Men's Suit Alterations in London
Tuxedo & Designer Tailoring
Exclusive Alterations is a specialist suit alterations studio at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London. Bespoke tailor Richard Thompson has worked in the trade for over 20 years, and the same tailoring skill that goes into a made-to-measure suit goes into altering one.
A suit that fits properly changes how it hangs, how you move in it, and how it reads. Most off-the-peg suits are cut for an average nobody actually is — the shoulders sit wide, the sleeves run long, the waist is loose. Those are the things we correct.
We work on two-piece and three-piece suits, dinner jackets, designer and luxury tailoring, and everyday workwear. Fittings are by appointment at our Islington studio, two minutes from Angel station.
Jacket Alterations
The jacket does most of the work in a suit, and it’s where fit is most visible. We adjust:
Sleeve length — shortened or lengthened from the cuff, or from the shoulder where the buttons and vents require it
Taking in the waist and body — removing excess through the back and sides for a cleaner line
Shoulder adjustments — narrowing or reshaping the shoulder, the most technical alteration in tailoring and one many alteration shops won’t attempt
Sleeve pitch — correcting how the sleeve hangs from the shoulder so it follows the natural line of your arm
Collar — closing a gap between the collar and your neck, a common fault in off-the-peg jackets
Vents and lining — repairs, replacement and reshaping
Shoulder work is where a tailor differs from a seamstress. It means dismantling and rebuilding the jacket’s structure, and it’s worth doing properly.
How long do suit alterations take?
Most suit alterations are completed within one to two weeks.
Simple work — hemming trousers, shortening sleeves — is often quicker. Structural changes like shoulder adjustments or reshaping a jacket body take longer and may need a second fitting.
If you need something for a specific date, tell us when you book. Quick turnaround is usually possible at additional cost, subject to availability.
If your suit needs more work than alterations can achieve, or you’d rather start from scratch, we also offer made-to-measure suits — cut to your measurements from the outset.
Trousers Alterations
Perfectly fitted trousers are the foundation of a well-tailored look. We offer professional trousers alterations for men and women, ensuring comfort, mobility, and a sleek silhouette. Our services include:
Waist adjustments
Hem shortening or lengthening
Tapering for a slimmer leg
Seat and crotch alterations
Replacing zips, buttons, and linings
Whether you’re wearing them as part of a suit or on their own, our alterations give your trousers a polished, modern finish.
Tuxedo Alterations
Tuxedos demand elegance—and that starts with a flawless fit. Our specialist tuxedo alterations maintain the structure and integrity of your formalwear while refining it to match your body perfectly. We work with all types of dinner jackets, dress shirts, and tailored trousers, offering:
Sleeve and jacket length adjustments
Tapering at the waist and chest
Shoulder and collar refinements
Silk lapel and cuff repairs
Shirt and trouser fitting
Trust us with your tuxedo, and we’ll ensure you’re red-carpet ready.
Waistcoat Alterations
A tailored waistcoat adds sophistication to any outfit, whether worn with a suit or as a stand-alone piece. We offer precise waistcoat alterations for a clean, contoured shape that sits beautifully under your jacket or over your shirt. Our alterations include:
Taking in or letting out the sides
Shoulder and armhole adjustments
Hem shortening
Button repositioning
Every adjustment is made to enhance your fit and comfort without compromising the style or detailing of your garment.
Why Choose Exclusive Alterations?
With years of experience in tailoring suits and formalwear, we understand how important a well-fitted outfit is. Our clients trust us for:
Precision tailoring and fine craftsmanship
Alterations for designer and luxury suits
A discreet and friendly fitting experience
Quick turnaround options available
Before & after alterations
visit the studio
Islington, by appointment only
We’re inside the Business Design Centre on Upper Street, next door to the Hilton two minutes from Angel station. Every visit is by appointment so your fitting is never rushed or shared.
address
Business Design Centre
52 Upper Street
London N1 0PW
Opening times
Mon–Fri: 10am–7pm
Saturday: 10am–6pm
Sunday: closed
