A suit fits when the shoulders sit where your shoulders end, the jacket closes without pulling into an X, a little shirt cuff shows at the sleeve, and the trousers break the way you want. Shoulders are the hardest to change, so buy for the shoulders and tailor the rest.
| Alteration | Long Island | New York City | Westchester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shorten jacket sleeves from cuffNon-working buttons | $55 | $60 | $55 |
| Suit jacket take in, sides/back | $70 | $80 | $70 |
| Hem pants, plain or blind | $28 | $32 | $28 |
Shoulders first
If the shoulder seam hangs past your shoulder or pinches it, the jacket is the wrong size. Shortening sleeves from the shoulder is on our price list at $150 on Long Island, far more than sleeves from the cuff, which tells you how much work shoulders are.
The X pull
Buttoned, the jacket should lie flat. Creases pulling from the button in an X mean it’s tight at the waist; the sides and back can sometimes be let out or taken in. A take-in is $70 on Long Island.
Jacket length
A jacket that covers the seat usually looks balanced. Shortening a jacket is limited by the pocket placement, so check this when you buy.
Sleeve length
A little shirt cuff showing below the jacket sleeve looks intentional. Shortening sleeves from the cuff is $55 on Long Island; working buttonholes add $35.
Trouser waist and seat
The trousers should stay up without the belt doing the work. A waist change is $40 on Long Island.
Pick your break
No break (hem just touches the shoe), slight break (one soft fold) or full break (a deeper fold). Wear the shoes you’ll wear with the suit when your tailor pins the hem ($28).
What to fix and what to walk away from
Sleeves, hems, waist and a jacket take-in are routine. Shoulders and big length changes are costly or limited. See suit alteration prices and the suit alterations cost guide.
How we check fit at home
Your tailor pins each change on you in your home, prices it from the posted list, and you sign the quote. Book your fitting.
Questions
Can a tailor fix shoulders?
Shoulder work is the most involved change, priced well above sleeves from the cuff. Buy for the shoulders and tailor the rest.
What is a break?
The fold where the trouser hem meets the shoe. No break, slight break and full break are the usual choices.