Yes, many suits can be altered, although it depends on what needs changing.
Trousers that are a little too long, for example, are a very different proposition from a jacket that's several sizes too big across the shoulders.
Alterations can make a suit look and feel much better, but they're not a substitute for buying the right size and cut in the first place.
What can usually be altered?
An alterations specialist may be able to help with:
• Shortening trousers or adjusting their length.
• Taking in or letting out a trouser waistband, where the construction allows.
• Shortening jacket sleeves, depending on how the cuffs are made.
• Refining the shape of a jacket.
• Making smaller adjustments to improve the overall fit.
What's possible will depend on the individual garment, including its construction and how much spare fabric is available.
It's always worth having the suit assessed before assuming a particular adjustment can be made.
What can't easily be fixed?
The shoulders are one of the first things I'd look at when trying on a jacket.
If they're significantly too wide or too narrow, altering them can involve considerable work and may not be practical.
The same goes for a jacket that's clearly the wrong overall shape for you. Taking it in at the waist isn't necessarily going to correct problems elsewhere.
If a suit needs changing in several different places, ask to try another size or fit before committing to alterations. You may find something that works much better straight off the rail.
Should I buy a bigger size and have it taken in?
Only if you've had the suit assessed and know that the alterations are achievable.
Going up a size to get more room around your waist or chest can create other problems. The shoulders may become too wide, the jacket might hang differently and the overall proportions may no longer work for you.
Start with the areas of the suit that are hardest to change, then look at whether smaller adjustments are worthwhile.
And do sit down in the suit before making a decision. Something that looks fine while you're standing in front of a mirror might feel quite different when you actually wear it.
For more help choosing your first suit, read I know nothing about suits. Where do I start?.
How much do suit alterations cost?
That depends on the garment and the work required.
A simple trouser adjustment won't necessarily cost the same as reshaping a jacket, and it's difficult to give an accurate price without examining the suit.
Ask for a quote before proceeding. If you're buying for an event, confirm the expected completion date too.
Alterations to purchased Ready-to-Wear suits at Pure Suits are charged separately. We can arrange them, or you're welcome to take your suit to your own preferred specialist.
For help budgeting for the suit and any extras, read How much does a suit cost?.
Can a hired suit be altered?
Not necessarily. You should always check with the hire company rather than assume it operates like a suit you've purchased.
At Pure Suits, hired garments are not altered.
During your measurement appointment, you'll try on fitting samples and agree the sizes to be ordered from our supplier. The showroom garments are samples; they aren't the individual outfits supplied for your event.
If something doesn't feel right at your fitting, mention it then. Trying another size or style is a much better approach than agreeing to something uncomfortable and hoping it can be changed later.
What should I say if I'm unhappy with the fit?
You don't need to know anything about tailoring to explain what feels wrong.
Perhaps the jacket pulls when you fasten it, the trousers feel tight when you sit down, or you think the sleeves look too long.
Tell the person helping you and try moving around in the suit. A fitting isn't just about how you look standing still.
It's also worth asking whether you're seeing a sizing problem or whether that particular cut simply isn't right for you. Sometimes changing the style is the easiest solution.
If a suit needs altering everywhere, it's probably worth trying another one. A few small adjustments can be worthwhile; rebuilding an unsuitable suit usually isn't the best place to spend your money.