At one time or another we’ve probably all needed clothing alterations; a hem here, or a sleeve shortening there. Some people utilize the assistance of a good tailor on a regular basis, but getting your wedding gown altered is significantly different than traditional, street clothing alterations. If you are curious about the actual difference between the two activities continue reading.
Fabrics
The fabrics used in street clothes and the fabrics used in wedding gowns are markedly different, making clothing alterations between the two markedly different, too. When you purchase a wedding gown you are likely dealing with delicate fabrics that need specialized skills to work with. The same is not true for street clothing alterations, for the most part. Most street clothes are created from hardier fabrics that can stand up to the test of multiple wears. Wedding gowns are created with a single, special day in mind, so the fabrics used aren’t as hardy. This can cause difficult in alterations, and you should look for an alteration specialist who has worked on gowns in the past.
Hard and fast time frames
Your wedding day is set in stone, but the use of street clothes generally isn’t. Because you’ll be dealing with hard and fast time frames when dealing with your wedding dress, you will want to look for an alteration specialist sooner rather than later. Sure, you might have a specific dress or pair of pants earmarked for an event, but the time frames on clothing alterations can be a bit more flexible when dealing with street clothes. If you are looking to get your gown altered, call around and be sure to emphasis the day of your wedding and how soon you will need the alterations done. There is nothing as stressful as getting ready for a wedding when your dress is still up in the air.
Finicky details
Wedding gowns are traditionally more ornate than your average business suit. Because of the finicky details that are traditionally seen on wedding dresses, you’ll want to look for a specialist who has experience dealing with details when doing clothing alterations. Every bead, button and line matters in your wedding gown, so be sure to find a specialist who knows how to deal with them, and can assure you she’ll keep your dress as close to its original form as possible. Be sure to sit down and discuss your expectations before you hand over your dress, but do be aware that some details might get the ax in effort to make your dress fit like a glove.
Sizing and room for alterations
More forgiving fabrics and less detailing is the normal difference between wedding attire and street clothing, and this means there is generally more room for alterations in street clothing. Yes, you can bring a hem up several inches if you happen to skew more petite in street clothes, but doing so on a wedding gown may cost you some of the ornate detailing along the hem. Sizing between street clothing and wedding gowns is markedly different, too, and you should be aware of this before you head into try on gowns and select the perfect one. Remember, in both street clothing and wedding clothing alterations, it is easier to take a dress in than to let it out, so pick a size that is a little big over a little small.
Armed with this information we are sure that your clothing alterations journey will be a smooth one, whether you are simply fixing a hem on a business skirt, or altering a wedding gown for your special day.
