There’s a common perception that rush alterations on clothing are only meant for old clothes that have fallen into disrepair, but that’s patently false. A few reasons that alterations are a great idea for new off-the-rack clothes include:
Reason 1: They’ll Fit Better
Clothes made bespoke in a tailor shop have a much nicer fit than off-the-rack clothes, and it’s no mystery why that is: the bespoke clothes are fitted to your exact bodily proportions at least once. The result is a garment that slides over you like a glove, clinging to you in all the right places to accentuate your best features while at the same time flowing loosely enough to allow silky-smooth range of movement.
Off-the-rack clothing, on the other hand, is usually only an approximate fit for your body and always ends up fitting awkwardly in at least one place: the sleeves are a tad too long, or the waistline is too boxy, or the collar is not exactly the right size for your neck.
Having rush alterations done on new clothes is a good way to bring the perfect fit of bespoke to the affordability of off-the-rack. There’s of course a bit of added cost, but it’s not nearly as much as bespoke since it doesn’t generally require any extra material to be supplied.
Reason 2: They’ll Last Longer
The average lifespan of an off-the-rack garment made with mid-quality materials is 3-5 years of frequent use, even if the garment is cared for properly. That’s not the case with custom altered clothing, though.
When clothes undergo custom alterations, every seam and stretch of fabric is resewn into a position that makes for a perfect fit. When a garment fits perfectly, for obvious reasons, a lot less strain is placed on the seams. And because of that, the seams will not give out or wear for a much longer time. In fact, requesting that a garment be reinforced during rush alteration can turn a simple off-the-rack item from a department store into a piece of clothing that will last you the rest of your life.
Reason 3: You Can Customize Them
When you have a clothing item altered, you can request aesthetic changes or additions to make the garment feel more uniquely you. For instance:
- Many people are a fan of the custom monogram. Having the initials of the owner monogrammed on the clothes is the ultimate customization, and having a pattern monogrammed on can add a unique flair, too.
- You could add an element like sequins or tassels to jazz up an otherwise unremarkable piece of clothing. This is a favorite of party organizers or musical artists.
- You can increase outfit functionality by adding zippers, buttons, or pockets.
ATL Tailor Can Help
ATL’s team of master tailors is ready and eager to help with your rush alterations. Give us a few days with your recently-bought off-the-rack clothing and we’ll take it from mediocre to downright luxurious.