Dress alterations cost: How much do tailors charge in the US?

Have you ever had a stunning dress sitting in your closet for ages, but you can’t wear it because it doesn’t fit? Instead of selling or giving it out, you may ask a tailor or seamstress to alter it. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also get to wear a comfortable dress that flatters your body. 

This guide covers average dress alteration costs in the US, including key factors that influence them, to help you make smart choices and get the most out of your altered garments. 

What are the average costs of dress alterations in the US?

Dress alterations can cost from $11 to over $200, depending on factors such as the type of alteration, the fabric, and the tailor’s or seamstress’s experience. Your location can also affect pricing. If you live in New York City, one of the US’s metropolitan areas, clothing alterations are costlier due to higher demand and higher overhead costs, such as rent and tailors’ salaries. 

Here’s a breakdown of the average dress alteration prices in major cities in the US: 

What factors affect the costs of dress alterations?

Seamstress adjusting the hem of a teal satin gown during dress alterations (Source: iStock)

Whether it’s a ball gown or a simple sundress, off-the-rack dresses need some tweaking to fit just right. However, alteration costs vary widely because, as mentioned, certain factors can affect the total price. Keep reading to find out how much alterations cost for a dress.

Alteration type

Clothing repairs and alterations can range from simple adjustments, like adjusting straps and replacing zippers, to more complex work, like reshaping the dress. As might be expected, the more complex the alterations are, the higher the costs. 

Simple alterations

Since these alterations involve less intricate work, their prices are much more affordable, ranging from $10 to $75. They typically require basic dress adjustments, such as hemming to shorten the dress or adding straps, bra cups, or zippers. 

Below are some of the most common simple alterations and their average costs: 

Mid to complex alterations 

These alterations require more detailed reconstruction work, so expect prices to range from $15 to over $200. They involve reshaping or tapering the dress so it nicely hugs your body, or doing comprehensive hemming, which could mean adding a blind-stitch hem or a double-fold hem for a neater finish. 

Altering dresses with heavy embellishments such as beads, sequins, and embroidery also falls under complex alterations because it requires more careful work. It entails disassembling and reassembling the dress parts without damaging their original structure, and this could cost more than $145.

Replacing the lining (the inner part of the dress) and adding panels or sections to improve the fit are also considered complex alterations. Since both involve using extra fabric to add multiple intricate layers and make other significant structural changes, they typically cost more than $200. 

Here’s a dress alteration price list for mid to complex modifications: 

Fabric type

Shimmering teal material with sequins, commonly used in formal dress alterations (Source: iStock)

The type of fabric can also affect the total cost of altering a dress. For instance, casual dresses made from lightweight fabrics such as cotton are easier to alter and, therefore, have lower costs. 

Meanwhile, formal dresses made from delicate fabrics such as silk, chiffon, and lace are considered harder to work with. These require special care and handling to avoid damaging the fabric and ensure a clean finish; prices range from around $30 to $120.

You’ll also find some dresses made from satin, velvet, and leather. These are considered the most difficult fabrics because they usually have thicker, denser piles, making them heavy to work with. Alteration services cost more for these fabric types, and the price can reach $400. 

Below is a breakdown of dress alteration costs by fabric type: 

Dress design

The average price for dress alterations can vary significantly depending on the dress’s design. For instance, bridal dresses cost more than a simple maxi dress because the bridal and bridesmaid dresses often have more complex designs. We’ll break this down further, from low-cost to high-cost dresses to alter. 

Low-cost

Simple casual dresses made from lightweight fabrics are the most affordable, priced $15 to $60. They only need minor tweaks and adjustments, such as basic hemming, strap adjustments, and zipper replacements. 

Here are some dress designs that fall into the lower price point of alterations:

Mid-cost

Semi-formal dresses like cocktail, sheath, and a-line are considered mid-cost, with prices ranging from $60 to $150. They’re slightly higher because dresses like these tend to be more fitted or layered, making them more difficult to alter.

Below are some of the semi-formal dresses with a mid-range alteration cost: 

High-cost

Altering wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, and ball gowns is the most expensive due to their intricate designs. Some are adorned with sequins, beads, and other embellishments, while others have corsets with boning to give the dress more structure and a flattering shape. Since these require careful, precise work, expect costs of $150 to $1,000 (or more). 

Tailor or seamstress experience

Seamstress hand-stitching black beaded lace during dress alterations (Source: iStock)

Each tailor or seamstress is different. Some specialize in bespoke alterations, while others focus on women’s tailoring and formal wear. Because of their extensive experience and training, their services are quite high for dress alterations, even for simple fixes. 

Despite the high cost, hiring a professional is worth investing in. Apart from expertly handling delicate fabrics prone to stretching and shrinking with care, they aim to take all measurements correctly to avoid an uneven hemline, gaping seams, or an unflattering silhouette.

Turnaround time

Notice how the cost of dress alterations is higher when the expected turnaround time is longer? For example, simple fixes that can be completed in about three to five days don’t incur additional charges, unlike complex gown alterations that take about two to four weeks. This is because simple alterations often don’t require multiple fittings, unlike those for formal dresses. 

However, rush services are a different matter. Whether it’s a simple or a more complex alteration, requesting same-day rush services incurs an additional charge.

Additional services

Dress alterations showcasing delicate button stitching on dark fabric (Source: iStock)

Some clothing alteration pros offer additional services beyond your basic fit adjustments. This could range from simple services such as steaming or pressing to prepare the clothes to a more hands-on approach, such as on-site tailoring during an event. 

Although these add-ons come at an extra cost, some alteration shops offer them as a comprehensive service package, helping reduce the total cost for dress alterations. It’s like getting a bundled discount for combining multiple services. 

Check out some of the most popular add-ons for alteration services below: 

What are some ways to save on dress alterations?

Dress alterations in progress featuring detailed work on pearl-embellished lace (Source: iStock)

Although simple fixes don’t cost much, things can add up and inflate the total price of dress alterations. Avoid falling into this trap by following these simple tips and tricks: 

Know exactly what you need

Even though you already have a rough idea of what kind of alterations should be done, doing a little bit of research and learning more about the relevant jargon in alterations could help you save money. 

This helps you clarify what exactly you need from a tailor or seamstress, preventing miscommunication and unexpected extra charges. They may even offer more affordable alternatives, such as minor adjustments called a “pinch,” which can create a curved heart-shaped “sweetheart” neckline instead of a complex neckline alteration. 

Book early

Avoid peak times during these seasons to save on alterations:

• Spring: This season features weddings, proms, and graduations, so there will be an increased demand for formal wear tailoring and alterations. 

• Fall: The weather gets colder, so alteration shops get busier as more people need their coats and outerwear altered for a better fit. 

Always book early. As a rule of thumb, there should be a window of 1 to 2 weeks for simple alterations and 4 to 8 weeks for alterations to formal wear. This way, you can avoid additional rush fees and seasonal price hikes in dress alterations.  

Buy your shoes after your first dress fitting

Shopping for shoes after fitting the dress helps reduce the total price of dress alterations, as it allows you to choose a heel height that complements your height and dress length. You won’t need that extra hemming service, saving you hundreds of dollars. 

Consider a dress with a corset or tie-up back

A corset or tie-up-back dress has lacing or ribbons at the back to let you tighten or loosen it. This flexibility helps you save money on alterations, since you no longer need the dress tapered on the sides to ensure a perfect fit. 

What should you look for in a tailor or seamstress for dress alterations? 

Seamstress working on the draping of a shimmering gold gown (Source: iStock)

With lots of tailoring and dressmaking shops popping up left and right, finding the right tailor or seamstress for dress alterations can be challenging. Here’s a quick guide on the most important things to look out for when hiring an alterations expert: 

Familiarity with your specific garment type

First things first, check out their portfolio. Does the dressmaker specialize in the specific dress type you own? It’s also worth checking their work racks to see which dresses they handle most often. Remember that each tailor or seamstress has their own expertise, so choosing someone who specializes in your type of dress ensures that the alterations won’t ruin the garment’s original structure or appearance.

Ability to work without standard patterns

Choosing a versatile tailor or seamstress who can handle alterations for customers with different body types is best. Keep in mind that we each have our own unique build, so look for someone who recognizes these differences and knows how to adjust and customize dresses that feel and look like they’re made exactly for you. 

Expertise in draping and cut suitability

If possible, go to the tailor’s or seamstress’s shop in person and consult them about the type of dress alterations you need. They should be able to offer advice on whether a specific cut or fabric drape complements your body shape. 

For instance, a stiff full skirt might widen your hips more than you like, or a strapless bodice might not sit right on a narrow frame. This way, they can make subtle design tweaks or alterations that greatly improve the fit and appearance of your dress. 

Confidence with delicate or “difficult” fabrics

Most formal dresses are made from delicate fabrics such as silk and satin, so if you need to have them altered, make sure you choose someone who’s an expert in these fabric types. Inexperienced tailors might pucker seams or snags since these delicate fabrics can shift easily during sewing. 

Dress problems? Be dressed to the nines with Airtasker

Whether it’s a prom, formal gala, or even a simple date, having a reliable tailor or seamstress who could help alter your clothes is a lifesaver, especially if you suddenly have a wardrobe emergency or a last-minute outfit crisis. 

Find dress alterations experts at Airtasker. Post a task to connect with pros who can handle everything from tailoring tweaks to full outfit styling.

Say goodbye to ill-fitting clothes. Get them fixed today with Airtasker.