Forget the Tailor: These 11 Clothing Stores Offer Free Alterations
Alina A. WangUpdated March 21, 2023, 9:36 PM
Seams Easy
In an ideal world, every pair of jeans would fit perfectly. In reality, we all have different body types, and clothes will sometimes require a few alterations to look their best.
But don’t worry: There are plenty of stores that offer free alterations so you can get your pants hemmed without having to spend extra money. By visiting one of these stores, you can avoid the hassle of paying an outside tailor for their services. Some stores even offer additional discounts through rewards programs and points so you can save even further on your wardrobe.
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Madewell
Although you must be enrolled in Madewell’s Insider program to receive free hemming on jeans, the loyalty program is free to join and comes with many additional benefits. As an Insider, you’ll enjoy a birthday gift, complimentary leather and denim personalization, and free shipping and returns on purchases, as well as early access to exclusive collaborations and invitations to special events.
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Banana Republic
Banana Republic’s Icon Rewards members can enjoy unlimited and free basic alterations on the store’s apparel. According to the company, basic alterations include “shortening hems on pants, skirts and dresses,” and members must bring proof of Icon status plus the item they wish to have altered to a store to receive alteration services. A Banana Republic representative told Cheapism that non-rewards members can also receive basic alteration services on purchased items from the store by paying a fee ranging from £10 to £25.
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Saks Fifth Avenue
The luxury retailer offers free hemming on most jeans, trousers, and jacket sleeves, as well as other basic services such as adding shoulder pads and resetting basic buttons, snaps, and hooks. However, items that were bought on sale may be subject to a fee, and additional or custom alterations vary in price depending on the type of clothing and requested service. Customers can also have outside clothes tailored for a fee, even if they weren’t purchased at Saks.
Uniqlo
Uniqlo offers free machine-stitched hemming on pants that cost £20 or more.
For items under £20, you can get machine-stitched hemming for £5 with proof of purchase. Hidden (blind) stitching is also available for an additional fee: Trousers that cost £20 or more can be hemmed for £5, while those that cost less than £20 can be hemmed for £10. The company also offers an online alteration service where you can submit requests through its website and have the altered pants shipped to your home.
J. Crew
J.
Crew offers a complimentary alteration program for its cardholder members and charges a £10 fee for non-members. Basic alterations include hems, tapering, waist adjustments, and minor sleeve alterations. A few caveats: Only full-priced items are eligible for free alterations, and the program is only available for certain styles and sizes and does not include custom tailoring.
Lululemon
The popular athletic apparel brand offers free alterations on all its tops and bottoms at any of its stores — no proof of purchase or tags required. Alterations are typically completed within three business days (seven days at pop-up stores), and customers must bring a government-issued ID or proof of confirmation email during pickup.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom’s tailoring service allows free basic alterations for Nordy Club members, as well as alterations on most full-priced items at no additional cost; clothes bought elsewhere can also be altered for a fee.
Customers can make an appointment in-store or online to meet with a Nordstrom tailor or stylist, who will take measurements and discuss the desired changes and fees, if any.
Dillard’s
Dillard’s offers a free alteration program to customers who purchase full-priced merchandise at any Dillard’s location. Customers can have basic alterations made to these items, including hemming on unfinished pant bottoms and sleeve adjustments, free of charge. Note that Dillard’s does not offer free tailoring on items that were bought on sale or on ready-to-wear clothing, such as coats, dresses, and skirts.
Hugo Boss
The Barney Stinsons of the world will be happy to learn that Hugo Boss offers basic alterations on hemming, sleeve and waist adjustments to its Hugo Boss Experience members for free (with proof of purchase).
The suit giant also offers more extensive alterations for a fee; however, custom specifications are subject to availability, and not all items are eligible. According to Hugo Boss, all alterations are completed by experienced tailors who work to ensure the perfect fit for each customer.
Neiman Marcus
Neiman Marcus offers a complimentary alteration program to customers who purchase full-priced items in-store or online. Customers can have basic alterations — including hemming, sleeve, and waist adjustments — made to most items free of charge. The retailer also offers additional alterations for a fee, including on clothes that were purchased elsewhere or on Neiman Marcus clothes purchased more than 30 days prior to the altering request.
Note that alterations are subject to availability depending on store location.
Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren offers complimentary alterations on full-priced men’s suits and additional men’s and women’s apparel in select locations. To request an alteration, customers must present a copy of their invoice in-store to schedule an appointment. Note that free alterations are not available on sale items but can still be done for a fee.
Alterations can take up to 10 business days to complete.
Originally published March 21, 2023, 9:31 PM
