What alterations can be made to a shirt or trousers?

Having your shirt or trousers altered locally is quicker and more eco-friendly than remaking them entirely. Here's what your local tailor can typically adjust:

Possible shirt alterations

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 extra fabric allowances specifically for 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

For aesthetic reasons, our five-pocket trousers have simpler constructions, limiting alterations to:

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 alterations made locally, we reimburse the cost for your first item under our Fit Guarantee!

No time or non-alterable garment? We handle everything for you! Visit the Fit Guarantee page.

Updated on: 29/04/2025