Is It Worth Tailoring A Shirt?

Should You Get a Shirt Tailored or Buy a New One?

A shirt that fits well makes all the difference. It looks better, feels more comfortable and lasts longer. If your shirt is too baggy, too tight or just not sitting right, you might be wondering whether it is worth having it altered or if you should just buy a new one. The answer depends on a few things, like the quality of the fabric, how much work needs doing and whether it is something you will wear often. Making small changes to a good quality shirt can make it look and feel like it was made for you, but there are times when it is not worth the effort. Let’s go through what you need to think about before making a decision.

Why Fit Matters in a Shirt

A shirt should look good and feel comfortable at the same time. If it is too loose, it can look untidy, and if it is too tight, it can feel restrictive. A good fit means the shoulders sit where they should, the sleeves are the right length and the fabric follows the shape of your body without pulling or hanging awkwardly. A well fitting shirt gives you confidence and is far more flattering than something that does not sit right.

When Should You Get a Shirt Altered?

Is It Worth Altering a High Quality Shirt?

If your shirt is made from good quality fabric like Egyptian cotton, Sea Island cotton or a fine linen, then it is worth considering alterations. These materials are long lasting, comfortable and hold their shape well. A good shirt with the right fit will not only look better but will also last longer because there is less strain on the seams and fabric. If you have spent money on a well made shirt, having it adjusted to fit you properly is usually a good investment.

Should You Fix an Expensive or Sentimental Shirt?

If your shirt has sentimental value or was expensive, it makes sense to keep it in good shape. Maybe it is a designer shirt, a gift or something you wore to an important event. If it still has plenty of life left in it but does not fit quite right, a tailor can adjust it so you can keep wearing it. Simple changes like taking in the sides, shortening the sleeves or reshaping the shoulders can make a big difference.

Are Off the Rack Shirts Made to Fit Everyone?

Most shirts you find in shops are made to standard sizes, which means they might not fit you properly straight off the shelf. If you have broad shoulders, a slim waist or longer arms, you might find that a regular shirt does not fit well in all the right places. A tailor can make small changes to improve the fit so the shirt sits comfortably and flatters your shape.

Can Small Changes Make a Big Difference?

Not every alteration needs to be major. Simple adjustments like shortening sleeves, shaping the waist or taking in the back can make a standard shirt look and feel much better. These minor changes are usually affordable and can make a shirt look much more expensive than it actually was. If a shirt is just slightly off in certain areas, a quick fix could be all it needs.

Does Altering Clothes Help Reduce Waste?

Instead of throwing away a shirt that does not fit well, altering it means you can keep wearing it. This helps cut down on clothing waste and stops good quality garments from going to landfill. If you want to buy fewer but better clothes, having them adjusted to fit you properly is a great way to make the most of what you already own.

When Is It Not Worth Getting a Shirt Altered?

Is It Worth Fixing a Cheap Shirt?

If a shirt is made from thin fabric or poor quality material, altering it may not be worth the money. Cheaper shirts often wear out quickly, and if the material is weak, there is not much point in spending extra to fix it. Instead, it might be better to invest in a better quality shirt that fits well to begin with.

Can Major Alterations Ruin a Shirt?

If a shirt needs a lot of changes, it can end up losing its original shape. Big alterations like resizing it completely, changing the shoulder width or adjusting the armholes can be expensive and may not turn out as expected. If the fit is way off, it might be better to buy a new shirt that already fits better instead of trying to change one that is too far from the right size.

Is It Worth Altering a Trendy Shirt?

Fashion trends come and go, and some shirt styles may not stay in fashion for long. If a shirt is based on a passing trend, it may not be worth the effort to have it altered. Instead, think about whether it is something you will want to wear for years to come.

What Are the Most Common Shirt Alterations?

Simple Fixes That Improve Fit

Many shirt alterations are small but make a big difference. Some of the most common changes include:

• Taking in the sides to give the shirt a slimmer fit.

• Shortening or lengthening the sleeves to match your arm length.

• Adding darts to shape the waist for a better fit.

• Replacing collars and cuffs to refresh worn areas.

• Adjusting the shoulder width to improve how the shirt sits.

How to Decide If You Should Get a Shirt Altered

Before you decide, think about:

• The quality of the fabric – Is it worth keeping?

• The fit issues – Do they need small or big changes?

• The cost – Is it cheaper to fix the shirt or buy a new one?

• How often you will wear it – Will the changes make it a go to item in your wardrobe?

How to Find a Good Tailor

A skilled tailor can make all the difference when it comes to getting a great fit. Look for someone who:

• Has good reviews – Other customers’ experiences will tell you a lot.

• Knows how to work with shirts – Some tailors specialise in certain types of clothing.

• Can show examples of past work – A good tailor should be able to explain what they can do.

• Offers test alterations – If you are unsure, start with a small change to see how they work.

What Are the Best Alternatives to Alterations?

If you often struggle to find shirts that fit well, you might want to consider other options.

Made to Measure Shirts

These are made using a standard pattern but adjusted to your measurements. They offer a better fit than off the rack options and require fewer alterations.

Bespoke Shirts

These are custom made from scratch to your exact measurements. They are usually more expensive but guarantee the best possible fit.

Shirts with Stretch Fabric

Some modern shirts include materials like elastane or spandex, which help them fit better without needing alterations. These are a good choice if you prefer a close fit but do not want to spend extra on tailoring.

Final Thoughts

Altering a shirt can be a great way to improve fit, comfort and style, but it is not always the best option. If the shirt is high quality, has sentimental value or only needs minor changes, tailoring is worth considering. However, if it is cheaply made, needs major adjustments or is based on a short term fashion trend, buying a better fitting shirt might be the smarter choice.