Table of Contents
Actual limits depend on seam allowance, fabric type, and garment construction, but the table below gives a practical rule-of-thumb.
| Garment | Typical Take-InLimit | Typical Let-Out Limit* | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trousers / Jeans | Up to 5 cm (2 in) at waist & seat | Up to 3 cm (1¼ in) if extra seam allowance exists | Many jeans have only 1 cm each side—let-out often impossible. |
| Skirts / Dresses (unlined) | 1 size down (≈ 4 cm at hip) | 1 – 1½ cm per side seam | Seam allowance hidden in overlock; check first. |
| Skirts / Dresses (lined) | Same as above + lining adjust | Let-out limited to lining width | Lining usually tighter than outer shell. |
| Suit Jackets / Blazers | Up to 4 cm total at waist | 2 – 3 cm at centre-back | Shoulder width cannot be changed without a recut. |
| Shirts / Blouses | 5 cm total via side seams or darts | Rarely more than 2 cm | Fabric prints may misalign after large let-out. |
| Coats | 1 size down (body & sleeve) | Usually 0–2 cm—fabric often fully trimmed | Heavy wool hides new seam lines well; leather does not. |
*Let-out always depends on spare fabric inside the seams.
Quick checks before ordering #
- Pin & try on — If the garment wrinkles or pulls after a 4 cm pin, more may distort the shape.
- Feel inside seams — A wide overlocked edge = room to let out; a narrow stitched edge = little or none.
- Consider recut — More than one size change often needs a full recut, quoted separately.
Tailor confirmation #
When you place the order:
- Add exact numbers in Alteration Details (“Take waist in 3 cm”).
- Upload clear photos of seams.
- The tailor will accept only if the change is feasible; otherwise Support will advise before you ship.
Use these limits as a guide—every garment is different, and tailors will always confirm what’s realistically possible.
