Groom's Guide: How to Nail Your Wedding Suit Alteration Appointment

At The Groomsman Suit, we offer one of the widest size ranges in wedding suits for men to ensure we get a close to custom fit and avoid expensive alterations. We know groomsmen and bridesmen come in all shapes and sizes which is why we carry suit jackets in sizes 34 to 60 and pants in sizes 28 to 54. Additionally, our jacket and pants come in two fit types (slim and modern) and four lengths. Finally, to create that close to custom fit, we sell our jackets and pants as separates allowing our customers to buy the perfect fit and size combination for their bodies.

Even with all these possibilities, sometimes alterations are desired or necessary. Tailoring can get expensive quickly. To make sure you’re not overspending, it’s important to start with the best base size. How do you know you’re in the right size or what alterations are possible? Be sure to read our guides on jacket and pant fit and tailoring best practices.

Once you’ve found the best jacket and pant fit, here is a checklist to help you work with your tailor to make the best alterations to your wedding suit.

Where should you go for suit alterations? Tailor or dry cleaner?Your local dry cleaner can do a lot for you for really affordable prices. If you know exactly what you want to have done and can clearly communicate that as your garment is pinned on you (or you pre-pin it yourself), then a dry cleaner with tailoring is the way to go. They are usually more affordable and offer faster turnaround times.

If you have more complex fit issue or simply want an expert’s opinion on how the suit should fit, a true tailor that is solely focused on apparel alterations or creating custom garments is your best option. Typically, expert tailors can be found by searching for custom clothier shops in your area.

How long do alterations take?The turnaround time for alterations can vary greatly from shop to shop. Typically, affordable tailors known for excellent work are popular and may need up to three weeks to turn around an alteration especially if the adjustments are to the jacket making them a bit more complex. A simple pant hem usually only takes a couple days and some places can even turn it around in the same day or overnight. If you are in a pinch, it’s best to call around ahead of your visit to make sure you take your suit to a shop that can meet your deadline.

What to bring to your tailoring appointment?It is important to bring everything you plan on wearing with your wedding suit. Specifically, your shirt and shoes as they can greatly affect the fit of your suit. We recommend having ¼ -½” of dress shirt showing beyond the sleeve of the jacket and because shirt sleeve lengths can vary it’s important to bring the one you intend on wearing. Additionally, your shoe’s construction and details affect the pant hem. By bringing your complete wedding outfit to the alteration appointment, you will be doing yourself and your tailor or dry cleaner a favor and will be sure to get the best possible advice and adjustments.

What suit alterations should you avoid?There are some parts of your suit you should avoid tailoring at all costs. The number one area is the shoulder and armhole of your jacket. If you are experiencing poor fit here, it’s best to change the size and fit type of your jacket rather than alter it. For a deeper dive into the shoulder fit, please refer to our complete breakdown of common suit jacket fit issues here.

In general, it’s always easier (and less expensive) to take a garment in than it is to let it out. For example, if you’re finding your pant fit to be too tight, it’s best to try the next size up and have the waist and legs taken in a touch to achieve your desired look.

Have more questions about the fit of your wedding suit? Contact us for more assistance and please include details of your fit issues/preferences, body type, and even pictures of you in the suit (with shirt and shoes on) to help us offer great advice on whether or not you need an alteration and best course of action.