We’ve all had that moment, standing before our wardrobe, feeling like nothing fits or flatters. If your once beloved wardrobe no longer brings you joy, it’s time to make the sustainable choice.
Alterations are the secret to rejuvenating your wardrobe and giving you that extra polish and confidence that comes from high-quality tailoring. At LookSmart, our experienced tailors handle garments from top brands like Ralph Lauren, Gucci, and Valentino, so you can trust your clothing is always in skilled hands.
In this guide, we’re sharing the 10 most transformative alterations to instantly elevate your style. Discover how working with an experienced tailor can make all the difference.
Once you know your style, it’s all about getting the finish just right. At LookSmart, our tailors work with you to understand your style, make recommendations, and deliver the perfect hem. No more rolling up your pants, instead you’ll be walking out the door with confidence.
5 alterations every man should consider
Let’s start with the essentials for men. Achieving a sharp appearance depends on how well your clothing fits. While off-the-rack garments offer convenience and can look just fine on the body, they often lack the personalised measurements that genuinely complement your body shape. Here are five high-impact alterations that every man should consider to elevate his style and ensure his attire exudes confidence and sophistication.1. Hem your pants to stop them from dragging
Ill-fitting pants, whether too long or short, can disrupt your overall proportions, detracting from an otherwise polished look. That small detail at the ankle can make or break your overall look. The ideal pant length will vary by your style and preference. Here’s a quick guide to the most common hem styles men choose.- No break: The hem will graze the top of your shoes, which is a modern appearance.
- Quarter break: A slight fold at the front of the ankle, balancing a more stylish look with classic aesthetics.
- Half Break: A moderate fold, providing a traditional and versatile look.
- Complete Break: A pronounced fold, a classical and sophisticated look.
Once you know your style, it’s all about getting the finish just right. At LookSmart, our tailors work with you to understand your style, make recommendations, and deliver the perfect hem. No more rolling up your pants, instead you’ll be walking out the door with confidence.
2. Fix your jacket sleeves to remove baggy fabric
Looking like you’re wearing your father’s oversized jacket can kill your confidence and ruin an otherwise stylish look. Even a well-made jacket can look sloppy if the sleeves are off. There’s a sweet spot where your sleeves should sit. Ideally, jacket sleeves should end just above the wrist bone, allowing around 0.6 cm to 1.3 cm of shirt cuff to show. This peek under the sleeve provides a glimpse of the colour of your shirt below and accessories like watches or cufflinks. Most men need tapering or shortening of the sleeves to fit their arms better. These adjustments are particularly beneficial for individuals with athletic builds or anyone who doesn’t fall into one-size-fits-all proportions.3. Adjust the waistband of your trousers for a comfortable fit
When you want to look your best at a wedding, business meeting, or on a first date, you don’t want to be distracted by an ill-fitting waistband digging into your stomach. Not only is this an uncomfortable confidence killer, but it simply does not look good to have your body contorting around your waistband or needing to pull your pants up every few seconds. Tailoring the waist of your pants ensures a snug fit that enhances your body’s natural lines while allowing you to move comfortably. It’s one of the most common alterations men come into LookSmart for, and we take pride in helping you strike the perfect balance between a structured fit and comfort.4. Taper the legs of your pants for a slimmer fit
This is a personal preference, but some men prefer a slimmer fit on their pant legs. The tapering of pant legs creates a sleek, modern silhouette that flatters your form. Adjusting the leg width can refresh a tired pair of pants, whether you prefer a subtle taper for a classic look or a more fitted style. At LookSmart, we work with you to discover your preferred look and refine the tapering to your preferences and body type, ensuring your pants complement your style without restricting movement.
American Tall [2]
5. Tailor your shirts to better flatter your chest, waist, and arms
Tailoring your shirt is an often forgotten option, but it’s important. A well-fitted shirt can completely change how put together you look, whether you’re dressing for work, a wedding, or a night out. Adjusting the shirt length, width, and sleeve fit can transform an average shirt into a piece that will uniquely flatter your body. Our tailors at LookSmart meticulously alter shirts to ensure they fit your chest, waist, and arms perfectly, removing the common issues associated with mass-produced sizing. As a man, when you mature into your style, it becomes important to invest in pieces that will make you feel and perform at your best. With these five alterations, you can completely transform your wardrobe.5 alterations every woman should consider
Now, let’s talk about tailoring specifically for women. Finding the right size and fit can be challenging for all women. Our bodies vary more in shape and proportions and naturally change through hormonal fluctuations and different life stages. With all these variations, it’s no wonder the most flattering clothes are often the tailored ones. Here are the five expert alterations you can have done by a tailor to make all the difference in comfort, fit, and confidence.1. Hem your skirts and dresses to a flattering length
The length of a skirt or dress can dramatically affect your proportions and the overall balance of your outfit. Too long, and it can drag down your frame or too short, and you’ll be constantly tugging it down or avoiding specific movements altogether. The ideal hemline will naturally depend on your height, shape, and style. For example, petite women often suit a hem just above the knee, while mid-calf hemlines can flatter taller frames when tailored correctly. That’s why getting the length just right makes such a difference. At LookSmart, we help you find your most flattering length, ensuring each piece enhances your body rather than hiding it.
Instagram [3]
2. Adjust the waist to define your shape
A defined waist can completely change how a dress or blouse flatters your shape and is one of the fundamental differences in male and female body shapes. For example, if you have an hourglass figure, having a waist that fits nicely rather than billowing out will make you look far more glamorous. Whether taking in a loose fit or letting out a tight one, adjusting the waist adds structure without compromising comfort. This is especially helpful for women whose weight has fluctuated, or who simply don’t fit the one-size-fits-all clothes that shops sell to the masses. With expert tailoring, you can bring old favourites back to life. If you have a dress or top you used to love but no longer reach for, head into LookSmart for a consultation with one of our skilled tailors.
Reformation [4]
