To what extent can a tailor alter a top? How much would it cost?

Question

I work in a shop and have to choose uniform from their stock, the problem is that I am a tiny UK size 4-6 but the shop's clothes start at a roomy size 12. The company I work for have said that I will need to pay for alterations on my uniform.

I'm wondering if a tailor would even agree to attempt to alter a top so much? Also how much would such an alteration cost roughly? Just to make things even more difficult, the tops are all lined and have shoulder pads.

Answer 1

Many sewing shops do alterations like this...it only costs a little..maybe £10.00....but you shouldnt have to pay!

Answer 2

Probably not. It sounds too big a job to me to downsize the garment that much. If a dressmaker did alter it I think it would cost quite a lot. It would probably be easier to make one from scratch! If the body of the garment has to be altered too much the sleeves would have to be taken out and that would make it quite a big job.

Answer 3

I should think a good tailor would be able to do this, but you'd have to ask one.  Most dry cleaners have a tailor either on premises or on call.  Go to your nearest dry cleaner and ask there. They'd be able to give you a much more realistic answer -- including the exact price and a projected completion date.  If the dry cleaners in your country don't have tailors associated with them, try your phone book.