Finding the perfect dress is only half the journey — the real magic happens when it fits like it was made for you. At Imperial Alterations, we specialize in alterations for all types of dresses: casual day dresses, cocktail dresses, evening gowns, prom dresses, jumpsuits, and everything in between.
Our experienced tailors handle every aspect of dress alterations — taking in or letting out the sides, adjusting the bodice, shortening or lengthening hems, reshaping necklines, tapering sleeves, and adding or modifying linings. We work with all fabrics including silk, chiffon, satin, cotton, linen, and blended materials.
Looking for wedding dress alterations? We have a dedicated wedding dress alterations service with specialized handling for bridal gowns, including beadwork, lace, corset boning, and multi-layer hems.
Both our Hoboken and Jersey City locations provide the same expert-level service. Walk-ins welcome, or book an appointment for guaranteed availability.
1. Bring Your Dress In
Visit our Hoboken or Jersey City location. Walk-ins welcome. Bring the shoes and undergarments you’ll wear with the dress — this ensures the most accurate fit.
2. Free Consultation
Our tailor will assess your dress, discuss what you’d like changed, and give you an exact quote. No obligation — just honest advice about what’s possible and what it will cost.
3. Expert Tailoring
Standard turnaround is 1–2 weeks. Need it faster? Rush and same-day service available. We handle all fabrics and complexities in-house — nothing gets outsourced.
4. Fitting & Pickup
Try your dress on in-store when it’s ready. If anything needs a small tweak, we’ll take care of it on the spot.
Starting prices. Final cost depends on fabric, complexity, and garment condition.
| Alteration | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Full sides in/out | $65 |
| Bodice side seams | $55 |
| Darts in/out | $35-$55 |
| Shorten plain hem | $50 and up |
| Shorten lined hem | $65-$85 |
| Shorten straps | $25-$45 |
| Sleeve shortening | $35-$125 |
| Neckline reshaping | $35-$85 |
| Replace zipper | $45-$85 |
| Add lining | $85-$350 |
Beaded/sequin surcharge applies. Rush: +20%. Same-day: +30%. Full pricing →
Dress alteration costs depend on what needs to be done. Simple alterations like hemming start at $50-$65. Taking in the sides starts at $65. More complex work like bodice reshaping, beadwork, or multi-layer hems ranges from . We provide a free consultation with exact pricing before starting any work.
Most dress alterations take 1–2 weeks. Simple hems can sometimes be done same-day. More complex work may take up to 2 weeks. Rush service is available with a 20% surcharge, and same-day service with a 30% surcharge (subject to availability).
Yes. We can take in a dress at the sides, bodice, waist, and shoulders to create a slimmer, more tailored fit. For dresses that are significantly too large (more than 2 sizes), we may need to reconstruct certain areas. Our tailors will assess your dress and let you know what’s achievable during the free consultation.
Absolutely. Our tailors are experienced with beaded, sequined, and embroidered dresses. These alterations require extra care and time, so pricing is higher — sides in/out for beaded dresses start at $85-$250. We carefully remove and reattach beadwork to maintain the dress’s original design.
Wedding dress alterations are more complex and time-intensive. Bridal gowns often have multiple layers, delicate fabrics, lace, beading, corset boning, and bustles that require specialized handling. Wedding dress alterations typically take 4+ weeks with 2–3 fittings. Standard dress alterations are simpler and faster (1–2 weeks). Visit our wedding dress alterations page for details.
Walk-ins are welcome for dress alterations. However, booking an appointment ensures we have a tailor ready for you and minimizes wait time. We recommend appointments during peak seasons (prom, wedding, holidays).
