Clothing alterations: what do they cost – and when are they worth it?
Guide prices for the most common alterations, the factors behind the price and a simple rule of thumb: alter or buy new?
Guide prices for the most common alterations
Our prices for the jobs people ask about most (as of 2026):
| Garment | Work | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans | shorten, simple hem / original hem | CHF 25.– / 40.– |
| Tailored or suit trousers | shorten with hem tape | CHF 37.– |
| Trousers | take in or let out the waistband | CHF 47.– |
| Skirt | shorten, simple / lined | CHF 45.– / 60.– |
| Shirt / blouse | shorten sleeves / shorten length | CHF 40.– / 32.– |
| Shirt / blouse | take in at the sides | CHF 42.– |
| Suit jacket / jacket | shorten sleeves, simple / with buttonholes | CHF 60.– / 70.– |
| Suit jacket / coat | take in or let out at the sides | CHF 65.– |
| Coat | shorten overall length | CHF 80.– to 90.– |
| Trousers, jeans | new zip, materials included | CHF 42.– |
| Everything else | by the work involved | CHF 70.– per hour |
The full list including cleaning, leather and curtains: price list.
What does the price depend on?
- Lining: A lined skirt or coat has two layers that both need altering – that costs more.
- Details where the change is made: a vent, buttonholes on the sleeve, pockets in the side seam or a zip have to be moved.
- Material: Silk, sequins, lace and leather need handwork and experience.
- How big the change is: One or two centimetres tighter is simple. A whole dress size smaller changes the proportions – then several seams often have to be reworked.
- Time: Express work is possible on request – depending on the job and how busy we are.
Alter or buy new? A simple rule of thumb
Altering is worth it when the garment is worth more than the alteration and will really fit you afterwards. Three questions help:
- Are the fabric and workmanship good? Wool, linen, silk, a favourite pair of jeans, a designer coat: yes. A CHF 15.– fast-fashion T-shirt: probably not.
- Does it fit at the shoulders? The shoulders are the hardest part. If a jacket or coat fits at the shoulders, almost everything else can be adjusted.
- Does it hold memories? Wedding dresses, inherited coats, traditional costumes – here it is not about the price.
And one more reason: a garment that has been properly fitted gets worn longer. That saves money and is more sustainable than buying new.
What can be altered easily – and what can’t
Easily done: shortening (trousers, skirts, sleeves, dresses), taking in at the side and back seams, taking in or letting out the waistband, replacing a zip, renewing a lining, mending tears and holes.
Possible within limits: letting out – only as much as there is fabric folded into the seams (often 1–2 cm). Anything more is only possible by inserting extra fabric.
Complex: narrowing the shoulders, shortening sleeves from the top, altering a collar. Possible, but more expensive – these alterations are only worth it on high-quality pieces.
How to save time and money
- Bring the shoes you wear with the garment – for the right length.
- Bring several pieces at once: fitting and pinning can then be done in one visit.
- Hand in anything that needs cleaning at the same time: our tailoring and dry cleaning are under one roof in the same shop.
- For a wedding, ball or party, come in good time: two to three weeks beforehand is ideal.
More on individual jobs: Having trousers shortened, Suit alterations, Zip repair or replacement. About our studio: Tailor in Lucerne and Clothing alterations in Lucerne.
Frequently asked questions
Contact →How much do clothing alterations cost in Switzerland?
Simple alterations usually cost CHF 25.– to 60.–. At Zekos Express in Lucerne, for example: shortening jeans CHF 25.–, shortening a skirt from CHF 45.–, shortening shirt sleeves CHF 40.–, jacket sleeves from CHF 60.–. More complex work costs CHF 70.– per hour.
Is it worth having clothes altered?
Yes, if the fabric and workmanship are good and the piece fits at the shoulders. With very cheap clothing, the alteration often costs more than buying new.
Can clothes be let out to make them bigger?
Yes, but only as much as there is fabric folded into the seams – often 1 to 2 cm. For more room, extra fabric has to be inserted.
Can a dress be taken in by a whole size?
Often yes, but then several seams usually have to be altered so the proportions stay right. We look at it during the fitting and tell you the price beforehand.
How long does an alteration take?
Simple alterations are often ready in one to two working days. Express is possible on request.
