How much does tailoring cost in Australia?

From time to time, it’s nice to treat yourself to tailored clothes with an impeccable fit, high-quality construction, and elegant fabrics. But how much does tailoring cost, and is the high price tag really worth it?

This detailed guide explains the average tailoring fees in Australia and the factors that can influence pricing, so you can prepare and budget accordingly.

What are the average tailoring prices in Australia?

Below, you can see the average tailoring rates in the country’s major cities:

What factors affect the cost of tailoring?

Here are the major factors that can influence tailoring costs and that you should keep in mind when budgeting for the service:

Type of tailored garment

Close-up of wedding dress tailoring with embroidered lace details (Source: iStock)

Tailor pricing is generally higher for intricate clothing due to the labour, skills, and time involved. This is why making men’s suits and women’s eveningwear, which typically require more expertise and techniques, is pricier than tailoring basic dress shirts and skirts.

Bespoke vs made-to-measure service

What’s the difference between bespoke and made-to-measure tailoring? While made-to-measure garments are based on existing patterns that are modified to fit the wearer, bespoke clothes are drafted from scratch and involve more fittings and customisation.

Consequently, bespoke tailoring costs typically fall within a higher range, especially for formalwear and multi-piece suits, which look better with perfectly fitting jacket sleeves, collars, and pant inseams.

Fabric choice

Tailor reviewing fabric swatches for custom garment selection (Source: iStock)

Your fabric type choice for your tailored garment can greatly affect its cost. For instance, Harris Tweed wool, silk, and embroidered fabric are definitely more expensive than cotton-wool blends, linen, or polyester due to differences in quality and production costs.

Design complexity

The more complex a garment’s design is, the more time-consuming, labour-intensive, and expensive it will be. This is why the tailoring costs for a custom-made bridal gown (whose creation may involve hours spent on sketching, drafting, draping, sewing, beading, and boning) are way higher than the fees for a dress with minimal details.

Measurements and fittings

Having several sessions of measurements and fittings can add up to the total cost of tailoring. This is why you should expect to pay higher fees for suits and formalwear, since body measurements should be precise and several fittings are necessary.

Tailor experience or specialisation

How much does a tailor cost based on their technical skills and experience? Well-established tailors specialising in a particular type of garment usually command higher fees, especially if they are sought after by many people. This is why expert suit tailors from another city or country who organise bespoke trunk shows can charge steep fees for the services and products they can offer.

On the other hand, newbies in the field whose craftsmanship is not as honed usually have affordable rates.

Additional services

Many tailors who offer same-day or rush services may impose extra fees or special express tailor prices. This is because they may have to adjust their schedule or work overtime to accommodate urgent requests.

Monogramming, embroidery, at-home fitting, pressing, and delivery, as well as extra labour in the form of inclusive repair and alterations, are additional services that can increase the cost.

What are some ways to save on tailoring charges?

Tailoring workspace with sewing machine, tape measure, and calculator (Source: iStock)

Here are some steps you can take if you want tailoring to be as cost-effective as possible:

• Ask various tailors for free quotes and compare their rates to gauge the average cost of the service in your area.

• Book early to avoid rush fees.

• Opt for a made-to-measure garment instead of a bespoke piece.

• Choose more affordable fabrics.

• Avoid too many unnecessary customisations.

What should you look for in a professional tailor?

Here are some questions to ask if you’re in search of a good tailor:

• Do they specialise in the type of clothing you want to be made?

• How long have they been working as a tailor?

• Does their portfolio of past work demonstrate excellent craftsmanship and skill?

• Do they have great reviews from their past clients?

• How long will it take them to finish your tailored garment?

Achieve your dream outfits with Airtasker

Suit fitting with measuring tape in a tailoring studio (Source: iStock)

If you’re in search of a tailor near you, you can probably find what you’re looking for when you sign up on Airtasker. 

To begin the process, click the blue ‘Post a task’ button, then indicate the type of clothing you want made, together with other details like your budget and location. After expert tailors start responding to your post, you can negotiate rates, ask about their capabilities, and check out their customer reviews to help you decide whom to hire.

And if you need someone’s help to patch up a coat, remove the stain from a dress, or fix the zipper on your pants, you can also go on Airtasker to find clothing repair experts.