I Tried Out A Bespoke Tailoring Service To Help Make My Wardrobe More Sustainable – Here's What Happened

    For anyone who wants to get the most out of their favourite garms.

    Valeza Bakolli
    by Valeza Bakolli

    BuzzFeed Staff

    Hi, I'm Valeza, and I LOVE clothes! I also HATE waste just as much, so I'm always looking for new ways to prevent my clothes from hanging idly in my wardrobe.

    Selfie of Valeza
    Valeza Bakolli/BuzzFeed

    I try to shop mindfully and only buy bits I know I'll re-wear time and time again. However, I'm sometimes at a loss for what to do with pieces I already own that I'm just not getting enough wear out of.

    Valeza Bakolli/BuzzFeed

    If you're reading this thinking, "OMG same!!!", then let me introduce you to The Seam. The Seam connects its users with a talented network of 'Makers' who offer bespoke alterations, high-quality repairs, and other sartorial services.

    A model wearing a blazer which is being measured by a seamstress
    The Seam

    Their goal is to extend the life of garments you already own so that you can cherish them for years to come! Think covering up an ink stain on your grandma's vintage blouse, or fixing a pulled thread on a notoriously difficult-to-repair silk chiffon scarf.

    two smiling women working at a desk with a sewing machine
    The Seam

    And, of course, they make the entire experience as enjoyable and ~seamless~ as possible!

    How does it work, I hear you ask! Well, you can either book an at-home appointment or go and meet your designated Maker at their studio (The Seam will try to find one that's as local to you as possible).

    I asked if my Maker, Sarah, could come to my house as I was working from home that day. I love the fact that The Seam has an at-home option, as it means you can easily fit an appointment into a busy day, and you don't even have to travel with your garments!

    The appointment took about an hour from start to finish, which was pretty quick considering that I had a few different dresses to alter. We also spent ages discussing my options to make sure I was happy with the outcome.

    Allow me to break down exactly what happened! Let's start with... ✨ Dress 1 – alteration. ✨

    This dress was brand new. I fell in love with the eye-catching fuschia colour and the timeless knitted design on the website, but it was far too big when I tried it on.

    valeza wearing a knitted midi dress which is too large in the body and too long in the arms
    Valeza Bakolli/BuzzFeed

    I ordered my usual size but it was unflattering and oversized in the main body, and the sleeves were far too long and a bit of an odd shape. IMO, the oversized fit didn't suit the stretchy ribbed material, and the sleeves just didn't sit right, even when turned back! As it was an international purchase, returning it would've been too much of a faff, so I thought it was an ideal contender for The Seam's services.

    Sarah pinned the fabric to my exact measurements, making sure there was still enough room to feel comfy and that the dress far more flattering to my figure.

    sarah measuring valeza's waist with a measuring tape
    Valeza Bakolli/BuzzFeed

    I absolutely loved the outcome! The dress now fits me like a glove, and I'm super impressed with how the sleeves turned out! The new and improved design makes the dress feel far more wearable, and I'm glad I can now wear it comfortably throughout the chillier months ahead.

    valeza posing in the now perfectly-fitted midi dress
    Valeza Bakolli/BuzzFeed

    Here's a close-up of the sleeve alteration in motion courtesy of The Seam and Alex, a Maker:

    On to... ✨ Dress 2 – repair. ✨

    Unlike the brand new fuschia dress, I've owned this polka dot number for years. I adore the flattering kickflare fit, and it's so incredibly comfy that I've worn it to death! As a result, it had started to pile to a point where it looked a bit shabby and faded, and I didn't feel like I could confidently wear it to nice events.

    two different images of valeza wearing a polka dot midi dress text reads: me and my fave dress over the years
    Valeza Bakolli/BuzzFeed

    The piling wasn't like normal bobbling on a jumper, which I'd have no qualms over removing with a fabric shaver. Though noticeable, the piling was quite fine, so I didn't dare attempt to shave the thin and delicate material myself.

    The Seam are all about prolonging the life of your cherished fashion pieces, so I knew I could trust them with my beloved dress. Just LOOK at the delicate treatment it got and the super satisfying results!

    I can't believe the difference in this dress! I no longer feel ashamed to wear it out, and I know I'll get loads more wear out of it in the years to come.

    three separate images of the dress before and after the repair, in the before image the dress is piled badly and after the dress looks smooth and new again. text reads: before, after, good as new
    Valeza Bakolli/BuzzFeed

    Finally... ✨ Dress 3 – alteration and added design element. ✨

    If I'm honest, this was the dress I was most excited to get altered! I bought this gorgeous number from House of CB over two years ago for my sister's wedding, but the ceremony was postponed due to COVID, and I never got a chance to wear it. Luckily, my cousin got married this summer and I had another chance to whip it out!

    two images showing valeza wearing a floor-length floral gown from the front and side, the dress fits well
    Valeza Bakolli/BuzzFeed

    As time changes so do our bodies, and mine no longer fit comfortably in the stiff satin silhouette of the dress. In particular, the rigid material no longer allowed it to zip up fully at the back. 

    Sarah went through some of the alteration options with me in depth to ensure I was happy with the outcome.

    a close-up of the back zip with some extra material pinned at the top, and sarah pinning the bottom of the dress to adjust the length
    Valeza Bakolli/BuzzFeed

    She explained that if we let the dress out a little – using the excess material every dress has stored in the folds of the zip – we'd be limited to about an extra inch at most, which might not give me the result I was hoping for.

    In the end, we decided on replacing the zip altogether with a corset-style lace-up detail. That way, I could adjust the waist and back to my ideal fit. The laced design suited the boned corset style of the dress perfectly, and meant the dress could be adjusted to suit me as my body changes in future years!

    three full-length images of valeza wearing the dress before and after the corset has been added, two 'after' images show the added corset detail and adjusted length
    Valeza Bakolli/BuzzFeed

    Sarah also altered the length to the exact measurement for my height. Top tip: remember to bring heels if you're planning on wearing them with your dress to any fitting appointment! She even kept a little extra length in the back, and the slight train-like effect added even more of a glam feel to the 'fit!

    Needless to say, I am obsessed with the outcome! I've never received so many compliments on a dress in my life, and I felt incredible the entire night I wore it.

    Oh, there's one last thing to discuss... ✨ The Delivery. ✨

    Valeza Bakolli/BuzzFeed

    The first and second dresses were delivered to my home and wrapped up in a sleek bag, so it felt like I was getting a brand new garment! I went to Sarah's studio for a second fitting before the third dress was finished, and then it was delivered to me.

    Overall, I'm super impressed with The Seam's service. My experience with the team was as bespoke and carefully-considered as the alterations were themselves, and I couldn't be happier with the outcome of the three garments I entrusted them with.

    two images of the corset detail on the floral dress both on and off the body, text reads under the first image: in sarah's studio for my second fitting
    Valeza Bakolli/BuzzFeed

    You can find the price list for all of The Seam's most common repairs and alterations right here.

    If you're keen to buy less, repair more, and look fabulous while doing it, then I'd be sure to check out The Seam for yourself!