Hemming
Getting a hem right is not just “cut it shorter”. Where the hem breaks changes how the dress reads in flats versus heels, so we factor that in before a single pin goes in.
Dress alterations · Canning Vale · Perth
Dress alterations
made to fit you.
A dress that fits right changes everything. From a simple hem to careful reshaping, we alter everyday dresses, formal dresses and delicate pieces from our Canning Vale studio.
Why fit matters
The size on the tag is only a starting point.
A good alteration follows your shape and the way the fabric behaves, not a number printed inside the dress.
You know the dress. Gorgeous on the hanger, not quite right on you. Maybe the waist sits a bit low, or you have mentally hemmed it a dozen times and never actually done it. That is basically the whole reason our shop exists.
We are based in Canning Vale, and we have been altering dresses for people across Perth for over five years — everything from $40 special finds to designer gowns someone is saving for a big day. No two jobs are treated the same. A silk slip dress and a structured cocktail dress honestly have very little in common once you are inside the seams, so we do not pretend otherwise.
Done properly, you should not be able to spot that a dress was altered. It should simply look as though it was made for you.
Dress sizing is not really a science. A size 12 in one label can fit like a 10 in another, or a 14. That is not you doing anything wrong. Every brand cuts to its own block, rather than to one actual body.
Good alterations chase fit — how the fabric sits on your shoulders, through your waist and wherever it is currently fighting you. There is a practical benefit too: a dress that fits is a dress you are more likely to wear again, rather than one that quietly migrates to the back of the wardrobe. Altering something you already own is also often cheaper than replacing it.
Services we handle regularly
From quick fixes to detailed formal dresses work.
What looks like a small change from the outside can involve very different work depending on the fabric, lining and structure underneath.
Taking a dress in
Loose through the waist, hips or back is common after weight changes or with dresses bought a size up “just in case”. We can often bring it closer to your shape without disturbing the original seam lines.
Letting a dress out
This depends entirely on the garment. Some dresses have useful seam allowance to work with; others have almost none. We will tell you which one yours is before we touch it.
Strap adjustments
Slipping straps or straps digging in are among the quickest and most requested fixes we do. The exact approach depends on the neckline and construction.
General repairs
Loose seams, lining pulling away, small tears and missing buttons — the unglamorous issues that can keep a good dress sitting unworn in the wardrobe.
Formal and occasion dresses
Beading, sequins, lace overlays and layered underskirts all require slower hands. For detailed gowns, see our wedding and formal dress alterations service.
Designer and vintage pieces
Older fabrics, distinctive construction and designer finishes can need a more conservative approach. We inspect the garment closely before recommending any change.
Everyday dressesWorkwearCocktail dressesEvening dressesFormal dressesBridesmaid dressesGraduation dressesMaxi dressesMidi dressesSummer dressesDesigner piecesVintage garments
What is usually possible
A realistic guide before we see the dress.
This table is a starting point only. Fabric, lining, seam allowance and original construction decide what is sensible for an individual garment.
| Alteration | Typically possible? | What it depends on |
|---|---|---|
| Shortening a hem | Yes | One of the most common requests we receive. |
| Adjusting the waist | Usually | Construction and seam allowance. |
| Adjusting the bust | Usually | Assessed on the individual garment. |
| Shortening straps | Yes | Straightforward on most styles. |
| Letting a dress out | Sometimes | How much seam allowance exists. |
| Altering lace or beading | Sometimes | Needs closer inspection first. |
| Bigger style changes | Sometimes | The garment, its construction and the intended result. |
Honest assessment
When we will say no.
Not every dress can, or should, be altered. Some are cut with almost no seam allowance. Some fabrics do not respond well to being re-stitched. Sometimes the change someone has in mind is not achievable without damaging the dress or changing its character.
When that is the case, we say so before anything is pinned. We would rather turn a job away than talk someone into an alteration that will not hold or will not look right once it is on.
Your fitting
A few things make the fitting much more accurate.
- The shoes you will actually wear. Heel height changes where the hem should sit.
- Your planned undergarments or shapewear. They can change the way the dress sits through the body.
- A belt, if it is part of the outfit. It can shift the waistline and overall proportion.
- The dress freshly cleaned, where possible. It is easier and safer to work with a clean garment.
How it works
Simple, clear and based on the dress in front of us.
Bring it in or message us
Visit us in Canning Vale, or message us over WhatsApp for an initial read on what may be involved.
We assess the garment
We look at the fabric, seams, lining and overall construction — not simply the size on the tag.
You get a straight answer
We explain what is achievable, what is not, and what we recommend for that specific dress.
We complete the work carefully
The goal is a balanced, neat finish that looks original rather than obviously altered.
Why locals choose us
Careful work and straight answers.
Considered workmanship
Each dress is handled on its own merits, rather than rushed through a production-line process.
Honest advice
We tell you when an idea is practical and when it is likely to compromise the garment.
Attention to delicate fabrics
Formal fabrics, lace, sequins and layered garments receive a slower, closer assessment.
Convenient Canning Vale base
Easy to reach for customers across Perth's southern suburbs and the wider metro area.
Service areas
Canning Vale and across Perth.
We regularly see clients from Canning Vale and surrounding suburbs, while also welcoming customers from across the Perth metro area.
Common questions
What people usually ask before bringing in a dress.
Can a dress be taken in to fit smaller?
Usually, yes. The waist, hips and back can often be adjusted depending on how the dress was put together.
Can a dress be let out to fit bigger?
Sometimes. It comes down to how much fabric the original maker left in the seams.
Can you shorten dress straps?
Yes. Strap shortening is one of the more common dress fixes we complete.
Can lined dresses be altered?
Yes. They can take a little longer because the outer fabric and lining need to be adjusted together, rather than as one layer.
Can formal and beaded dresses be altered?
Generally, yes. Anything with lace, beading or sequins gets a slower, closer inspection first because those details can limit what is realistic.
Should I bring my shoes to the fitting?
Please do. Heel height changes where a hem should sit more than many people expect.
What about vintage dresses?
Often, yes, although we work carefully. Older fabric and stitching can be more fragile than they look.
How much do dress alterations cost?
It depends on the work, fabric, lining and how the dress is built. The most accurate way to quote is to see the dress or a quick enquiry of it over WhatsApp.
How long will dress alterations take?
Timing depends on our workload and how involved the job is. When there is an event date, getting in touch early is the one thing that genuinely helps.
Related services
Other alteration work we can help with.
Not sure what your dress needs?
Message us on WhatsApp.
Send a quick enquiry and briefly tell us what you would like changed. We will explain what is realistic before you visit.
Opening hours
Monday10:00am – 7:30pm
Tuesday10:00am – 7:30pm
Wednesday10:00am – 7:30pm
Thursday10:00am – 7:30pm
Friday10:00am – 7:30pm
Saturday10:00am – 7:30pm
Sunday11:00am – 7:00pm
Quick message
Message us on WhatsApp
Send a quick enquiry and we will reply with the next steps.
Message on WhatsApp