Sterling Cleaners Shares the Five Most Requested Alterations for Women’s Dresses
Introduction
Sterling Cleaners has released insights into the five most requested alterations that transform the way women’s dresses fit and feel. While many women choose dresses for their color, fabric, or overall style, the reality is that these garments often hang unworn in closets due to minor fit issues. Whether the waistline sits too low, the bust arches too high, or the hem falls awkwardly, small imperfections can keep otherwise beautiful pieces from being worn. Sterling Cleaners emphasizes that skilled tailoring can address these issues, reshaping a hem, adjusting a waistline, or refining a neckline in ways that breathe new life into a garment.
1) Taking In or Letting Out the Sides
One of the most common frustrations women face is having a dress that fits too loosely or feels slightly snug. Taking in or letting out the sides remains the top requested alteration, ensuring that dresses hug the body in all the right places. This alteration is particularly helpful for those experiencing size changes over time or for garments that are close to perfect but need slight adjustments.
Skilled tailors at Sterling Cleaners carefully work along the side seams, either removing excess fabric to take the dress in or utilizing the built-in seam allowances to let it out.
Things to Keep in Mind for Side Alterations
Most dresses have limited seam allowance, often only about an inch or less.
Taking in fabric is generally easier than letting it out, as manufacturers may not always leave sufficient material.
Wearing the correct undergarments during fitting is essential for accuracy.
With these considerations, Sterling Cleaners encourages open conversations between clients and tailors to determine the most effective adjustments.
2) Shortening or Lengthening the Hem
Altering the hem is another transformative adjustment. A maxi dress can be tailored to suit flats, while a cocktail dress that feels too long can be shortened for a more modern, youthful look. Adjusting the hem not only updates style but also ensures compatibility with a preferred pair of shoes.
Shortening hems is far more common than lengthening, as most dresses do not come with extra fabric tucked into the hem. However, Sterling Cleaners notes that some formal gowns feature deeper hems that can indeed be let down.
Important Details for Hemlines
Clients should always bring the shoes they plan to wear with the dress.
Dresses with multiple layers, linings, or trims require careful, even adjustments.
Specialty cuts such as asymmetrical or high-low hems need precise handling to maintain balance.
When properly done, hem alterations enhance proportions and make the silhouette appear taller and more elegant.
3) Adjusting Straps or Shoulder Seams
Straps that slip or shoulder seams that fail to sit correctly can diminish the comfort of even the most stylish dress. Adjusting straps or shoulder seams is among the most frequent alteration requests at Sterling Cleaners, especially for sundresses, formal gowns, and sleeveless cocktail attire.
By shortening straps or raising shoulder seams, tailors improve the way the neckline rests, creating a more secure and flattering fit.
Helpful Insights for Strap and Shoulder Adjustments
Clients should move naturally during fittings to test comfort and range of motion.
Adjustments must be made evenly, though experienced tailors may also consider natural shoulder slopes.
Wearing the correct undergarments ensures accurate tailoring of necklines.
These seemingly small changes often deliver significant improvements in both comfort and confidence.
4) Adding a Bustle or Lifting the Train
For brides and women wearing gowns with sweeping trains, Sterling Cleaners emphasizes the importance of adding a bustle. This practical feature allows the train to be lifted and secured after ceremonies or photos, making walking and dancing easier.
Bustles rely on hooks, buttons, or loops to gather fabric in a way that blends seamlessly into the gown.
Considerations for Bustles
Various bustle styles, such as the “over bustle” and “French bustle,” offer different aesthetics.
Clients should practice fastening the bustle ahead of time to avoid complications on the day of the event.
Heavier gowns may require additional reinforcement or multiple pickup points.
A well-executed bustle preserves elegance during formal moments while allowing unrestricted movement afterward.
5) Replacing or Fixing Zippers and Buttons
Broken zippers or missing buttons do not mean a dress is beyond saving. Replacing or repairing closures is one of the simplest yet most essential services Sterling Cleaners provides. This alteration not only restores function but can also refresh the overall appearance of the garment.
Tailors can install smoother, stronger zippers or update buttons for a subtle style enhancement.
Key Details for Closure Repairs
Clients should not wait until the last minute to request zipper or button replacements.
Aesthetic choices, such as matching or contrasting buttons, can update the style.
Reinforcement may be recommended for heavy fabrics or tighter fits to prevent recurring issues.
Quick and effective, these fixes restore both reliability and polish to dresses.
Sterling Cleaners: Making Good Dresses Fit Great
Sterling Cleaners underscores that better-fitting dresses elevate confidence, style, and wearability. The company specializes in expert clothing alterations and repairs, handling every fabric, cut, and detail with precision. With services starting at just $10, Sterling Cleaners makes professional tailoring both accessible and stress free.
The business operates at two convenient locations:
?? 1333 Connecticut Ave. NW – Mon–Fri: 8:00 am–5:00 pm | Sat: 9:00 am–3:00 pm
?? 4408 Arkansas Ave. NW – Mon–Fri: 7:00 am–3:30 pm
Sterling Cleaners also offers free pickup and delivery service for ultimate convenience. For inquiries, customers may call 202-759-5460.
