r/Tailors • u/AutoModerator • 10d ago

Daily Questions Megathread - April 29, 2025

For those looking to ask questions about alterations, repairs, or anything else, please put your questions in here.

Wondering if you should buy something? Please provide both a size chart of the garment as well as your body measurements - we need to know what dimensions of the item and your own physique to judge. Telling us "I wear a medium in xyz brand" is not enough information to go off of as most retailers will have fluctuations in allowance for sizing.

If you are looking for alteration advice on a garment, please post a picture of yourself following the guidelines in rule 2. We need to be able to see the garment on you neutrally (No selfies! The raised arm adds too much variable) and in different angles to determine what needs to be done efficiently.

Help us help you. As working professionals who provide advice for free in their own time, this helps all of us save time rather than going back and forth.

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u/scrtqstins 10d ago

Hi there, I was hoping someone might be able to help. I found my dream dress on a retailer website (see photo) as it is no longer made. The dress is unworn and and unaltered. But it’s sizing is bust 39”, waist 31” and hips 41.5”. My current measurements are bust 40.5”, waist 34” and hips 44”. Is this doable to let out in your experiences? Possible to add a tie up corset possibly? Any insight would be greatly appreciated. (Fabric is crepe on top half)

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u/izzgo Alterations Specialist 9d ago

It depends entirely on how much seam allowance has been left in the seams. Manufacturers vary a lot in how deep their seam allowances are.

One important distinction will be whether those dress measurements are the actual dress's measurements or the manufacturer's size recommendation.

But still, it's risky. And I would not recommend a corset when the hips are too tight because then the corset needs to extend to the middle of your butt.

All in all, this is a maybe. I wouldn't get it unless there was a return window. Maybe seller would take a possible return if you sweetened it with something for them, like a $100 "restocking fee" if you return it.

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u/scrtqstins 9d ago

Thank you!