When it comes to clothes, fit is everything. It’s especially important when you’re building a plus size wardrobe that actually works for your life. We’ve all experienced gaping blouses that play peek-a-boo, blazers that make you look like a linebacker, or pants that fit perfectly over hips but not at the waist. Sound familiar?
Here’s the truth: in a world where most clothing is mass-produced, nothing is going to fit just right off the rack. This is where finding a good tailor becomes absolutely essential. A professional tailor isn’t a luxury. It’s an investment in looking and feeling your best.
Why Finding a Good Tailor Matters for Plus Size Women
Finding a good tailor can transform your entire wardrobe. That $30 blazer from Target? A skilled tailor can make it look like you spent $300. Those pants that almost fit? A few adjustments and they’ll look custom made for your body.
This is especially true for plus size women. While brands are slowly improving their size ranges and fits, the reality is that most clothing still isn’t designed with our curves in mind. A good tailor bridges that gap between what brands offer and what actually flatters your body.
Think about it. A powersuit is only powerful when it fits well. A dress can only make the impression you want when it hugs you in the right places. Finding a good tailor who understands plus size bodies means you’re not limited to whatever happens to fit off the rack.
What to Look for When Finding a Good Tailor
Finding a good tailor isn’t just about picking the closest shop to your house. You need someone who understands plus size bodies, has the right skills, and makes you feel comfortable. Here’s what to look for.
Experience With Plus Size Clients
This is non-negotiable. When you’re finding a good tailor, you need to ask directly: do you have experience working with plus size clients? A tailor who regularly works with curvy bodies will understand how fabric drapes differently, where alterations are most needed, and how to maintain the integrity of a garment while adjusting it.
Don’t be shy about this question. You’re investing money in their services. You deserve someone who knows what they’re doing with your body type.
Clear Communication Style
Finding a good tailor means finding someone who listens. When you explain what you want, do they ask clarifying questions? Do they offer suggestions based on their expertise? Or do they just nod and say “okay” to everything?
A great tailor should feel like a partner in getting your clothes to fit right. They should be comfortable telling you when your idea might not work and offering alternatives that will actually look better.
Professional Setup and Portfolio
When finding a good tailor, pay attention to their workspace. Is it clean and organized? Do they have dress forms in various sizes, including plus sizes? Can they show you examples of their work?
Ask to see before and after photos or speak with references. A professional tailor should have no problem sharing their portfolio or putting you in touch with satisfied clients.
Step-by-Step Guide to Finding a Good Tailor
Now that you know what to look for, here’s exactly how to go about finding a good tailor in your area.
Start With Research and Recommendations
Begin by asking for recommendations from other plus size women. Check local Facebook groups, Reddit communities, or Instagram. When someone in your size range recommends a tailor, that’s gold.
Also search Google and Yelp for tailors in your area. Look specifically for mentions of plus size clients in the reviews. Read both positive and negative reviews to get a full picture.
Schedule an Initial Visit
Before bringing in any garments, call and schedule a consultation visit. When you call, ask about their experience with plus size alterations, how long they’ve been in business, and what their specialties are.
Ask when would be a good time to visit (usually their slowest time). This gives you space to chat without them being rushed. Finding a good tailor requires you to feel comfortable in their space, since this person will be working very closely with your body and clothes.
Bring a Test Garment
For your first actual alteration, bring something simple and relatively inexpensive. This is your test run. It helps you evaluate their skills without risking a piece you absolutely love.
Common test alterations include hemming pants, taking in a waist, or shortening sleeves. These are straightforward alterations that will show you their skill level and turnaround time.
Communicate Clearly About What You Want
When working with your tailor, be specific about what you want but also listen to their expertise. Try on the garment in the shop. Point out exactly where it’s too loose, too tight, too long, or too short.
A good tailor will offer suggestions you might not have considered. Maybe taking in the waist isn’t the best solution. Maybe adjusting the shoulder seam would actually fix multiple issues at once. Trust their expertise while making sure your vision is heard.
Confirm Pricing and Timeline
Before leaving any garment, get clarity on three things: exactly what alterations will be made, how much it will cost, and when you can pick it up.
Repeat back what you heard to make sure you’re on the same page. This prevents surprise costs or misunderstandings about what work was supposed to be done. Good communication is key to finding a good tailor relationship that lasts.
Red Flags When Finding a Good Tailor
Not every tailor is going to be the right fit. Here are some warning signs that should make you walk away.
If a tailor dismisses your concerns or makes you feel bad about your body, leave. Finding a good tailor means finding someone who makes you feel comfortable and confident, not someone who makes comments about your size.
If they can’t or won’t show you examples of their work, that’s a problem. Professional tailors should have portfolios or references available.
If they’re vague about pricing or timelines, be cautious. You deserve transparency about what you’re paying for and when you’ll get your clothes back.
If they rush through your fitting or don’t take proper measurements, that’s a red flag. Quality alterations take time and attention to detail.
What Alterations Are Worth It?
Not every piece of clothing is worth altering. Here’s how to decide what to take to your tailor.
Definitely worth altering: blazers and structured jackets, dress pants and trousers, dresses for special occasions, items made from quality fabrics, pieces you absolutely love but don’t quite fit.
Maybe not worth it: fast fashion pieces that cost less than the alteration would, items with extensive damage beyond fit issues, clothes made from fabrics that won’t hold alterations well, anything you’re not sure you’ll actually wear.
A good rule of thumb: if the garment plus alterations costs less than buying something similar that fits perfectly, and you’ll actually wear it, it’s probably worth altering.
Building a Relationship With Your Tailor
Once you’ve succeeded in finding a good tailor, nurture that relationship. This person is now part of your style team.
Be a good client. Show up on time for fittings. Pay promptly. If you’re happy with their work, tell them. Leave positive reviews online. Refer friends their way.
Small businesses like tailor shops depend on word of mouth and repeat customers. When you find someone good, help them stay in business so they’re there when you need them.
Over time, your tailor will learn your preferences and your body. They’ll know how you like your pants hemmed, whether you prefer a looser or more fitted silhouette, and what alterations you typically need. This makes future visits faster and easier.
Common Plus Size Alterations to Know About
Understanding common alterations helps when finding a good tailor and communicating what you need. Here are alterations plus size women frequently need.
Taking in or letting out the waist is probably the most common alteration. Many plus size clothes fit the hips but gap at the waist, or vice versa.
Shortening sleeves and pant hems is essential for petite plus sizes. If you’re dealing with sleeve length issues, check out our guide on plus size petite styling.
Adjusting bust darts can make tops and dresses fit dramatically better. If darts are pointing the wrong direction or sitting in the wrong spot, your whole garment looks off.
Taking in shoulders on blazers and coats is another game changer. Shoulder fit is crucial for structured pieces looking polished.
Tapering pants legs can modernize the fit and make them more flattering. This is especially helpful for office wear and plus size workwear.
Questions to Ask When Finding a Good Tailor
Come prepared with these questions when you’re evaluating potential tailors.
How long have you been tailoring? Experience matters, especially for complex alterations.
Do you have experience with plus size clients? Again, this is crucial. Different body types require different approaches.
What’s your turnaround time? Make sure their timeline works for your needs, especially if you need something altered for an event.
Do you offer rush services? And if so, what’s the additional cost? Sometimes you need something done quickly.
What’s your pricing structure? Do you charge per alteration or per piece? Get clarity upfront.
What’s your policy if I’m not satisfied with the work? A good tailor should be willing to fix issues.
Can you show me examples of similar alterations you’ve done? Seeing their past work helps you know what to expect.
Digital Options for Finding a Good Tailor
In 2026, finding a good tailor isn’t limited to local shops. Online tailoring services have expanded significantly, though they come with trade-offs.
Services like Hem & Stitch, Hemster, and others offer mail-in alterations. You ship your clothes, they alter them, they ship them back. This can work for simple alterations like hemming.
However, for more complex alterations, especially on plus size bodies, nothing beats in-person fittings. A tailor needs to see how fabric sits on your body, where it pulls or gaps, and how you move in the garment.
If you’re in an area with limited local options, online services can be a backup. But when possible, finding a good tailor you can visit in person will always give better results.
The Bottom Line on Finding a Good Tailor
Finding a good tailor is one of the best investments you can make in your wardrobe. The right tailor transforms clothes that almost fit into pieces that fit perfectly. They help you look polished and put together. They extend the life of clothes you love.
For plus size women, having a trusted tailor means you’re not limited to whatever happens to fit off the rack. You can buy that blazer that fits your shoulders even if the waist is too big. You can hem those perfect pants to your exact height. You can make fast fashion look high-end.
Start your search today. Ask for recommendations in your local plus size community. Schedule consultations with a few tailors. Bring a test garment. Pay attention to how comfortable you feel and how they communicate.
When you find the right tailor, you’ve found someone who will be part of your style journey for years to come. It’s worth taking the time to find the right fit.
Have you found an amazing tailor? Drop their info in the comments so other TCF readers in your area can find them too. And if you’re still searching, tell us what you’re looking for. Let’s help each other look our absolute best.
Having a great tailor is a good idea- but will turn a $20 blazer into a $80 blazer after fees
True but, it is better than buying three that barely fit though!
great point or try your hand at doing it yourself. Its an uphill battle though. But conversely it can make a 20$ short or jacket look like its worth more too. If you have a good rapport with an an alteration they will eventually give you a reduced rate. I know of two GREAT ones that do formal-wear and daily clothes, in the North Bay Area (North of SF) If any one is in need. Def keep in mind you need to communicate what you want done! Not a time to be shy.
It was really helpful when you said that they need to have references. My sister just recently got her wedding dress, but it’s a little too big on her, so she wants to make sure that she can find an alteration service that can help with making sure it can fit right in time for the wedding. I’ll make sure to pass this information along to her so that she can know how to find the right alteration service for her dress.