NYC's Best Tailors For Alterations, Custom Suits And Sewing
The city's best tailors can work magic on whatever you're looking to wear, from bridal to bespoke, to bought off the rack. By Jessica Allen/Corey Whelan
Alteration Specialists
89 Fifth Avenue
Suite 904
New York, NY 10003
(212) 929-0755
http://alterationspecialists.com
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If the thought of standing in a makeshift room shielded by a shower curtain in the middle of your dry cleaners gives you the creeps, then Alteration Specialists are the tailors of your dreams. The folks here seek to combine extraordinary tailoring with an upscale, luxe experience—and the success of this philosophy shows in their client list, which includes Dior, Prada, and Jimmy Choo. The tailors handle menswear as well as women's wear and bridal, and will also work with denim, leather, and all manner of garment hardware repair.
Beyond Bespoke
45 West 46th Street
2nd Floor
New York, NY 10036
(212) 918-1966
http://www.beyondbespoke.com
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The 13 or so master tailors and seamstresses at Beyond Bespoke know their way around a bobbin and a button—after all, at the helm is Nick Torres, a tailor like his father and grandfather before him. He and his team privilege care over speed, thoughtfulness over rapidity, and specialize in fully or partially bespoke menswear in the Italian or English style (think blazers, tuxedos, and topcoats). Its sister studio, Beyond Bridal, handles—you guessed it—wedding dress alterations, promising a 30-day "Perfect-Fit Assurance," where last-minute tweaks are done for free.
Chasing Tailor
240 Broadway
Suite 204
Brooklyn, NY 11211
(917) 566-1450
http://www.chasingtailor.com
The main tailor, and owner, of Chasing Tailor is himself a wearer and collector of vintage, so you know you—and your, ahem, older garments—will be in good hands. Transforming "yesteryear-wear" into a new look is a specialty at this Brooklyn establishment, and the staff will work to help turn a dowdy, dusty dress into a spectacular pair of slacks. But new clothes are cheerfully dealt with too -- both men's and women's -- from polishing and primping, to hemming, trimming and shaping.
Dejavu Tailoring
223 East 60th Street
New York, NY 10022
(212) 355-6598
http://www.dejavutailoring.com
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You've got a few options to get your goods to Dejavu Tailoring: you can bring them in and meet with their staff to discuss your vision and needs. Or, you can take advantage of the shop's mail-in service, which lets you send your stuff through the post or via FedEx (there's a required form that lets you indicate exactly what needs to be done.) Your garment will be returned to you shorter, wider, more form-fitted, or more fluid; in short, your clothes will fit exactly as you want.
The Tailoring Room
42 Clinton Street
New York, NY 10002
(212) 253-2031
http://www.thetailoringroom.com
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The Tailoring Room blends creativity with expertise to ensure that your vision becomes a reality. No matter what you're looking for, you and your request will be handled with good form and loads of cheer. You can get your jeans stitched, your dresses let out (to accommodate a baby bump), your pants resized, your buttons securely fastened, and the zipper on your favorite purse fixed once and for all. Prices are clearly marked, so you won't be unpleasantly surprised to learn that the necessary mend(s) will cost more than the item did whenever you first purchased it.
Madame Paulette
1255 Second Ave.
New York, NY 10065
(347) 689-7010
www.madamepaulette.com
The highly-skilled staff of artisans and craftsmen at Madame Paulette are adept at restoration of vintage and couture garments as well as fine European tailoring, alterations and hand laundering of delicate fabrics and intricate beading. Meticulous care is lovingly given to the restoration of wedding and bridesmaids gowns. Whether you wish to fully restore or simply repair that special garment of sentimental value, price quotes are available online.
LS Men's Clothing
49 W. 45th St., 3rd fl.
New York, NY 10036
(212) 575-0933
www.lsmen'sclothing.com
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Don't let the name fool you. LS Men's Clothing is the place to go for custom-made men's or women's pants that fit like a glove at an astonishingly low price. This family-run business is known for its affordable prices on American-made, custom clothing at prices comparable to any men's store, including suits, tuxedos and formal wear. You may not have arrived in the corner office just yet, but your suit will say you did.
Saint Laurie
22 W. 32nd St.
New York, NY 10001
(212) 643-1916
www.saintlaurie.com
The innovative team at Saint Laurie are committed to keeping creativity up and expenses down. Custom-made shirts and suits are locally-crafted in NYC, with a meticulous eye on detail and quality since 1913. Are his-and-hers power suits on the menu? Women's suits are made-to-order with tender, loving care. Custom overcoats, vests and belts are also available.
La Rukico Tailors
152 E.48th St.
New York, NY 10017
(212) 832-0725
www.tailor.com
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Led by tailor extraordinaire Mr. Kelly, La Rukico offers custom-made shirts, jackets, vests and other apparel handwoven and designed just for you.
Silhouettes & Profiles
160 W. 71st St.
New York, NY 10023
(212) 877-3372
silhouettes&profiles.com
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The fashionistas at Silhouettes have an uncanny understanding of clothing, body type and anatomy. Exquisitely trained in the history of clothing and costumes, this restoration team can renew almost any precious item to its former glory. Need repairs on clothing somewhat less than museum worthy? Alterations as simple as new coat linings are handled with efficient professionalism. Your needs, style and requirements are the number one priority here, and no job is too big or too small.
Jessica Allen is a New York-based writer.
Corey Whelan is a freelance writer in New York.