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What is “custom” apparel?
In contrast to ready-to-wear clothing, which is made to generic body
sizes, a custom garment is fitted to your unique figure.
Commercial sewing patterns must also use generic sizing, so require
some level of customized fitting for most clients. Custom apparel
may also include custom design and custom pattern development, and
the unique combination of your selected style and fabric also make
it “custom”.
How do I choose my style/design?
You may select styles from commercial sewing patterns (see Links for
several good pattern company websites), or Fitting Sewlutions
can create custom designs/patterns from your rough drawing or
concept, magazine pictures, an existing garment, etc. Fashion and
bridal magazines can also be good idea sources. Please consult with
Fitting Sewlutions prior to acquiring any patterns to ensure
you get the right size, as pattern sizing is different than
ready-to-wear sizing.
How do I choose my fabric?
It’s important that the fabric is appropriate for your selected
style (e.g. its weight, hang, stretch), so Fitting Sewlutions
must approve your selection. Also, good quality fabrics are
recommended due to their superior look, hang, and durability. You
may shop for fabric in local stores or on-line (see Links for some
vendors), or shop from the samples available in the Fitting
Sewlutions studio. You may also hire Fitting Sewlutions
to fabric shop with you or on your behalf.
How much does custom apparel
cost?
Quality custom clothiers typically earn $30-40/hour for their
services, which is probably a lot less than you’re paying your hair
stylist, massage therapist, personal trainer, etc. to enhance your
appearance! That said, custom apparel can’t compete with many
mass-produced garments made in overseas sweatshops, but it is very
competitive with higher-end apparel in good shops and boutiques –
plus provides the benefits detailed in Why
Custom Apparel?. The cost of a given garment is driven by the
complexity of the garment style/design, number of pieces and design
features (pockets, seams, collar, buttons, etc.), degree of fitting
required, difficulty of working with a given fabric, and amount of
handwork required (stitching, trim or rhinestone application, etc.).
A general “starting range” price list is available upon request.
Will I know the cost of my
garment in advance?
Yes, all custom work is quoted at a specific cost, and is detailed
in the business agreement that both of us sign. This is subject to
change if the client makes changes after project work has begun, or
in some complex garments (e.g. significant handwork), cost may
instead be quoted at an hourly rate and billed on actual hours.
How long does it normally take to
complete custom apparel?
Normal turnaround is 6-10 weeks, though it may be longer for more
complex garments or during very busy times. It is wise to plan ahead
in initiating your project. A specific completion date will be
agreed upon for each garment, and will normally only be modified if
you make changes after the project has begun.
What is the process, and how much
time will I have to invest?
The custom apparel process definitely requires your participation,
but the good news is that creating custom garments can be quite fun!
- Initial Consultation:
The process begins with a free, one-hour consultation in our
studio, to discuss your garment needs and wants, possible style
and fabric selections, timing, and business process. Additional
consulting time is billed on an hourly basis until signature of
the business agreement, which will cover all subsequent meeting
time.
- Business Agreement and
Measurements: Once the details for your garment are
determined, they will be written up in a formal business
agreement, along with your quoted price. Upon signature of this
agreement, 50% of the price is due (payable by cash, check or
money order). We’ll then take detailed measurements of your body
for use in ensuring a good garment fit. It’s important to wear
good-fitting undergarments for this purpose. This session will
take up to 60 minutes.
- Fittings: Typically
there will be 2-3 fittings of your garment, which take about 30
minutes each. You may have an initial “muslin” sample of your
garment to fit, prior to cutting the final fashion fabric,
followed by the garment as it is “in progress”. You must wear
the proper undergarments and shoes intended for use with the
garment being fitted in order for us to do proper fitting;
failure to do so will result in a reschedule and fee charge.
- Final Fitting: Once the
garment is completed, you’ll have one last fitting, make your
final payment, and be able to take your completed garment home
with you. Garments will not be released without final payment.
Do I need an appointment?
Absolutely – clients are only seen by appointment. This ensures that
all clients have privacy and our full attention during their
appointment. For this reason, it is very important that appointment
times are adhered to; a fee will be charged for late and missed
appointments.
Do you do alterations?
Yes, we can alter your ready-to-wear garments, from simple hemming
to complex garment re-designs (exception – we don’t alter formal
bridal gowns). Normal turnaround time is 7-10 days; rush service may
be available for a fee. Keep in mind that all garments must be
laundered or dry-cleaned prior to being brought in for alterations.
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