As any gentleman would know, the secret to looking good for special occasions is to be dapper in a suit that fits you like a glove. It doesn't matter if it's the most expensive one or one bought off the rack; if it doesn't fit you well, you'll look disheveled. Having a skilled tailor to trust and rely on gives you the opportunity to create a wardrobe of suits that flatter your body type the most.
If you haven't been to a tailor yet, it's time to start looking for one within your local area. Suppose you've been quite frustrated with the tailors you've worked with in the past. In that case, you may not have searched well enough, resulting in dealing with mediocre tailors who do not meet your standards.
Here are tips on how to find a tailor Waterloo with whom you'll hopefully have a long-term working relationship.
Get Some Pants Hemmed
Before going big with an expensive order of a suit, or a major re-work of a pricey pair of pants in your closet, test the tailor out first. After all, there's no better way to see what the tailor can do for you than to try it out yourself.
Find an old pair of jeans you're willing to experiment with. Alternatively, you can run a trip to the thrift shop, find a cheap pair, and have that tailored. Choose one that's too long for you, so you can have it hemmed out by the tailor. Be sure to bring the shoes you intend to wear with the pants.
Once the tailor is done, inspect what the tailor has done to your jeans. You don't have to be an expert in clothing, but you should know whether or not you look and feel good in the pants you wear.
Most importantly, observe their workmanship. Is it clean? Did they deliver on time? Look out for any red flags that should give you a hint to look for another tailor instead.
Make Google Your Best Friend
In this day and age of digitalization, where do you first run to when looking for information? Google, without a doubt. Make the Internet your best friend since it'll provide you with an array of resources leading you to a competent tailor.
For instance, a reputable and well-established tailor will likely have a social media account or a Google My Business page. You won't just have information on their address, contact details, and operating hours, but you'll also have a chance to read some comments and feedback.
By merely exploring their online presence, you may already have a general understanding of their professionalism and reputation. Moreover, you'll also get to see photos of the previous work they've done, allowing you to have an initial first impression before even meeting the tailor.
Ask Fancy Boutiques For Recommendations
Hit the high street and get recommendations from fancy boutiques. While such shops may already be selling top-notch quality clothing items, this does not imply that their regular customers immediately wear those garments. Those who shop in the high street are also very particular about the fitting, so much so that they will bring their purchases to a tailor for even minor alterations.
With this in mind, the employees at luxury or high-end stores will undoubtedly have a list of reputable tailors to whom their customers frequently go. You can count on those recommendations to be a no-fail, particularly if the shops' regular clients are VIPs, among others.
Ask A Friend Or Colleague
Suppose you have that stylish friend or colleague you've always admired. If you're close enough to have a few casual conversations, open up by asking for a tailor they can recommend. They're one of the best resources for a good tailor's information, especially if you have seen the tailor's work in person and frequently at that.
Run An Assortment Of Questions By The Tailor
So, you've finally met with a potential tailor. Don't stop right there. Ask various questions during the initial meeting to get a sense of their personality. Skills matter, but so does character. Remember that you want a long-term, professional working relationship with your tailor. Lastly, you shouldn't feel cumbersome to meet the tailor simply because you don't like their attitude.
The Bottomline
Whether you need bespoke suits and outfits made from scratch or alterations done, it's always a plus to have that tailor you can rely on and see immediately. They're the best, at least for you, not just because of their skills but also their reputation and character. If you've made a few mistakes in the past with unreliable tailors that didn't deliver, now you may find yourself with this new opportunity to seek the best. Consider the tips mentioned above because they won't fail you.