Five Most Requested Alterations for Women's Dresses

Most women are drawn to dresses based on their color, fabric, or overall style, rarely thinking twice about how perfectly they fit. It could be that the waistline is a little too low, or the bust arches a little too high, or the hem falls awkwardly. And so it ends up hanging in the closet, unworn but too nice to give away.

Don’t be too quick to completely discard these pieces. A skilled tailor can reshape a hem, adjust a waistline, or smooth out a neckline in ways that completely change how a dress fits and feels. In this post, let’s go over the most requested alterations that make the biggest difference.

1) Taking in or letting out the sides

Having a dress that fits too loosely or feels a bit snug around your curves is one of the most common frustrations. That’s why taking in or letting out the sides tops the list of popular alterations. It’s an effective way to make sure your dress hugs your body in all the right places, whether you’ve had size changes over time or just bought something that’s close but not quite perfect.

This type of alteration involves careful adjustments to the seams along the sides of your dress. A skilled tailor can either remove excess fabric to take it in or open up the seams and use built-in allowances to let it out slightly.

Things to keep in mind when altering the sides

Before jumping into this, it’s smart to understand a few key points so you know what to expect:

1. Most dresses have a limited seam allowance. This means there’s only so much extra fabric inside the seams that can be let out, often about an inch or less total.
2. Taking in a dress is usually simpler than letting it out. Removing fabric creates a clean fit, while adding room relies on whether the original manufacturer left enough material inside.
3. Always bring your usual undergarments. Your bra or shapewear changes how a dress sits, so it’s crucial for accurate pinning and marking.

This way, you and your tailor can talk realistically about how much adjustment is possible and where it will make the biggest difference.

2) Shortening or lengthening the hem

Few things transform the overall look of a dress like changing the hem. Whether it’s a maxi dress you’d love to wear with flats or a cocktail dress that feels too long and matronly, adjusting the hem instantly updates the style. It also ensures your dress works perfectly with your favorite shoes, avoiding that awkward dragging or cutting-off-your-leg-line effect.

Shortening is more common than lengthening because most dresses don’t have a lot of extra fabric tucked into the hem. However, if you’re lucky, some formal gowns do come with deeper hems that can be let down slightly.

Important details for hemlines

Here are a few practical tips and things to discuss with your tailor about hem alterations:

1. Bring your shoes. The height of your heel changes everything. Your tailor needs to see exactly where the hem should fall.
2. Check the dress layers. Many gowns have linings, outer layers, or decorative trims that require extra work to hem them evenly.
3. Consider the style. A high-low or asymmetrical hem needs a tailor experienced with specialty cuts to keep the look balanced.

When done correctly, a hem adjustment doesn’t just fix length — it can make your entire silhouette look taller and more proportionate.

3) Adjusting straps or shoulder seams

Straps that slip off your shoulders or shoulder seams that don’t quite sit right can make a beautiful dress feel awkward and uncomfortable. That’s why adjusting straps or the top seams is such a popular request, especially for sundresses, formal gowns, and sleeveless cocktail dresses.

It’s a straightforward fix that dramatically improves how the dress sits on your frame. By shortening straps or lifting the shoulder seams, the neckline is pulled up, helping everything stay exactly where it belongs.

Helpful insights about strap and shoulder fixes

To make sure you get the best results, keep in mind these points when planning this alteration:

1. Test how it moves. During your fitting, raise your arms, twist, and move naturally to be sure the straps won’t dig in or shift awkwardly.
2. Match the adjustments. Both sides need to be shortened equally, but a seasoned tailor will also check your natural shoulder slope to make small tweaks if needed.
3. Use the right undergarments. Like side alterations, these affect how your neckline sits, so always wear the same bra or support you’ll use with the dress.

It’s a small tweak that often makes the biggest difference in comfort and confidence.

4) Adding a bustle or lifting the train

If you’re wearing a wedding dress or an evening gown with a sweeping train, you’ll almost certainly want to add a bustle. This is a clever way to lift and secure the train after your ceremony or photos, so you can walk, dance, and move without tripping over layers of fabric.

A bustle uses small hooks, buttons, or loops that gather the train up and off the ground, blending seamlessly into the back of your dress when not in use. It’s a lifesaver for brides and anyone with a floor-length formal gown.

What to ask about bustles

Because every gown is different, there are a few practical points to discuss with your tailor:

1. Different bustle styles. You might hear terms like “over bustle” or “French bustle.” These describe whether the fabric gets tucked up over the skirt or underneath it.
2. Practice makes perfect. Have your tailor show you (and a friend or bridesmaid) exactly how to fasten the bustle. The last thing you want is to be stuck figuring it out on your wedding day.
3. Consider the dress weight. Heavier gowns may need extra reinforcement or multiple pickup points to hold the fabric securely.

Done right, a bustle keeps your elegant train intact for the ceremony while giving you total freedom for the reception.

5) Replacing or fixing zippers and buttons

A broken zipper or missing button doesn’t mean your dress is done for. In fact, replacing or repairing closures is one of the simplest yet most essential alterations. It restores not just the look of your dress but also its function — so you’re not stuck fumbling with a stubborn zipper right before an event.

Tailors can swap in new zippers that match or even upgrade to a stronger, smoother one. Likewise, replacing missing or dull buttons with decorative options gives a subtle style refresh.

Details about closure repairs

When talking to your tailor about fixing zippers or buttons, here’s what to keep in mind:

1. Take in the dress before it’s an emergency. Rush zipper replacements are possible, but it’s best to allow time in case special matching parts need to be ordered.
2. Decide on aesthetics. Do you want buttons that blend in perfectly, or would contrasting colors or materials give your dress a fun new twist?
3. Ask about reinforcement. Especially with heavy fabrics or tight fits, your tailor may recommend reinforcing the area to prevent future issues.

It’s a quick fix that keeps your dresses wearable and often adds an extra polish you didn’t even know was missing.

We Make Good Dresses Fit Great — Visit Sterling Cleaners Today!

A better fit can change everything. It can boost your confidence, elevate your style, and give new life to dresses you almost gave up on. At Sterling Cleaners, we specialize in turning good garments into great with expert clothing alterations tailored to your body, your fashion preference, and your lifestyle.

With expert clothing alterations and repairs done on-premises by our skilled tailors, we handle every fabric, cut, and detail with the care your wardrobe deserves. From jackets to suits and trousers, services start at just $10, making custom-level tailoring accessible and stress free.

We’re proud to serve you at our two convenient locations:

📍 1333 Connecticut Ave. NW – Mon–Fri: 8:00 am–5:00 pm | Sat: 9:00 am–3:00 pm

📍 4408 Arkansas Ave. NW – Mon–Fri: 7:00 am–3:30 pm

Stop by today or take advantage of our FREE Pickup and Delivery Service for total convenience. Contact us at 202-759-5460 with more inquiries.