Oh, Tailor!

[Etienne]

Hi, there! I'm the lounger who recently got the bespoke suit for my son from England on eBay and I have a question: the suit fits very well in most places but needs a tad bit of alteration through the rear and the back of the jacket. Is it safe to take it to a regular alterations place or do I need a specific type of tailor??

 

[Atterbury Dodd]

Hello,
I wouldn't know too much about this, but I would like to give my opinion (if that’s worth anything). A modern altercations person might not know how a vintage suit is supposed to fit, since style has changed so much over time. I would just be careful. So there is my opinion, there is probably a lot of other people on this forum that could give you allot better information though.

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

Choose a tailor just as you would choose any other professional to perform a service for you. Look at their experience, reputation, and listen to the way they talk about your requests. You can tell if someone will do a good job if they are careful to explain all the details to you, and if they sound genuinely interested in helping you. (just my common sense approach )

 

[BellyTank]

A modern altercations person might not know how a vintage suit is supposed to fit, since style has changed so much over time.

I wouldn't deal with a modern altercations person- it could end up in a noisy quarrel, a fracas even.

But seriously folks, take it to a Tailor, to be sure to be sure- especially if the financial and emotional investment is high.
And of course, to avoid altercations from bad alterations.

B
T

 

[magneto]

Yes, a tailor (optimally specializing in men's suits)--a good choice would be someone who advertises that s/he makes custom-made suits too, as he would have the most extensive knowledge of suit construction and know to put the back together without giving the jacket a dowager's hump.

Not saying some alterations shops aren't OK, but considering my local ones can't even hem a piece of fabric correctly...

 

[jake_fink]

I live in a neighborhood full of alteration shops run by some seriously old school, old world men and women. The work they do is far superior to the work I had done at a Yorkville (read EXPENSIVE) tailor. Other tailors may be better. Other alteration shops may be worse. Your mileage may vary.

And Belly Tank is right about that altercations person. However, if you decide that one week you might like cuffs on a pair of trousers while the next you might want them hemmed, etc, you will have to see an alternations person.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

I have two tailors. One of them is Turkish: he learned the trade in Istanbul and then Hamburg. He's been here in the U.S. for 25 years. Brings in his assistants from Germany.

My other tailor is from Ecuador. He arrived in L.A. in the late '40s, and ended up as a tailor at MGM's wardrobe dept. Has incredible stories; does incredibly good work.

 

[BellyTank]

And Belly Tank is right about that altercations person. However, if you decide that one week you might like cuffs on a pair of trousers while the next you might want them hemmed, etc, you will have to see an alternations person.

You're right Jake about the alternation person- go to the altercations person only for fisti-cuffs. However, if one needs a suit in 3 years time, or only wants half a suit, one could do worse than consult the procrastinations person. A one-legged suit can be obtained from any 'good' and reputable amputations person. Diminutive persons can seek quality guidance form the abbreviations person.
In adversity, the afflictions person. In Hollywood, the affectations person would be an appropriate person.
For a custom made hat, the Appalachians person would be glad to help- although he is also a seasoned procrastination person and unfortunately,
an altercations person into the bargain, if he's not being a hibernation person.
This could however, lead to a person becoming an alienation person... in the company of Federation persons.
Time to see the absolutions person...

B
tion

 

[Baron Kurtz]

Time to see the absolutions person...

Followed swiftly by the ablutions person.

bk

 

[BellyTank]

If one trouser leg becomes blocked, make a bee-line for the nearest occlusions person, or conversely, the extrusions person.

Go to a Tailor, don't be an apprehensions person!

Baron Kurtz, you are becoming an accumulations person.

B
T

 

[Etienne]

Honestly, you men can be MERCILESS with each other: ! Seriously, however, I appreciate the advice and will proceed with care. BTW, Jake Fink, your avatar says you live in Taranna; where exactly IS that? I'd like to check out the alterations people/tailors in that area. Also, MarcChevalier, where do you reside? Are either of you, by any chance, in the greater Los Angeles area? If you are anywhere close by I can get some idea of where these tailors are located and can get this suit done. As always, I appreciate you gentlemen of the lounge for your help. --Etienne

 

[BellyTank]

I believe that Taranna is in Canada.

B
T

 

[Etienne]

Thanks!

 

[Robert Conway]

I have two tailors. One of them is Turkish: he learned the trade in Istanbul and then Hamburg. He's been here in the U.S. for 25 years. Brings in his assistants from Germany.

My other tailor is from Ecuador. He arrived in L.A. in the late '40s, and ended up as a tailor at MGM's wardrobe dept. Has incredible stories; does incredibly good work.

Are both of these tailors in Los Angeles or am I reading this incorrectly?


thanks

 

[Marc Chevalier]

Yes. The first tailor is in Los Feliz. The second is in Pasadena.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

I've received several PMs asking me about my tailors ... and about a good dry cleaners for vintage clothing. Here's my answer:



My Turkish tailor:

The Golden Needle Tailoring
2044 Hillhurst Avenue (between Price Street and Ambrose Avenue)
Los Feliz
(323) 666-3365



My ex-studio wardrobe dept. tailor:

Academy Tailor Shop
23 N. Catalina Avenue (off of Colorado Blvd.)
Pasadena
(626) 578-1027



The absolute BEST drycleaners in L.A. (but expensive). They can handle the most delicate vintage fabrics, and they remove the most impossible stains:

Lace House French Hand Laundry
6080 W. Pico Blvd. (between La Cienega and Crescent Heights Blvd.)
Los Angeles
(323) 653-4052


.

 

[Robert Conway]

Very interesting Marc, thanks for the info.

I'll give these gentlemen a call, since I am in search of a tailor to make me a suit.


Cheers.

 

[Tony in Tarzana]

Thanks, Marc! :eusa_clap

 

[Robert Conway]

Oh, by the way Marc, I was going to ask you if these gents are familiar with the whole small armhole issue. I assume they are, given their years of experience, but have you had a chance to talk to them regarding this?


thanks,

Robert Conway

 

[Baron Kurtz]

That would be something to discuss with the tailor upon visiting. You ask for small armholes, you get small. You want big, they give ya big. Each customer has different taste; tailors will tailor their work to the taste of the customer (they'll argue blind that they know best - and they probably do - but stick to your ***s and get what you want). Occasionally i've heard of a tailor flat out refuse to do what the customer asks, but that seems to be rare (the classic example is the PoW's London tailor who refused to accomodate his penchant for belts instead of suspenders).

That's my experience of tailors, anyway ...

bk