Top Tailors in Ottawa
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Top 5 Tailors in Ottawa

In a perfect world, all our clothes would always fit us like a glove. But for those times when alterations and bespoke clothing are required, it’s best to go to a reputable tailor in Ottawa.

In the next section, we’ll take a look at some of the costs of common tailoring services. There are also some FAQs at the bottom of the article, so make sure to read all the way through.

How Much Does a Tailor Charge in Ottawa?

Bespoke suits and outfits do not come cheap and require a serious commitment on both the customer and tailor as far as fittings go. The average cost of a tailor-made suit in Ottawa would be $800 but that still depends on the shop.

Meanwhile, made-to-measure suits and dresses can be customized to fit clients and just need a few fittings to alter particular parts. 

For common alteration needs, here’s a table we put together based on national averages.

TAILORING SERVICEESTIMATED COST
Alteration for tops and shirtsHemming $15 - $25

Slimming $25 - $35

Sleeves shortening (no cuffs) $12 - $20

Sleeves shortening (with cuffs) $20 - $30

Shoulder adjusting (no sleeves) $15 - $25

Shoulder adjusting (with sleeves) $45 - $65

Alteration for pants and bottomsHemming $10 - $20

Leg slimming $20 - $40

Waist adjusting $25 - $45

Alteration for jackets and coatsShortening $30 - $90

Slimming $40 - $50

Sleeves shortening (from cuff) $25 - $40

Sleeves shortening (from shoulder) $30 - $50

Sleeves slimming $25 - $45

Shoulder adjusting $75 - $150

Lining replacement $50 up

Additional or removal of zippers/buttons$15 - $25

The Top Tailors in Ottawa

With some idea of the pricing involved, it’s now time to see what the top tailors in Ottawa can do for your wardrobe needs. We put this listicle together with these factors in mind:

The presence of a portfolio preferably with a good range of clothes the shop can alter or make to order
A tailor or seamstress that has years of experience with specializations to speak of and that clients actually request for
Unique offerings among a menu of usual alteration and repair services which make the shop stand out

1. Helena’s Tailoring and Alterations

Helena’s Tailoring and Alterations' Homepage
TestInfo
SERVICESJeans resizing & hemming, formal wear alterations, coat & jacket relining, wedding dress alterations, men's suit resizing
ADDRESS2472 Autumn Hill Crescent Gloucester, ON K1B 4M5
CONTACT NUMBER(613) 406-3969
WEBSITEhttps://kimsneedle.ca/
OPERATING HOURSMonday to Saturday 9.30 AM - 6.30 PM

Closed on Sundays

Helen’s Tailoring and Alterations has over two decades of experience in customizing shirts, jeans, and wedding dresses. It’s a bilingual business that can communicate with customers in English and Mandarin.

Customer feedback for the shop typically mentions the level of professionalism and fast turnaround time for each job. The shop can accommodate rush jobs and typically respond to inquiries in a timely manner.

Aside from clothing alteration and custom tailoring, clients can get their leather and suede clothes altered or repaired here, as well. 

There’s a gallery of photos on the website showing some of the flawless and clean bespoke and altered clothing from Helen’s Tailoring and Alterations. However, there are no captions to inform potential customers about the material, pricing, turnaround time, and other pertinent information that could give the shop more business.

It’s a bit disappointing to have superb feedback about the quality of the shop’s services and see a somewhat neglected website to represent it. But the shop does offer free consultations (which are by appointment, by the way).

Pros

  • Can alter leather and suede clothing
  • Offers free consultations
  • Bilingual service (English and Mandarin)
  • Open six days a week

Cons

  • The photo gallery has no captions
  • Website information and design needs to be updated
  • No BBB accreditation

Customer Reviews

Work is clean and very professional

“Helena is a very good tailor. Her work is very clean and professional. I was very satisfied. She is also a very nice person who cares a lot about clients’ satisfaction. I strongly recommend her.” – Ngoné Diagne

Did an amazing, flawless job

“Brought in my Levis jeans for a hem and to take in the sides. She did an amazing job! You would never know they were altered.. flawless. Her prices are also very reasonable. Support local business! I will definitely go back.” – Laura Stickl

2. Stephano Menswear & Tailoring

Stephano Menswear & Tailoring's Homepage
TestInfo
SERVICESCustom made men and women’s clothing, bespoke suits services, tailoring for all, alterations & repairs
ADDRESS130 Albert Street Suite A004 Ottawa, ON K1P 5G4
CONTACT NUMBER(613) 234-8484
WEBSITEhttps://stephanomenswear.wordpress.com/

https://3rdson.ca

OPERATING HOURSMonday to Friday 10 AM - 6 PM

Closed on Saturdays and Sundays

Stephano Menswear & Tailoring has an in-house atelier that does professional alteration and bespoke clothing for male and female customers. The shop is currently known as Third Son but still promises handmade garments with a modern touch and the perfect fit.

Its team of sewing professionals is sufficiently trained in both machine sewing and hand sewing. There’s an impressive bespoke portfolio showing creative designs and the entire process of coming up with made-to-order suits and women’s corporate wear.

Customers can opt to get their fittings done at the shop. Or, if they’re busy with household stuff or work matters, its tailors can do in-home or office visits for the entire bespoke process (from measuring to final fitting).

But while these services definitely add value for money, we wish there were some pricing information to know how much to set aside for a made-to-order outfit.

Rush tailoring and alteration services can also be accommodated except on seasons that have heavy production times or staff vacations. 

Pros

  • Can accommodate rush jobs
  • Comprehensive alteration services
  • Gallery shows the bespoke process
  • Offers in-home or office services

Cons

  • Doesn’t provide a price guide
  • The shop has changed names
  • Open on weekdays only
  • No BBB accreditation

Customer Reviews

Ended up buying a whole new outfit!

“I was visiting from out of town and was looking to get a few pieces to finish off my outfit for a meeting. The concierge of my hotel highly recommended Stephanos. I went in there and I felt comfortable right away. Ended buying a whole new outfit!! Ramy was so helpful with his styling tips and took care of me very well !!! Thank you again. Highly recommend this shop!” – Andrew K.

Did an amazing job tailoring a skirt on one day’s notice

“Stephanos did an amazing job tailoring a skirt for an important interview, with only one days’ notice. The quality of the work is exceptional and the skirt now looks custom made.” – Chris A.

3. Dow’s Lake Tailoring

Dow’s Lake Tailoring's Homepage
TestInfo
SERVICESHemming, leather repair, general alterations for all types of clothing, custom tailoring, clothing alterations, patching, zipper placement and repair, dry cleaning
ADDRESSDow's Lake Tailoring 451 Preston St Ottawa, ON K1S 4N5
CONTACT NUMBER613-569-7090 | [email protected]
WEBSITEhttp://www.dowslaketailoring.ca/
OPERATING HOURSTuesday to Saturday 10 AM - 5.30 PM

Closed on Sundays and Mondays

Dow’s Lake Tailoring has been doing professional alterations for bridal and bridesmaid gowns, tuxedoes, dresses, and jeans for over 15 years now. It also offers dry cleaning services on its premises.

The shop can also remodel clothes, do custom jackets, shirts, and suits, and put tailor-made touches on any kind of clothing. There are no portfolio pictures on the website but its Facebook page does yield some (captionless) creations. 

To keep up with the demands of the time, Dow’s Lake Tailoring also does special three-layer reusable masks. These are made to order, but unfortunately do not have any sample images to refer to.

Client feedback typically mentions its quick turnaround time for alterations and repairs, with particularly satisfied comments about jeans alterations. 

Unfortunately, there’s no information on how much it would cost for either tailoring services or dry cleaning, so calling up or visiting the shop is in order.

Pros

  • Free one-hour parking on the premises
  • Generally good feedback on alteration services
  • Can do custom-made clothing
  • Specialises in wedding attire

Cons

  • Not a lot of information on the website
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No BBB accreditation
  • Closed on weekends

Customer Reviews

Friendly and fast

“Great tailor shop.  Friendly and fast.  Took some pants in to be altered.  Had them back only 5 days later and as expected.  Would recommend.” – Deen W.

Did a great job with a bridesmaid dress

“Did a great job with my bridesmaid dress! I decided to wear flats with a floor-length and she took it in just a touch more in the front than the back so I wouldn’t trip!” – Mtlfoodie C.

4. Sew Crazy Ottawa

Sew Crazy Ottawa's Homepage
TestInfo
SERVICESMachine embroidery, flour sack towels, hankies, memory pillows & logos for small businesses
ADDRESS82 Chickasaw Cres, Ottawa, ON, K2M 1M7
CONTACT NUMBER+1 613-868-8597 | [email protected]
WEBSITEhttps://sewcrazyottawa.square.site/
OPERATING HOURSMondays and Wednesdays 6 PM - 9 PM

Tuesdays and Thursdays 1 PM - 9 PM

Fridays 8 AM - 9 PM

Saturdays and Sundays 8 AM - 9 PM

Though it’s not a tailor service in Ottawa per se, Sew Crazy Ottawa makes it to this listicle by virtue of providing levity within a serious industry.

The shop does custom embroidery for personalized and one-of-a-kind gifts. Some of its past works include embroidered flour sack tea towels, logo embroidered hoodies, and personalized wedding hankies with messages and dates embroidery.

A quick look at Sew Crazy’s online shop shows creative and cleanly embroidered products ranging from plush toys to T-shirts. They’re quite affordable with towels at just $13 and holiday stockings at $10 each (which is probably why they get sold out quickly).

Specialized, one-off items can be accommodated via its downloadable custom order form. However, the price quotes for these will understandably vary according to the object, material, size, and scope of the creative project.

So if you have special occasions coming up and want to give a truly unique present to someone, this shop might be your cup of tea. But for tailoring and alteration needs, it’s better to go elsewhere.

Pros

  • Affordable catalogue of products
  • Custom order form available on the website
  • Can accommodate any kind of personalized embroidery

Cons

  • Not a tailoring shop
  • Some products get sold out fast
  • Confusing operating hours
  • No BBB accreditation

Customer Reviews

Kind and meticulous 

“Angel did 3 memory pillows out of my Dad’s shirts and they are beautiful. Would highly recommend this talented lady. She is kind and meticulous in all her work, thanks to Ang!” – Karen Robb

Great customer service

“Great customer service! Would definitely recommend it to everyone I know! I ordered sweaters to celebrate my engagement and she made them exactly how I pictured them! Thank you so much!” – Mia Dee

5. Lynn’s Tailoring

Lynn’s Tailoring's Homepage
TestInfo
SERVICESSewing and alterations, bespoke clothing, recutting, restyling, patching, tapering, resizing, clothing restorations, recreation services
ADDRESS288 Dalhousie St., Suite 100 - Ottawa, Ontario - K1N 7E6
CONTACT NUMBER613-695-6366 | [email protected]
WEBSITEhttps://www.lynnstailoring.com/
OPERATING HOURSMonday to Saturday 10 AM - 4 PM

Closed on Sundays

Lynn Truong is the force behind Lynn’s Tailoring and has over three decades of sewing experience to show for it. She has altered and repaired wedding dresses, evening wear, and other types of garments for satisfied clients in the Ottawa area.

Her shop’s website is pretty barebones and looks more like a landing page than anything. But its Facebook page does yield some awesome-looking bridal gowns and bridesmaids’ dresses that fit the wearers like a glove. 

Customer reviews typically mention the fast turnaround time and flawless alterations that Lynn does on clothes. She prefers customers to come in for personal fittings to get accurate measurements and price quotes for them.

For a time, the shop was open six days a week but has temporarily closed on Saturdays for safety and hygiene concerns. Lynn’s Tailoring also currently offers bespoke reusable face masks and shields for customers.

Pros

  • Satisfactory turnaround time according to clients
  • Specializes in wedding gowns and evening wear
  • Over three decades of sewing and alteration experience

Cons

  • Website needs updating
  • Temporarily closed on weekends
  • No BBB accreditation

Customer Reviews

Straight to the point and honest

“Lynn is skilled, reliable and affordable. She is straight to the point & honest when it comes to saying what is possible and not and why. As many other tailors, she needs to see the item to quote properly which I personally appreciate as it removes the risk of misunderstandings or surprises.” – Lana P.

Did a superb job

“Contacted Lynn on Yelp and she got back to me the very next day. Brought a wool jacket to be shortened, Lynn was very nice very professional and super friendly. Was done in a timely manner and she did a superb job, I wouldn’t know it was altered unless I looked closely at the stitching very closely. Upon closer inspection, I found that she removed the remnants of a fabric care tag I had cut off but left a bit behind but didn’t say anything about it, what dedication she has! Highly Recommended!! I would go back to Lynn for other garments in the future!” – John C.

FAQs About Tailors in Ottawa


We hope that this listicle helps you find the best tailor in Ottawa for your garment alteration and custom-made needs.

Please tell us if you have more tailors to recommend and we’ll be happy to review them.

Meanwhile, we have some published garment and design-related posts that might interest you: