Clothing alterations Amsterdam

Clothing alterations in Amsterdam

Clothes that almost fit do not fit. For clothing alterations in Amsterdam, come to Small Couture in Amsterdam East, an alterations studio where the sewing is done by a craftsman who is also a fashion designer. Someone who does not just sew, but looks at cut, proportions and finish. English spoken.

  • Shorten sleeves
  • Take in a coat or blazer
  • Alter a dress or skirt
  • Alter a shirt
At work behind the sewing machine in the atelier

From a shorter sleeve to a coat that follows your waist: we discuss what you want, suggest what works best and tell you honestly when something is not a good idea.

Having clothes altered is often smarter than buying new. A suit that a good tailor brings to your measurements is one you will enjoy wearing for years.

Shortening or taking in trousers

Trousers are the garment altered most often. Hemming with a blind hem, taking in the waistband, tapering the legs, or tapering and shortening in one go.

Letting out trousers is also possible, as long as there is fabric in the seams. All the options, from turn ups to hem tape, are on the page Trouser and jeans hemming.

Altering jackets and coats

Altering a coat or jacket makes the difference between "it fits" and "it fits well". We shorten sleeves, with or without lining. On a suit jacket we take care with the buttons and vents on the cuff.

We take in the waist through the side seams and the back seam, so the jacket follows your body without pulling. Narrowing the shoulders is more complex, because the sleeve has to come out. It can be done, but we tell you honestly when it is not worth it.

Altering dresses and skirts

We take in dresses and shorten skirts. You try it on in the studio, we pin it and you see straight away how the new length or waist falls. On a lined dress we adjust both layers, so nothing peeks out.

For wedding dresses and evening gowns there is a separate page: Wedding dress and evening gown alterations. There you can read how we plan fittings and how we handle layers, tulle and lace.

Taking in shirts and blouses

A shirt that is too wide under the arms looks untidy under a jacket. We take it in through the side seams. Shortening sleeves while keeping the cuff is also possible. The result is a shirt that sits close without pulling.

With a blouse we pay extra attention to the fabric: silk and viscose need fine needles and a light touch. That too is possible in our studio.

Alter or buy new

A good pair of trousers that are 3 centimetres too long become perfect with a new hem. Taking in a suit jacket in good fabric is often a better idea than hunting for a new one that happens to fit.

Still, not everything is possible. One size smaller usually works, two sizes usually does not. Making a coat two sizes smaller really means making it again. We tell you honestly, and that advice is free.

How it works

Send a photo via WhatsApp and we will take a look, or drop by Wagenaarstraat 209 in Amsterdam East. For trousers or a dress, bring the shoes you wear with them, so we can decide the right length together. For a jacket or shirt, ideally wear what you normally wear underneath.

We pin the garment while you are wearing it and you hear the price in the studio, always in advance. Alterations usually take 3 to 5 working days, and a rush job within 48 hours is usually possible.

Frequently asked questions

How much do clothing alterations cost?

Every alteration is a custom job, so the price depends on the garment and what needs doing: a hem is something different from taking in a jacket or a dress with several layers. You always hear the price in the studio before we start, with no surprises. Send a photo via WhatsApp first and we will take a look.

Should I wash my clothes before having them altered?

Yes, please. Clean clothes are nicer to work on and the fabric has reached its final size, especially cotton that can still shrink. Ideally wash new trousers or jeans once before having them shortened. If they also need cleaning, we can do that in the same round through our dry cleaning service.

How long do clothing alterations take?

Usually 3 to 5 working days. A hem is often ready sooner, while taking in a jacket or a dress with several layers takes a little longer. A rush job within 48 hours is usually possible. Coming for a fitting? Send a quick message via WhatsApp, so there is time set aside for you.

Can trousers be made longer again?

Often, yes. There is usually 3 to 5 centimetres of fabric in the hem. We unpick the hem, press out the old crease and make a new hem. With jeans, a faint line often remains visible. If there is not enough fabric, hem tape or a narrow border can be the answer.

Can trousers be let out?

Usually by 2 to 4 centimetres, depending on what is in the seams. If the trousers have no spare fabric left, an insert at the back can be a solution. Send a photo of the inside of the waistband and we will quickly see what is possible.

Which shoes should I bring?

The shoes you wear most often with the trousers or dress. A 3 centimetre heel makes the difference between a hem that falls well and a hem that drags on the ground. If you alternate between trainers and smart shoes, bring both, and we will choose a length that works with either.

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What customers say

Rated 4.9 out of 5

★★★★★

2,172 Google reviews

  • Amazing, he know how to do am amazing job and he dies everything and more than what you have asked. And the cherry on the cake he is a really sweet person
    manuela D.
  • Today I went to this shop and I needed to make some adjustments for my pants. Although there were other clients as well, yet he patiently measured what was needed and it was ready very quick. The price was a little bit higher than usual tailors, but if you are looking for a good quality, this is the right place to go.
    milad d.
  • Very friendly staff & super fast!
    Ada A.

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