Old Clothes CAN Be Made New Again
Old Clothes CAN Be Made New Again
There's something rather special about watching a beloved garment come back to life. In our workshop, we see it happen time and again; a customer walks in clutching a coat that's seen better days, or perhaps one that simply no longer fits quite right, and isn’t sure what, if anything, they can do with it.
They then leave with what feels like an entirely new piece and that item of clothing is well on its way to becoming a heirloom.
The truth is, old clothes don't have to stay old. With the right approach and skilled craftsmanship, they can be transformed into something that feels fresh, contemporary, and perfectly suited to your current needs.
The Art of Alteration
One of the most common requests we receive is from clients who've experienced changes in their physique and are now worried about how their made to measure suits might fit. "I've lost weight, and this jacket is now too big," they'll say, or conversely, "This beloved blazer has become rather snug." The beauty of quality tailoring is that these issues needn't spell the end for a cherished garment.
Taking in a coat that's become too generous is often straightforward work that can completely revitalise how the piece sits on your frame. Trousers can be adjusted for width, both taken in when they're too loose, or carefully let out when needed. Even the leg width can be modified to reflect current styling preferences, as fashion has gravitated towards more streamlined silhouettes in recent years.
For shirts, while letting out isn't typically possible due to seam allowances, taking them in can transform an oversized piece into something that fits like it was made yesterday. We recently worked with a gentleman who had twelve shirts that needed adjustment—each one was carefully tailored to his current measurements, essentially giving him a dozen "new" shirts.
Clothes Have an Emotional Resonance… Why Sacrifice That?
What strikes us most is how often customers bring in garments that belonged to their fathers or grandfathers. These pieces, crafted twenty or thirty years ago by tailors who are no longer practising, showcase a level of construction that's increasingly rare in today's market.
The quality is immediately apparent; the weight of the fabric, the precision of the stitching, the attention to detail in the construction. These coats and jackets we’re clearly made to last decades and, as professional tailors, it is a joy to work with them. The warmth they provide, the way they move with the wearer, the subtle details that speak to genuine craftsmanship… it’s all there. All these garments need is some modifications and they can be “rediscovered” by their new owners.
Beyond the practical considerations, there's often an emotional component to these alterations. A father's coat carries memories and history. Having it altered to fit properly means those memories can continue to be part of your daily life, rather than hanging unworn in a wardrobe.
The process of alteration becomes a bridge between generations, by taking something treasured from the past and making it relevant for the present. It's a form of sustainability that goes beyond environmental considerations, though that's certainly part of it. It's about honouring quality and craftsmanship while making practical use of exceptional garments.
We've also had clients who've found exceptional pieces in a different way: At charity shops, including English and Italian tailored clothing picked up for a fraction of their original cost. Those savvy customers recognise their clear craftsmanship, and then bring it to us for adjustment. It's rather like finding a classic car that just needs the right mechanic to bring it back to its former glory.
That this happens increasingly often speaks to another current trend: The current economic climate has certainly influenced how people view their wardrobes. Rather than constantly acquiring new pieces, many are taking a more thoughtful approach, looking through their closets and asking, "What haven't I worn lately? Could this work for me again with a few adjustments?"
This shift in perspective makes perfect sense. A heavyweight jacket from twenty years ago will still be a heavyweight jacket today. It will still keep you warm, still serve its purpose admirably. There's wisdom in recognising that quality doesn't diminish simply because of age. In fact, with vintage pieces, it often represents a standard of craftsmanship that's increasingly difficult to find in contemporary ready-to-wear.
Looking Forward
As we move through the cooler months, it's worth taking a fresh look at what you already own. That coat you haven't worn in years might just need a small adjustment to become a favourite again. Those trousers that don't quite fit right anymore could be transformed with some skilled tailoring.
The beauty of working with quality garments is that they reward the investment of alteration. Unlike fast fashion pieces that may not survive the process, well-made clothing can be adjusted, refined, and reimagined while maintaining its essential character and superior construction.
Sometimes the best new addition to your wardrobe isn't new at all. Rather, it's simply something old, made new again.
