10 Alteration Terms Everyone Should Know
Your clothes should fit you — not the other way around.
At Teodoor Tailor, we believe great tailoring is for everyone. Whether you wear suits, dresses, jeans, or jackets, a few simple alterations can make your clothing feel custom-made. But if you’ve ever felt unsure about tailoring terms or what’s even possible to fix — you’re not alone.
Here are 10 common alteration terms, explained simply, so you can shop smarter, tailor better, and feel more confident in your clothes — no matter your gender, style, or size.
1. Hemming
What it is: Shortening the length of garments like pants, skirts, dresses, or sleeves.
Why it matters: No one wants fabric dragging on the floor — a proper hem polishes your look and preserves your clothing.
Common fixes: Jeans, trousers, coats, maxi dresses, sleeves.
2. Taking In
What it is: Making a garment smaller by trimming excess fabric from the seams.
Why it matters: Perfect for reshaping baggy clothes or adjusting garments after weight loss.
Areas we alter: Waistbands, torsos, bust, thighs, sleeves, hips.
3. Letting Out
What it is: Making a garment larger by releasing extra fabric hidden in the seams.
Why it matters: Useful for a better fit or more comfort — especially if your body has changed.
Limitations: Not all clothes have enough seam allowance to be let out.
4. Tapering
What it is: Slimming the width of pants, skirts, sleeves, or shirts for a more tailored shape.
Why it matters: Helps garments follow your natural silhouette, without looking boxy or oversized.
Perfect for: Slimming wide-leg pants, boxy shirts, or flared sleeves.
5. Adjusting Sleeves or Straps
What it is: Shortening, lengthening, or repositioning sleeves and shoulder straps.
Why it matters: Your clothes should support and move with you — not slip off or feel tight.
Common fixes: Sleeves too long, dress straps falling off shoulders, jacket arms too short.
6. Waist Adjustment
What it is: Altering the waist size of pants, skirts, dresses, or jumpsuits.
Why it matters: Whether you're between sizes or just want a better fit, a waistband tweak can make all the difference.
Also helps with: Gaping waistbands, tight button closures.
7. Hip and Seat Adjustment
What it is: Customizing how a garment fits around your hips and rear.
Why it matters: Prevents sagging, tight pulling, or odd bunching — especially in pants and skirts.
Popular for: Denim, dress pants, body-hugging skirts.
8. Bust or Chest Adjustment
What it is: Taking in or letting out fabric around the bust or chest area.
Why it matters: Ensures better shaping and comfort, especially in button-ups, dresses, or blazers.
Great for: Reducing shirt gaping or adjusting dress darts.
9. Zipper and Button Replacement
What it is: Fixing or swapping out broken or outdated hardware.
Why it matters: Saves your favorite items from the donation pile — quickly and affordably.
Can be done on: Jackets, pants, dresses, skirts, outerwear.
10. Darts and Shaping
What it is: Sewn-in folds that give shape to a garment — especially at the waist, bust, or back.
Why it matters: Adds structure and curves (or removes excess bulk) without major reconstruction.
Helpful for: Customizing shirts, dresses, jackets, and even t-shirts.
Alterations Are for Everybody
Alterations are about comfort, confidence, and self-expression — not gender, age, or fashion rules. Whether you're tailoring a suit, refitting a vintage dress, or adjusting everyday jeans, Teodoor Tailor is here to help your clothing fit you perfectly.
Located in Brooklyn? Drop by or book your consultation to see how we can transform your wardrobe — one stitch at a time.
