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How to Get Your Suit to Fit Perfectly: A Tailor’s Guide to Smart Alterations in North London


3 different suits. 1 common problem. None of them fit quite right.

One’s loose at the waist. |Another has sleeves that are too short. The third? Trousers too long.

But the colours are perfect. The fabrics feel just right, and each one is worth keeping.

At IMAGE Tailors in Finsbury Park, we see this every day, great suits that simply need a few adjustments to go from “almost right” to spot on. And the good news? You don’t need to overhaul everything all at once.

Let’s break it down.


Start Small: Alter One Thing at a Time

Some jackets need a full set of alterations. But not always.If you’re unsure where to start, try this approach:

  • Start with the waist: Taking in the body of a jacket can already make a huge difference in how it looks and feels.

  • Then try the length: Shortening or adjusting the length (especially on trousers or sleeves) can help balance your proportions.

  • Hold off on doing everything at once: Often, one change affects another. For example, lifting the shoulders of a jacket might slightly raise the sleeves—meaning shortening them might no longer be necessary.

This staggered approach not only saves you money—it gives you a chance to wear it, feel it out, and decide what’s next.

Pro Tip: Bring a Shirt and Shoes to Your Fitting

Want your suit to fit perfectly? Bring the things you’ll wear with it.Here’s what we recommend:

  • A dress shirt: Ideally the one you wear most often. This helps your tailor measure your sleeve length precisely, so you get that perfect 1–1.5cm of shirt cuff showing under the jacket.

  • The right shoes: Especially if you’re shortening or tapering your trousers. Your shoe height affects the visual length of the trousers—so trying them on together matters.

Sit Down. Stand Up. Move Around.

When trying on your trousers, don’t just stand still in front of the mirror.

  • Sit down in a chair: Notice how high the trouser legs rise.

  • Check how much sock is showing: A little is fine—too much, and the length might be too short.

  • Test the taper: Make sure you can still move comfortably without the trousers feeling too tight at the calves or thighs.

This real-life testing makes a big difference, especially for men who want their suits to feel as good as they look.

Don’t Replace a Suit Just Because It Doesn’t Fit

Each of the three suits we’re working on now were just like yours.Stylish. Timeless. Just... not quite wearable.

But with a few smart alterations, they’re getting a new life—fit for weddings, work, and everything in between.

At IMAGE Tailors, we believe tailoring isn’t about changing who you are.It’s about refining what you already have.

Need Suit Alterations in Finsbury Park or Islington?

Whether it’s your first fitting or your fifth, we’re here to help.

Visit IMAGE Tailors in North London (N4)

Tailored to fit: Men's suit alterations including jacket adjustments and trouser tailoring at IMAGE Tailors, serving Islington, Finsbury Park, and North London (N4).
Tailored to fit: Men's suit alterations including jacket adjustments and trouser tailoring at IMAGE Tailors, serving Islington, Finsbury Park, and North London (N4).

We are just around the corner from Finsbury Park and Islington—and let’s bring your wardrobe back to life. Visit us and book your appointment here https://www.image-tailors.co.uk/mens-suit-alterations

North London Tailor | Suit Alterations | Jacket, Trouser & Sleeve Adjustments🧵 Hand-finished. Expertly fitted. Always worth keeping.

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