Most of us own something that is almost right: trousers a touch too long, a coat that has lost its lining, a dress that no longer sits quite as it should. Clothing alterations are the everyday heart of the Golden Button workshop on Bargates, and they are often the simplest way to make a wardrobe feel new again.
Bring the garment in, try it on if you can, and Dorota will look at the fabric, the construction and the fit with you before suggesting what is sensible.
What we can help with
- Trouser and jeans hems, including original-hem finishes where suitable
- Taking in or letting out waists and seats
- Skirt and dress hems, side seams and darts
- Coat and jacket adjustments
- Suit alterations
- Shirt sleeve shortening
- Zip replacement in trousers, skirts, dresses and coats
- Relining coats and jackets
- School uniform hems, sleeves and repairs
- Mending tears, worn knees and split seams
Repairs and alterations, side by side
Alterations change how a garment fits; repairs restore it after wear. Many visits involve a little of both — a new zip in a pair of trousers that also need shortening, for instance. It is helpful to mention everything you have noticed when you come in, so it can all be considered together.
Will it be worth altering?
Not every garment can be altered by any amount. Seam allowances, pattern matching, linings and decorative finishes all affect what is possible. Dorota will tell you honestly if a change is unlikely to look right, and will discuss alternatives where there are any.
School uniform
Children grow at their own pace, and school uniform rarely fits off the peg. Hems that can be let down later, sleeves taken up and blazers mended are all part of everyday work in the workshop.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an appointment for a simple alteration?
Please ring 07918 554569 before you come in, so that you can confirm opening hours and someone is available to pin the garment with you.
Should I wear the shoes I will wear with my trousers?
Yes. Hem length depends on the heel, so bring or wear the shoes you intend to wear most often.
Can you tell me the price before starting?
Every garment is different, so the work is discussed with you in person before anything is started.