Services

There is a big difference between someone who can do alterations and a true tailor who can pattern a dress or construct a suit. Ramón Diaz has been expertly fixing clothing for fashion cognoscenti since 1969. Don't be shy about unusual requests. For Halloween, he made a full papal vestment for a mere $90. Hemming pants: $11.

Madame Paulette
1255 Second Avenue, near 65th Street
212-838-68278

Have a favorite jacket that's seen better days? Madame Paulette's tailors will duplicate the pattern and fashion an exact replica. A unique finish on a sleeve that needs to be shortened is no problem — they'll take it up from the shoulder. And hemming a wedding gown's cathedral train is as common for them as altering the length of jeans. Hemming pants: $15.

Meurice Garment Care
245 East 57th Street
212-759-9057

Mercedes, the tailor at Meurice, hates to say no. A bride recently brought in her great-grandmother's wedding dress, and Mercedes was able to restore the bodice, duplicate the beading, and re-create the rest of the garment. As for that rip in your suede jacket — when you get it back, you won't be able to find the repaired spot. Hemming pants: $15.

Wilfred's Tailor
18 w. 23rd Street, at Fifth Avenue, 4th floor.
212-242-3030

Helmut Lang, Costume National, and other design houses send clothing regularly to veteran Wilfred's Tailor. He'll be happy to work with your sketches. Hemming pants is just $10.