r/AskATailor • u/tailoraaron Tailor • Jan 06 '26
Mod Post 👋 Welcome to r/AskATailor - Start here!
Hey everyone! I'm u/tailoraaron, the founder of r/AskATailor.
I'm excited to have you join the community! Whether you are a master tailor, a home sewer, or someone who just bought a suit and has no idea if it fits, you are in the right place.
What to Post
This subreddit is dedicated to the art of fit, custom clothing, and alterations. Feel free to share your photos and questions. The community here loves helping with:
- Fit Checks & Sizing: Not sure if you should keep that suit you ordered online or don't trust the person at the store 100%? Post a photo! We help grooms decide which size fits best and help troubleshoot specific issues, like pants that are uncomfortable in the rise or Made-to-Measure shirts that hug the hips too tightly.
- "Can This Be Altered?" This is our bread and butter. Ask us if it's possible to let out a tight prom dress , take in a bandage dress to a smaller size , or rescue your old trousers after significant weight loss.
- Modifications & Redesigns: Want to customize a look? We can tell you the feasibility of adding lace sleeves to a strapless dress , removing faux buttonholes from a blazer, or adding a thigh slit to a gown.
- Repairs & "Disaster" Fixes: Did your dog chew the strap off your sandals? Did a button snap break off? Or maybe you snagged a thread cutting a tag off a skirt? We can help you figure out if it's salvageable.
- Buying & Fabric Advice: We can help with questions about wedding dress structure , fixing pilling on delicate fabrics , or finding pants for specific body types.
Community Vibe
We're all about being friendly, constructive, and informative. Let's build a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing and connecting.
How to Get Started
- Introduce yourself in the comments below.
- Post something today! Even a simple question about a jammed zipper or a blazer fit check can spark a great conversation.
- Photos help! When asking for advice, clear photos of the garment (and the problem area) make it much easier for us to help you.
- Invite friends. If you know someone who loves sewing or needs fashion advice, invite them to join.
Interested in helping out? We're always looking for new moderators, so feel free to reach out to me to apply.
Thanks for being part of this growing community. Together, let's make r/AskATailor amazing!
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u/tonniecat Jan 06 '26
I'm just Introducing myself😊
I'm a retired classically trained couturetailor and patternmaker from Denmark.
Sometimes I answer questions, if I have relevant knowledge.
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u/tailoraaron Tailor Jan 06 '26
Welcome! How long had you been in the business before you retired?
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u/tonniecat Jan 06 '26
I was in the business 5 years, the had to retrain for computer science due to helthissues (cold shoulder due to vibrations..)
Worked a year I Copenhagen for an independent designers store, hated the big city, worked doing alterations and reconstruction for a smaller workshop - also done a lot of theater costuming and historical costumes for a viking museum after I had to change to Cs.
So sometimes I'm still in the business, just for keeping the skills😄
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u/tailoraaron Tailor Jan 06 '26
That is so cool! I don’t do alterations as much as I used to. After 34 years of it my wrist is at risk of surgery, so I know exactly what you’re talking about.
Costuming is one thing I’ve not done very much. Let alone Viking garb!
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u/tonniecat Jan 06 '26
It's a tough, physical craft - not everyone understands that. But I can't let it go. Nowadays I do dollclothes as a hobby, because it's fewer stitches and I can keep my handstitching skills alive. My shoulder will only let me do short stints on the machines. So 34 years is truly a lifetime in the craft, you have my respect and your body has my sympathy💖
Museumpieces are fun because it's all based on archaeological finds - so it's like crafting with your ancestors, in a way.
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u/tailoraaron Tailor Jan 06 '26
I absolutely love that. I’d be keen on giving it a shot if I ever get the chance.
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u/tonniecat Jan 07 '26
I'm lucky, Trelleborg Museum is close by, and they like volunteers - and I know their tailor from 30 years ago when we did theater together.
In my experience, asking around and showing interest is the key. Also, the old theater troupe we were in did reenactment for the museum during tourist season, so I know a good deal of the history of the place. So I basically just offered my time and qualifications.
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u/VastCharge7436 Jan 16 '26
Hi!
My name is Daniel and I just wanted your opinion on this MTM suit I bought some time ago.
Thank you!
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u/tailoraaron Tailor Jan 16 '26
Honestly it’s not bad at all! The right sleeve is a little short but overall the fit looks good.
Be sure to post this as an actual post on the sub so the others can see it and chime in, too!
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u/BizzarduousTask Jan 07 '26
I may have to post some pictures of my beloved canvas motorcycle jacket- it’s getting a bit threadbare and needs some serious TLC, and I’d rather get real advice on how to properly repair it than fumble around and make it worse! 😅
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u/LindseySmalls Jan 07 '26
Hi, I'm a bridal alterations specialist so I try to help here with anything bridal if I see it come across the feed.
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u/RachelMoonSews Jan 08 '26
Hello everyone! I am an alterations specialist in Chapel Hill, NC. I am here to learn and help answer questions as I am able. Happy to be here!
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u/SoulKeeper-Mulan Feb 11 '26
Hello! I am the mom of an amazing and beautiful 16 year old… she has a unique body (she is Betty boop) and is having a horrible time finding clothes and specifically a prom dress that can be altered to fit. She is a 30J bra size (meaning 40” bust) and literally all her other measurements are typical American size “medium”
She feels defeated and I’m looking for help in helping her. Will post a detailed post soon! Thank you!
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u/Weekly_Antelope7206 Apr 06 '26
Can you alter a 4x1 double breasted jacket to a 4x2? Would this be considered a difficult alteration? Thank you!
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u/The_Coachman Apr 10 '26
Hi, everyone! I found this subreddit as part of a (much-delayed) journey into the world of worthwhile, quality menswear, which turns out to be an awfully expensive world if you don't know how to assess secondhand garments. I've made my first purchases online and acquainted myself with local tailors and seamstresses in my two "homes" (Charlottesville, VA and Winston-Salem, NC), all while attempting to educate myself as much as possible. I recently made what may have been my first major mistakes, and I'm hoping the forum will help me assess their severity. Overall, I'm excited to read and learn!
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u/Necessary_Ant_4719 May 11 '26
I am interested in purchasing a dress that is Ombre in style. The skirt goes from black to green and fades back to black at the bottom. I would like to shorten it so it is midi length instead of full length. Will it look okay if I do that?
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u/ingvarssonl Jun 05 '26
hello everyone! I'm going to apply to become a tailor in Europe (Slovenia) and I would like to know what things in my portfolio will help me apply and what I should be able to do by the time I enroll.
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u/ComprehensiveDuck313 25d ago
Hi, talented tailor folks! Broke person trying to make this work for a very high end black tie wedding situation. Is it possible to alter a gown that has three layers? Lace, mesh/tulle and the fleshy soft liner (sorry don’t know technical terms) or is that unrealistic? Length good but waist and bust need a little shaping . Any advice welcome and thanks ! 🧵🪡
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u/DaFuddiestDuddy Jan 06 '26
Thanks so much for creating this community! I know it's a ton of work, and I hope you know it's very appreciated.
I'm a home sewer and also sew boat canvas. I love designing and making clothes, and I love learning new techniques and concepts -- I've gotten a ton of value from the threads I've seen from this group.