• phone number:

    865-966-9414

  • email address:

    farragutcleaners@charter.net

  • main address location:

    11185 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37934

Tailoring vs. Alterations: What’s The Difference?

Tailoring vs. Alterations: What’s The Difference?

We have all been there - you finally find the perfect dress or suit, but it doesn’t quite fit you correctly. The hemline might be a little too long, or the shoulders may not quite sit in the right position. The good news is that your local dry cleaner can offer clothing alterations in Farragut, Tennessee, to help you get the perfect fit!

Never underestimate the difference that the right clothing fit can make to your overall look. Not only will you look fantastic, but it is also going to make you feel more confident. No two people have the same body, even if they happen to wear the same size, so making a few minor adjustments to get a more custom fit is necessary for most people, especially for more fitted items. However, it is important to distinguish between custom tailoring for your clothing and the clothing alterations in Farragut, Tennessee, that your dry cleaner can offer. Tailoring and alterations are often used interchangeably, but they are two very different services. Let’s take a look at some key differences.

What is Tailoring?

Tailoring is actually a highly skilled profession that needs expert sewing skills, an eye for precision, and experience in working with different fabrics. Tailors have been around for centuries and need to have an in-depth understanding of how fabrics move and how they work with each other. Tailors will usually work with suits, dresses, and formal wear at the time of purchase, often painstakingly designing the ideal fit for their client to best flatter their proportions. Often, this can mean creating a garment from scratch. Tailoring will more often than not go beyond what your dry cleaner offers in terms of clothing alterations in Farragut, Tennessee.

What Are Clothing Alterations?

Clothing alterations in Farragut, Tennessee, differ from tailoring in that they are more minor adjustments that are usually made after a garment is purchased. However, even though alterations are less extensive, they can still help create a more custom-looking fit for your garments. Some of the typical clothing alterations your dry cleaner may be able to assist with will include:

  • Things like adjusting a hem
  • Taking in or letting out a waistband
  • Fixing a broken zipper
  • Adjusting cuffs
  • Adding darts

You will find that buying a suit or dress off the racks and having it altered for a perfect fit is more cost-effective than buying a custom, tailored garment. That’s why your local dry cleaner is a valuable resource for clothing alterations in Farragut, Tennessee.

Common Clothing Alterations Explained

Local dry cleaners can provide a range of clothing alterations in Farragut, Tennessee, to help ensure your garments fit perfectly and look their best. These alterations don’t just help you to achieve the right fit, they will also help with maintaining the longevity and overall appearance of your favorite pieces of clothing. Here are some of the most common alterations in Farragut, Tennessee, offered by dry cleaners:

Hemming

Hemming is one of the most frequent alterations. It involves adjusting the length of pants, skirts, dresses, or sleeves, whether shortening or lengthening. Hemming ensures that garments fit properly and suit the wearer’s height and style preferences.

Taking In or Letting Out

Garments often need adjustments around the waist, hips, or bust to fit more comfortably. Dry cleaners can take in (make smaller) or let out (make larger) these areas to achieve a better fit. This is particularly common for trousers, skirts, and dresses.

Replacing Zippers

Zipper replacements are common, especially for jackets, jeans, dresses, and skirts. Dry cleaners can replace broken or malfunctioning zippers, ensuring the garment remains functional and stylish.

Button and Snap Replacement

Missing or loose buttons and snaps are frequent issues. Dry cleaners can sew on new buttons or snaps, matching them to the existing ones, to maintain the garment’s original look.

Adjusting Shoulder Seams

Shoulder seams often need alteration to improve the fit of jackets, blouses, and dresses. This adjustment can help ensure that the garment sits correctly on the shoulders and looks tailored.

Tapering

Tapering involves narrowing the width of pants, skirts, or sleeves. This alteration can create a more fitted and modern look, especially for those who prefer a slim silhouette.

Lining Repairs and Replacements

The lining of a garment can wear out or tear over time. Dry cleaners can repair or replace the lining, extending the life of the garment and maintaining its comfort and appearance.

Patching and Darning

Patching and darning are common fixes for clothes with holes or worn areas. These techniques are used to mend fabric and reinforce weakened areas, ensuring the garment remains wearable.

Overall, clothing alterations performed by dry cleaners are crucial for personalizing and preserving garments. These services help individuals maintain a polished and professional appearance, extending the life of their clothing and enhancing overall comfort and fit.

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Farragut Cleaners is your locally owned and operated full-service dry cleaner. From dry cleaning to alterations and wedding dress preservation to home textiles, we are here to keep you fresh, clean, and looking & feeling impeccable.

Call 865-966-9414 or visit our website.