Stephen Libby, known from The Traitors, is championing the dry cleaner as an affordable tailor. He says that for £30 max, a dry cleaner can take in a waist or do a hem, transforming old trousers, jackets, or shirts into bespoke pieces.
The Power of Tailoring
Libby admits he used to buy shirts that were too big and never wear them, or scrunch trousers with a belt. Now he understands that a belt is an accessory, not a necessity. He started with items he loved but couldn't wear, suggesting others do the same.
For his first alteration, he took a pair of trousers he hadn't worn in years to a dry cleaner. They measured him and took down the hem, which cost £20 and took two days. Vintage clothing often has generous hems, making alterations easy.
Creating a New Look
Tailoring isn't just about fit; it can create a whole new look. Libby loves cropped jackets, and once had a suit jacket cropped into a bolero-style shape. He also had a jumpsuit almost entirely rebuilt, which cost £80 but was worth it.
He recommends checking hems, waistbands, and seams for extra fabric. If an item has already been altered, it can be tailored again. He always gets shirts tailored for a smarter look under a suit.
Building a Relationship
Libby advises finding a dry cleaner you trust, as they'll get to know your style and shape. He goes once a month. He also warns against using wonderweb to crop clothes, recalling a time his dry cleaner was horrified and ripped it off to alter properly.
While he cares about sustainability, he stresses that the onus is on corporations, not consumers. He simply wants people to realize they have more choices in vintage shops than they think.
