Traitors’ Stephen Libby on fashion: need some thrifty tailoring? Try your local dry cleaner

<p>Alterations that don’t cost a fortune can transform old trousers, jackets or shirts into bespoke pieces</p><p>When I started shopping in vintage stores, I&nbsp;fell into the trap of thinking that if something wasn’t in my size there&nbsp;was nothing to&nbsp;be done. I’d still buy beautiful shirts that were huge, but never end up&nbsp;wearing them. I&nbsp;persevered with trousers that&nbsp;were three sizes too big&nbsp;and just&nbsp;scrunched in the waist with a&nbsp;belt,&nbsp;but it didn’t look good. Now I&nbsp;know that a belt is an accessory,&nbsp;not a&nbsp;necessity; it’s there to heighten the garment, not hold&nbsp;it up. And that’s because I have finally understood the&nbsp;power of tailoring.</p><p>Tailoring seems out of reach for most people, but more often&nbsp;than not a&nbsp;dry cleaner will be&nbsp;able to take in a&nbsp;waist or do the hem,&nbsp;which would set you back £30 max. And I mean, how much would you pay&nbsp;for a&nbsp;perfectly fitting pair of&nbsp;trousers?</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2026/aug/12/traitors-stephen-libby-on-fashion-tailoring-dry-cleaner">Continue reading...</a>