What alterations can be made to a shirt or trousers?
Having your shirt or trousers altered locally is often faster and more environmentally friendly than remaking the garment entirely. Here are the adjustments your local tailor can typically make:
Possible alterations for shirts
Measurement | Possible alteration |
|---|---|
Chest | ➕ 3 cm if the original shirt has darts: Removing darts can add up to 3 cm around the half-chest measurement. It’s a straightforward alteration, and stitching marks usually disappear after washing.<br>➖ 5 cm by adding darts: Darts can slim down the shirt. If darts already exist, deepening them further can remove up to 2 cm. |
Hips | ➖ Reduction: A tailor can narrow the shirt’s hips by taking in the side seams. |
Back Length | ➖ Reduction: A tailor can shorten the shirt’s back length. Note: This can place the last button very close to the bottom hem, which isn’t always visually appealing. |
Sleeves | ➖ Shortening: Sleeves can be shortened by 1–2 cm. For more significant reductions, the sleeve placket may need to be repositioned. It’s slightly more complex but achievable by a skilled tailor. |
Collar | ➕/➖ 1 cm by moving the button: Quick adjustment, but may cause unwanted folds. |
Possible trouser alterations
Wool, Smart, and Chino trousers
Our trousers - excluding five-pocket models - include additional fabric allowances specifically designed for future alterations.
Measurement | Possible alteration |
|---|---|
Waist | ➕ Up to 2 cm total by expanding the back seam.<br>➖ Up to 2 cm total by taking in the back seam. Larger reductions can distort the trouser shape. |
Hips | ➕ Up to 1 cm total by adjusting the back seam.<br>➖ Up to 2 cm total by taking in the back seam. |
Knee | ➕/➖ 1 cm: Avoid significant narrowing to maintain comfort. |
Leg opening | ➕/➖ 1 cm: Always stay above 17 cm (or minimum 16 cm if shoe size < 43). |
Inseam | ➕ Increase: 4 cm for Wool and Smart trousers, 1 cm for Chinos. With a cuffed hem, you can gain up to 8 cm extra.<br>➖ Reduction: Easy shortening possible. |
Five-pocket trousers
To preserve their cleaner silhouette and casual construction, alterations on five-pocket trousers are limited to the following:
Measurement | Possible alteration |
|---|---|
Waist and Hips | ➖ Up to 2 cm total by taking in the back seam. |
Knee and Leg opening | ➖ Up to 1 cm: Technically more is possible, but could compromise comfort. |
Inseam | ➖ Reduction: Shortening is straightforward. |
The LE CHEMISEUR® Fit Guarantee
If you prefer to have alterations made locally, we will reimburse the alteration costs for your first garment under our Fit Guarantee.
If local alterations are not possible, or if you prefer not to handle them yourself, our team will take care of everything for you.
Visit the Fit Guarantee page.
Updated on: 17/05/2026