frequently asked questions

alterations unzipped: your questions, answered

Welcome to our guide to common fittings, what they involve, and the usual price range. Fittings are stressful enough without having an idea of the pricing.

Important: Every body and garment is different. These prices are estimates, not official quotes. Final pricing is confirmed in person after assessing the garment, fit, fabric, and timeline.

  • Yes. Fittings are by appointment only to ensure a private, attentive, and unhurried experience.
    Our private fitting studio will open in Akron in March 2026. Until then, fittings are thoughtfully scheduled in clients’ homes within 20 miles of Akron. Appointments outside this radius may incur a travel fee. If an in-home fitting isn’t the right fit for you, please reach out — we’re happy to discuss alternative arrangements or reserve a studio appointment once the space opens.

  • Every garment may have hidden construction details, delicate fabrics, or unique fit needs that change the labor required. These numbers are a starting point; an accurate quote is provided after the garment is seen in person.

  • Whether the goal is masc-leaning, femme-leaning, androgynous, or simply a personal vibe, garments can be adjusted to match gender expression. Common requests include reshaping silhouettes, redistributing fullness, and tailoring for binders or other underlayers. Pricing depends on the garment but often falls within the ranges below.

  • The standard turnaround for alterations is 4 weeks. Clients are encouraged to schedule their appointment at least 2 months before their event. This provides an extra month as a buffer in case additional changes are needed. Appointments should be booked as soon as possible to secure a spot on the schedule.

    Garments can often be completed in less than 4 weeks, but rush fees apply since the work must be prioritized over other garments and may require extra labor, sometimes outside of normal working hours.

    Rush Fees (Bridal)

    • 3 weeks: $40

    • 2 weeks: $50

    • 1 week: $75

    • Same week: $100

    • Next day (if schedule allows): $125

    Rush Fees (Non-Bridal)

    • 3 weeks: $15

    • 2 weeks: $20

    • 1 week: $30

    • Same week: $40

    • Next day (if schedule allows): $50

  • Clients who are pregnant or recently postpartum should schedule their appointment 1–2 weeks before their event, as their bodies are changing. Rush fees apply only if the garment is needed sooner than 7 days from their fitting. Please indicate in the “Additional Info” section when booking if the client is pregnant or has been pregnant within the last 3 months.

  • Please bring your shoes, undergarments, shape wear and slip - anything you’re planning on wearing the day of. This makes a huge difference in accuracy.

    Note: If you do not have your shoes we can pin you in a similar height heel. However, we can only guarantee the length to be correct for the shoes worn in the fitting - different manufacturers measure heels differently and sometimes don’t take the sole of the shoe into account, resulting in a 1/8” - 1/4” difference.

  • Payment is due in full at the time of your fitting. If a payment plan is needed, this can be accommodated. Please note that work on the garment — and the 4-week turnaround — will not begin until the balance is paid in full.

  • Most bridal gown alterations typically fall between $300–$900, depending on the complexity of the dress, number of layers, and any customizations being done. Heavily detailed gowns or extensive redesigns can go above this range, and clients planning multiple customizations should be prepared for higher alteration costs.

    Alterations can be broken into phases if needed. For example, sides and sleeves can be completed first, with hems and bustles addressed at a later appointment. For highly customized gowns, multiple fittings are often part of the process anyway.

    Non-bridal alterations are typically $150–$300, though there are always outliers depending on garment structure, fabric, and fit needs.

    All pricing shared online is an estimate, and final quotes are provided in-person once the garment and fit needs are fully assessed.

Common Alterations (and what they usually cost)

Estimates only; final pricing may vary depending on fabric, fitting needs, and/or complexity.

  • Shortening the length.

  • Varies by fabric type (knit, woven, chiffon, tulle), seams, and layers.

    Hem price is not typically affected by the amount hemmed - unless transforming a floor length dress into a knee length dress for example.

  • Bridal gown hems begin at $150.
    Gowns with lace hems, horsehair braid, beading, or a combination of these details typically range from $200–$350, depending on complexity.

  • Price varies based on complexity and amount of additional seams that have to be opened.

  • Beading, lacework, and boning are just some of the elements that can affect this price.

  • Simple adjustment that can improve bust placement and reduce strap slippage.

  • Often involves reshaping armholes or removing sleeves.

  • We can sew bra cups into your dress for added support and eliminate the need for a bra. We offer cups from A-D. If you wear larger than a D then we can often sew in an old bra or work together to find additional solutions.

  • A bustle is what lifts the train of the dress for the reception so the wearer (and guests) aren’t stepping on it. There are three types: over, under, and ballroom, and different dresses look better with different bustles. We work with clients to determine what’s best based on the style they like and their budget.

    Each point where the dress is lifted is called a bustle point. Most dresses have at least three points. The first three are bundled for $40, and each additional point is $6.

    The bustle is designed to be strong AND beautiful. By distributing the bustle points across the back of the dress, the risk of breakage is minimized, ensuring the train stays secure while the wearer dances, walks, and celebrates comfortably.