A lot of amazing things are happening this month of June 2016 and we are excited to share a part of it with you! Well this June several exciting holidays are happening such as:

Flag Day: June 14th

Fathers Day: June 19th

Summer begins: June 20th

So what else is exciting from Cheung’s Tailor Alterations? What are we going to help demystify for the public? Since we were so focused on the ladies this past 2 months due to prom season we are shifting a little bit and moving into formal wear and suits for all the dads, entrepreneurs, Women leaders, and also for both young and seasoned professionals. We are going to help you answer more questions and understand more of what is possible when it comes to altering your professional look. Here is a series of topic and questions we will cover:

What are you able to have tailored or altered?

What type of alterations can be done to a suit jacket?

What type of alterations can be done for my pants and trousers?

If I’m attending a wedding should I rent or should I buy?

What’s the difference in many women wear compared to menswear?

If you haven’t already, please check out our previous article about how to choose the right tailor and then move into this segment. Understand your tailor may be as close friend as your other service industry providers, you auto mechanics, your hair stylist, and even you best friend!

When it comes to alterations on professional garments and looks we’d like to cover the majority; meaning what many professionals wear daily. This includes:

-Suit Jackets (Blazers, Suit)

-Pants (Trousers – cuffed, lined, without lining)

-Ties (Slimming ties, bow-ties)

-Shirts button downs (Short and long sleeves)

-Blouses (Tops, button downs)

-Belts (You can alter these? Yes!)

This first blog post will focus on understanding your suit:

What the different fits mean, how the buttons play a role, what you lapels should look like and how wide your tie should be. A suit jacket should be more about the fit. How comfortable you are while moving around all day in the office or traveling. A suit is a necessity for every wardrobe regardless if you’re not planning on wearing it daily. This may be for a business meeting, special occasion, or wedding you’ll need to have a suit ready.

To look sharp we’ll look more about the fit than fabric to start. This is for the beginners. An ill fitted suit would actually make you looked less dressed than without one at all. Here are a small list of suits and what you’re able to have altered:

Single Breasted Suit:

A single breasted suit jacket is always a single button some are two button suits but never buttoned on the bottom but never should you have a three button suit. When standing button just the top one and not the bottom, when seated move both open.

Double Breasted Suit:

Double breasted suits generally have two front overlapping across the body. This type of suit generally is also vent less with a four or six button option. Very neat piece for men who are taller and more slim fitting.

Lounge Suits:

For the ordinary guy who likes to look good and feel good in their daily wear a lounge suit is perfect for those who want to be comfortable and worn with or without a tie.  Three buttons will provide a more formal look.

Tuxedo Suits:

Tuxedo suits are more formal and stylized for wearing during ceremonial celebrations. A traditional tuxedo suit would be a complete black one with satin tone contrast.

As for women’s wear they may also vary a little in style where the lapels and also sizing and buttons are different.

Suit jackets may come with peak lapels suits, zipper down on the front jacket suits, closure of the top, tweed open suits, two button jacket suits, textured jacket suits, beaded shawl color jacket suits, starneck jacket suits, tweed fly center trim suits.

Depending on the suit jacket here is a list of possible and most common alterations:

  1. Shortening the sleeves: We’re all different sizes. Make sure when purchasing a suit that your overall shoulders fit really well. The rest can have minor alterations.
  2. Take in the back: Depending on how tight the suit jacket is already and where the lapels are breasted the best option is to go either a center seam for less than 0.5 inches or split on the two side seams of the suit jacket to have it look more cohesive, and lastly 3 seams if there is too much material. Remember you don’t want too much material in the front to start bunching.
  3. Take in the lapels: Some 2 button breasted suit jackets may have lapels that are too large may slim down.
  4. Take in the shoulders: Shoulders don’t generally change too much, as for the padding the one option would be to take it in through the collar area to bring them in closer. (Typically considered a major change)
  5. Shortening the bottom: Don’t like the way the bottom looks or how it’s curved? May be you just want it shorter. Well, get it hemmed. It’s a possibility. (Typically considered a major change)
  6. Gussets: If the arm hole is too small a gusset or panel will help alleviate the amount restricted in the arms. The down side is finding the right fabric to match it. Some suit jackets may have enough seam allowance for the materials currently there.

This is only a small list please let us know what you are thinking and we’ll help you make it possible! Check out our portfolio on Facebook or Pinterest for more pictures.