We’ve all heard “Here comes the bride, all dressed in white,” “Say yes to the dress,” “If the shoe fits.” But what about the suit? Unless you’re eloping with your dad’s old sport coat, anyone donning a jacket and pants will want to look as put together as their betrothed. This is where a tailor comes into play – they alter a garment to fit you. Until you actually require the services of a tailor, your only encounter may be characters in fairy tales, but they’re very real (as are cobblers) and once you’ve commissioned their expertise, you just might be hooked.
For most, you are likely purchasing off the rack, which means, as it implies, directly off the clothing rack at a store. Colin Ward, manager at Marc Allen in Providence says that while fabric is important, construction is key to having something that fits well and will last a long time.
When trying on suits, “make sure the shoulders fit,” says Ward. “They can’t be made larger, and it is very expensive and time consuming to recut them. The jacket length really can’t be changed much without making it look off balance.” If you’re deciding between sizes, opt for the larger to provide the tailor with more fabric to work with. “Most things can be taken in to a good degree. But not everything can be let out,” explains Ward.
With so many wedding details looming ahead, start by searching for a tailor that is convenient to you as you’ll be visiting at least twice. This may mean near home, near work, or close to the venue. Some tailors have their own shops; sometimes it’s a service available at a store, like Marc Allen, or a dry cleaner and only offered certains days and times.
To best prepare for your appointment, bring or wear a shirt and tie, and be sure to have the shoes you plan to wear on the big day so that the tailor can ensure the proper drape, which means how the fabric falls at your feet. Of course, wear a smile.
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