Although it may seem as though they are the same thing, there are some differences between the two that is important to know so that you find the right company for your needs. If you wish to make changes to your clothing, you will need to choose a company specializing in NYC alterations or one that tailors clothing, depending on how much you want changed.
Tailored Clothing
The true definition of tailored clothing is that which is created for an individual. It is custom-fitted for the wearer to emphasize certain areas and hide others to ensure they look their very best. Many tailor services offer completely custom made articles of clothing, and you can typically find this for suits. However, you can do more than just NYC alterations to off-the-rack clothing for something that appears to be completely custom-made for you.
Making Adjustments
NYC alterations are more about making some small changes to clothing that you have bought from a store. Often, the adjustments will be to a particular area, such as hemming pants that are too long or shortening a sleeve. It may also include taking in or out a dress or shirt so that it can fit better. Although it does help the clothing fit the wearer better, it is not as great of a fit as tailored clothing.
How To Decide Between the Two
If you are looking for custom-made clothing or to turn a store-bought piece into something that looks as though it was made just for you, then you want to look for a tailor. This will typically cost you a significant amount of money. It is possible to learn to sew and do this yourself to save some money. Alternatively, if you simply need to make a few slight adjustments to a piece of clothing, then you are looking to make NYC alterations. These services typically are less expensive than tailoring and can be found at most dry cleaners and other places as an add-on service.
Where to Look For These Services
When you search for tailoring or NYC alterations services, it is important you choose the right location. Most tailors will work from a specialty shop, although you may find tailoring services at certain higher end boutiques or dry cleaners. Many stores offer alteration services, as do a fair number of dry cleaners. It is important that you ensure that the company offering tailoring services is actually going to make the full extent of changes you want, rather than just altering the clothing, since it may be possible that some companies use the two terms interchangeably.
When you are looking to make some adjustments to work clothes for a better fit or wanting to ensure that your wedding dress or other special occasion item makes you look your very best, then you will need to find special services if you do not have the skills or the time to handle it yourself. Knowing the difference between tailoring and NYC alterations will help you to choose the right company or person to make the changes you want.