailor it—or leave it?
Spend on a defined, low-risk adjustment that unlocks a good garment. Protect the shoulders, rise and armholes at purchase; they are structural areas, not easy promises for later.
General alterations guide—not a quote or guarantee. Seam allowance, construction, pattern, hardware and the tailor's skill decide what is possible on the actual garment.
Read the complete alterations guide →THE WRITTEN LESSON
What to notice.
- 01
Trouser hem + waist
Usually worth askingThese jobs often work from existing edges or allowances and can materially improve the line.
- 02
Sleeve length
Possible within limitsCuffs, zips, working buttonholes and lining can change the price and available movement.
- 03
Body shape
Modest changes onlyA shirt or jacket may be reduced through existing seams if balance and movement remain intact.
- 04
Shoulder, rise + armhole
Usually choose another cutThese areas define the pattern and can require an expensive, unpredictable rebuild.
FULL ON-SCREEN TRANSCRIPT
Read the complete video.
QWD. Quietly Well Dressed. Tailor it—or leave it? 01. Usually yes. Trouser hems and modest waist adjustments. 02. Often. Simple sleeve length, within the garment's limits. 03. Maybe. Jacket waist and shirt body, when balance and movement stay clean. 04. Usually leave it. Shoulders, trouser rise and armholes. The buying rule: fit the structural areas first, then tailor the edges. Save this before your next alterations quote. Read the full guide at quietlywelldressed.com. Made in Melbourne.
