When it comes to choosing certain things- gyms, spas, tailors- I find reviews from strangers and friends equally problematic.
While mildly positive feedback from the girl next to me at work can be
enough to send me marching to an organic juice press or Brazilian hard
waxing salon, gushing Yelp posts only trigger my suspicion.
I'm disproportionately wary of the web and too trusting with 3D people,
so I think it's important to go a different route sometimes, like with
finding a tailor.
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I don't want to bring all my stuff to a friend's beloved tailor only to
feel kinda blah about the results and subconsciously resent her, or
spend the better part of a TV-watching night trying to decipher the real
Citysearch commenters from the owner's relatives. Instead, here's how
I'd do it:
Ask fancy boutiques for recommendations.
No matter where you live, there has to be at least one high-end clothing
boutique nearby. Find out where they send their stuff for alterations.
Unlike department stores, they don't usually have a tailor on staff, so
they'll need to have a reliable place in mind. And unlike even your most
high-maintenance friend, they'll send stuff more often, so they'll have
more experience.
If you like your dry cleaner, ask them for advice, too.
Just be wary if their recommended tailor works at the same address.
In-house tailors at dry cleaners are typically (though not always) less
skilled than those with their own shops.
Search for men's tailors.
It's worth asking the luxe tailor who custom made your boss's suit to
alter your dress for you. Men's suits are really, really complicated, so
it'll be easier work for him and you'll get the benefit of a more
talented tailor.
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Once you find a place, ask if they can do more complicated processes, like
reweaving (seamlessly sewing together little holes in fabric) or
changing the placement of a sleeve.
Maybe you don't need the fancy treatment-but it's at least good to find a place that's capable, right?
Bring them something either kinda cheap or kinda disposable the first time you go.
Then watch the way they work. A good tailor isn't just skilled but
objective, too. I've had some stubborn tailors push certain cuts and
shapes that they prefer on me, overriding what I wanted when I walked
into their shop. Not ideal.
Beware of turnaround time.
Sure, it's not as important as quality. But if you're like me and don't
realize you need a dress altered until two days before a party, a quick
turnaround can be crucial to determining what "good" means.
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