[macandal]

I got a pair of slacks yesterday at a good price. They need alterations, but one pair in particular needs more so than the other. So my body is weird and it’s hard to find clothes--in this case slacks--that fit perfectly off the rack. Yesterday I tried what would be my normal size and didn’t fit, tried the next one up and the same story. I kept going until I got a size 36 (I’m normally a 33) and that fit the waist but everything else was out of proportion as you can guess. I got extra fabric everywhere. Why did I buy it then? Two reasons: I really liked the color (nice, not-too-dark brown) and the price was great, $30 for a pair of wool, dress slacks. My question is, if I bring it to a tailor, can he fix this without looking, well, bad. Thank you.

 

[SG_67]

The question is hard to answer without first asking what needs to be altered.

Find a good alterations tailor. Consult with him/her.

 

[macandal]

The question is hard to answer without first asking what needs to be altered.

Find a good alterations tailor. Consult with him/her.

Well, it really is everywhere, most notably in the waist area. It's as though there were a pouch where I put my hanging gut which I don't have. Then, I would also take it in a little in the ham/quad area. But I like your recommendation of taking it to a tailor and let him decide.

Thank you.

 

[Truth&Rights]

It sounds like you want the pants tapered in the legs. Depending on how much tapering needs to be done, it may or may not be feasible. You need to go to a proper tailor, not a dry cleaner or seamstress type shop. They will let you know if it's doable. If a full recut is required, expect to pay quite a bit for that depending on the tailor and where you are located..

 

[macandal]

Depending on how much tapering needs to be done, it may or may not be feasible. You need to go to a proper tailor...

Got it.

If a full recut is required, expect to pay quite a bit for that depending on the tailor and where you are located..

Can you guess a price? Just so I have an idea. I live in San Francisco, where I would be paying the prices one expects to pay in a big, expensive city like NYC.

Thank you.

 

[Matt S]

It sounds like you will likely need a recut, which may cost about $150 or more. You'd be best off returning these trousers and spending more on made-to-measure.

 

[Truth&Rights]

I would assume $100 or more, minimum, for a recut, if you can find someone willing to do it. Tapering would probably be less but it would depend. I've spent $30-35 just to get a pair of pants cuffed on the east coast, so keep that in mind.

With dress pants or even khakis I've found it more cost effective to just get a pair that need no more than hemming or cuffing or to be taken in a little in the waist. If something needs a recut I don't buy it, unless it's part of a suit where the jacket fits almost perfectly and the pants need the recut. You may be netter off just returning the pants. Again, depends how much work they really need. A good tailor usually isn't cheap.

 

[macandal]

It sounds like you will likely need a recut, which may cost about $150 or more. You'd be best off returning these trousers and spending more on made-to-measure.

So you're saying I'd pay under $180 for a pair of made-to-measure slacks? Is this what I'd be paying if I were in NY?

Thanks.

 

[macandal]

I would assume $100 or more, minimum, for a recut, if you can find someone willing to do it......

Thanks!

 

[Truth&Rights]

So you're saying I'd pay under $180 for a pair of made-to-measure slacks? Is this what I'd be paying if I were in NY?

Thanks.

I don't think he is saying that. MTM pants in a big city will be more than that (unless you are going with some cut rate overseas outsourcing company), but they might fit better than these particular pants you are talking about.

Personally I would spend more time trying to find a pair of OTR pants that fit closer to what you want before delving into a recut. Stores these days often do not stock everything that is available online. Find a pair of pants that fit you well and then try to buy more like that or contact customer service for other brands and see what the actual garment measurements are in different fits. Not all brands will be able to get you the garment measurements but some will. Some brands even post that info directly on their website so the customer can decide what fit and size to order. You'll probably spend a bit of time and money (esp. in return shipping) figuring out what works for you but it will be worth it in the end.

 

[Matt S]

So you're saying I'd pay under $180 for a pair of made-to-measure slacks? Is this what I'd be paying if I were in NY?

Thanks.

No, I said that it's worth it to spend more on MTM trousers. I think it's better to spend $300 on something that's exactly what you're looking for rather than $180 on something that's never going to be quite right.

 

[SG_67]

While a good alterations tailor can work wonders, there are limits and as has been mentioned, it can be quite costly when all is said and done.

Unless one’s dimensions are so odd that the MTM route is the only one available, I’m certain an OTR garment can be found that both fits and has the necessary features (fabric, color, etc.) being sought.

What seems to be a good price at the outset, $30, can quickly climb and all of a sudden make what appears at first to be a bargain into an expensive proposition. Nevertheless, good luck with your efforts.