Choi Alterations: Custom Tailoring and Repairs in Charleston

What Choi Alterations offers and where to find them

Choi Alterations is a tailoring shop in Charleston that handles garment repairs, hemming, and custom alterations for everyday wear and special-occasion clothing. The shop works with both men's and women's pieces, taking on everything from simple repairs to more involved reconstruction work. They're located on King Street in downtown Charleston, putting them within walking distance of the Historic District and close to retail shops where customers often buy clothing they need altered.

The shop operates as a family business focused on precision work rather than high-volume production. That approach means they spend time understanding what you need from an alteration—whether you're shortening pants, taking in a dress, or repairing a seam—rather than rushing through jobs. Most customers bring in pieces they already own and want to keep wearing, which is where Choi's strength lies.

Key Takeaways

• Choi Alterations is located on King Street in downtown Charleston and handles hemming, repairs, and custom alterations for men's and women's clothing.
• The shop works with everyday garments as well as special-occasion pieces like wedding dresses and formal wear.
• Turnaround time typically ranges from one to two weeks depending on the complexity of the work and current shop volume.
• You should bring the garment in person so the tailor can assess the work needed and discuss fit adjustments with you directly.

Types of alterations Choi handles

Hemming is one of the most common services—pants, skirts, dresses, and jacket sleeves all come through regularly. The tailor takes measurements while you're wearing the garment or standing in it, which matters because the right hem length depends on your shoes and how you actually wear the piece. A dress hem that looks right on the hanger can be wrong once you're moving in it.

Taking in or letting out seams is another core service. This includes taking in the sides of a shirt or dress, adjusting waistbands, and tapering pant legs. Letting out is possible only if there's enough seam allowance left in the original garment—something the tailor will assess when you bring the piece in. Repairs like replacing zippers, fixing torn seams, and patching holes also come through the shop regularly.

For special occasions, Choi works on wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, and formal wear. These pieces often need multiple fittings because the alterations are more complex and the stakes are higher. The tailor will typically schedule you for an initial consultation, then additional fittings as the work progresses, so you can see how the piece is coming together.

How to prepare your garment before you visit

Clean the garment before bringing it in. Dirt, stains, or wrinkles can make it harder for the tailor to see the actual fabric and assess the work needed. If the piece has a stain you're aware of, mention it when you drop it off so the tailor knows what they're looking at.

Wear the shoes you plan to wear with the garment when you come in for hemming. The heel height changes how a hem should fall, and the tailor needs to see that. If you're altering a dress or pants for a specific event, bring that context—a formal hem sits differently than a casual one.

If you have a specific vision for how you want something altered, bring a photo or a description. Showing the tailor a picture of a style you like is often clearer than trying to describe it in words. If you've had alterations done elsewhere that you loved, mentioning that helps set expectations too.

Turnaround time and pricing

Most alterations take one to two weeks from the day you drop off the garment. Simple hemming on a single pair of pants might be on the faster end; complex work like restructuring a dress or replacing a zipper on a formal gown takes longer. During busy seasons—particularly before holidays and wedding season in spring—the shop may have a longer queue, so ask about timing when you drop off your piece.

Pricing varies based on the work involved. A simple hem costs less than taking in multiple seams or replacing a zipper. The tailor will give you a quote when you bring the garment in, usually after examining it and discussing what you want. Ask about payment methods and whether they require a deposit for larger jobs—policies vary by shop.

What to expect during your first visit

Bring the garment in a clean, unwrinkled state if possible. The tailor will examine it, ask you what you need done, and may ask you to try it on or stand in it so they can see how it fits your body. This is the time to be specific about what bothers you—if the sleeves are too long, if the waist pulls, if you want it looser or more fitted.

The tailor will take measurements and may mark the garment with pins or chalk to show you what the alteration will look like. They'll explain the work, give you a price, and tell you when it will be ready. If you're uncertain about something, ask questions now rather than after the work is done. A good tailor wants you to be happy with the result and will take time to make sure you both understand what's happening.

Special considerations for delicate fabrics and formal wear

Silk, linen, and other delicate fabrics require more careful handling than cotton or polyester blends. The tailor will know how to work with these materials, but it's worth mentioning if your garment is made from something fragile. Some fabrics also require special pressing techniques after alterations, which the tailor will handle as part of the job.

Formal wear like wedding dresses, tuxedos, and beaded gowns often involves more intricate work. If your piece has beading, embroidery, or other embellishment, the tailor needs to know so they can work around it carefully. These pieces also typically require multiple fittings, so budget extra time and plan your visits accordingly if you have an event date coming up.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a basic hem cost?

Hemming prices vary by garment type and fabric, but a simple hem on pants or a skirt typically ranges from a modest amount to a moderate fee. The tailor will quote you when you bring the piece in. More complex hemming—like curved hems on dresses or hemming multiple layers—costs more.

Can you let out a garment that's too small?

It depends on how much seam allowance is left in the original garment. The tailor will examine it and tell you whether letting out is possible and how much room they can add. If there's not enough seam allowance, taking in the opposite seams or adding fabric panels may be options, though those are more involved solutions.

What if I'm not happy with the alteration?

Discuss any concerns with the tailor as soon as you pick up the garment. Most tailors will make adjustments if something isn't right, though there may be limits depending on what was done. This is another reason to communicate clearly during your initial visit about what you want.

Do you work on vintage or heirloom clothing?

Many tailors do work on vintage and heirloom pieces, but these require extra care and expertise. Call ahead or ask when you visit whether Choi takes on this type of work, and be prepared to discuss the garment's age, fabric, and condition so the tailor can assess whether they can help.

How far in advance should I bring in a dress for a wedding or event?

Bring formal wear in at least three to four weeks before your event, longer if possible. This gives the tailor time to do the work and schedule fittings without rushing. If your event is sooner, call ahead to see if they can accommodate a rush job—some shops can, though there may be an extra fee.