Alterations and repairs

Our tailoring services

At Gabby Atelier, we offer quality tailoring and alteration services for men and women of all ages. Please note that prices shown are for labour only; materials and additional trims will be charged separately where required. Prices may also vary depending on the garment finish and materials chosen.

Appointments are free of charge, and all quotes are provided without obligation.

Our Commitment


At Gabby Atelier, we provide professional clothing alterations and garment repairs in Stoke-on-Trent for ladies, gentlemen and children. Whether you need a wedding dress altered, a prom dress adjusted, a suit tailored, trousers shortened, a skirt hemmed or a zip replaced, every alteration is completed with precision and care. We work with dresses, jackets, coats, shirts, suits, formal wear and everyday clothing, helping customers achieve the perfect fit while extending the life of their favourite garments. Based in Stoke-on-Trent, we proudly serve customers from Newcastle-under-Lyme, Hanley, Longton, Fenton, Tunstall, Burslem, Trentham and surrounding areas.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions


Do I need to book an appointment?
- We recommend booking your visit in advance to ensure we can give you our full attention and provide the best possible service. You can request an appointment through the calendar on our Booking page.   Book now →

How much will my alteration cost?
- Every garment is different, so prices depend on the type of alteration and the work involved. Please note that if a garment requires multiple alterations, such as shortening and taking in, the prices for each alteration will be added together to calculate the final cost. You can find our guide prices on the Alterations page, or contact us for a more precise quote.

Can you alter coats and jackets?
- Yes. We alter sleeves, hems, body width, linings, collars and many other features on coats and jackets.

I have a jacket that needs taking in and the sleeves shortened. How much will it cost?
- For jackets, coats, suits and evening dresses, an initial alteration charge applies, which covers the first and most complex alteration required. In this case, taking in the jacket would be considered the main alteration. Any additional work, such as sleeve alterations, will be added to the initial cost according to the services required. You can find our guide prices on the Alterations page, or contact us for a more precise quote.

Can you alter wedding dresses?
- Yes. We regularly alter wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, prom dresses and evening gowns, including hems, taking in or letting out, bust adjustments, straps, sleeves and other alterations.

My wedding dress feels loose around the bust and needs shortening. How much will it cost?
- For wedding dresses, an initial alteration charge applies, which covers the first and most complex alteration required. In this case, taking in the dress would be considered the main alteration. Any additional length adjustment will be added to the initial cost and is calculated based on the number of layers requiring alteration. You can find our guide prices on the Alterations page, or contact us for a more precise quote.

Do you provide free quotations?
- Yes. We are happy to assess your garment and provide a free quotation with no obligation to proceed.

How long will my alteration take?
- Turnaround times vary depending on the type of work required and our current workload. As a general guide, simple alterations such as trouser shortening usually take around 2–4 working days after the initial appointment. Medium-complexity alterations, such as shortening jacket or suit sleeves, usually take around 5–9 working days, while more complex projects may require around 10–15 working days after the initial appointment. If you have an urgent request or a specific deadline, please contact us before booking so we can discuss the available options.

Can you repair damaged clothing?
- Yes. We repair many types of clothing, including tears, ripped seams, damaged zips, missing buttons, worn linings and other everyday repairs.

Do you replace zips?
- Yes. We can repair or replace zips on dresses, trousers, skirts, coats, jackets, cushions, bags and many other fabric items.

Can you alter jeans?
- Absolutely. We can shorten jeans, adjust the waist, taper the legs and carry out many other denim alterations.

Can you alter leather, suede or delicate fabrics?
- Yes. We work with a wide variety of fabrics and materials. If you are unsure, simply contact us or bring the item for assessment.

Can you make clothes bigger as well as smaller?
- Yes. We can often make garments either smaller or larger. Making clothes smaller is usually more straightforward, while enlarging a garment may require using the existing seam allowance or adding matching fabric. Although we always aim for the best possible finish, added fabric may leave a discreet but visible seam or slight colour variation.

Do you alter curtains?
- Yes. We shorten, lengthen, resize and repair curtains. If you have spare matching fabric or extra curtain panels, we may be able to use them to increase the length or width. While every alteration is completed with care, any joins may remain discreetly visible. Whenever possible, buying curtains slightly larger than needed usually provides the best final result.

Can you repair bags and other fabric accessories?
- Yes. We repair many fabric bags, backpacks and similar accessories. We can also carry out lining repairs, zip replacements and other sewing work where appropriate.

Do you make clothes from scratch?
- No. We specialise in clothing alterations, repairs and tailoring. However, we do create handmade bags, backpacks and fabric accessories made to order.

What should I bring to my appointment?
- Please bring the garment clean and, where appropriate, the shoes or accessories you intend to wear with it. This helps us achieve the best possible fit.

I'm buying a suit, dress or trousers. Should I buy the larger or smaller size?
- If you're between sizes, we usually recommend buying the slightly larger one. It's generally much easier to make a garment smaller than larger, resulting in a cleaner finish. If you're unsure, feel free to contact us before purchasing. We're always happy to offer advice.