Lee's Tailors: Custom Alterations and Repairs in South Carolina

What Lee's Tailors Does

Lee's Tailors is a full-service alteration shop that handles everything from hemming pants and taking in seams to replacing zippers and repairing tears. The shop works on everyday clothing—jeans, dresses, shirts, jackets—as well as formal wear like wedding gowns and suits. They also do custom work, including adding pockets, adjusting waistbands, and tapering sleeves.

The shop operates as a walk-in business, meaning you can bring garments in during business hours without an appointment. Most alterations take one to two weeks, though rush services are sometimes available. Pricing depends on the type of work: a simple hem costs less than a full jacket reconstruction, and the tailor can give you an estimate before you commit.

Key Takeaways

• Lee's Tailors handles standard alterations like hemming and seam adjustments, plus repairs such as zipper replacement and patching.
• The shop accepts both everyday clothing and formal wear, including wedding gowns and structured jackets.
• You can walk in during business hours with your garment; no appointment is required.
• Most jobs take one to two weeks, and the tailor will estimate the cost before you leave your clothing.
• Payment is typically due when you pick up the finished work.

How to Bring in a Garment

Bring the item you need altered during the shop's open hours. Wear it or bring it folded in a bag—either way works. If the alteration involves a fit (hemming pants, taking in a dress), wearing the garment helps the tailor see how it should sit on your body. If it's a repair like a broken zipper or seam, the condition of the piece is what matters.

When you arrive, describe what you want done. If you're hemming pants, say whether you want them to break at the shoe or sit higher. If you're taking in a dress, point out where it's loose. The tailor will measure, assess the work, and tell you the cost and timeline. You'll leave the garment and pick it up when it's ready.

Types of Work Lee's Tailors Handles

Hemming is the most common service—shortening or lengthening pants, skirts, dresses, and sleeves. Seam adjustments include taking in or letting out the sides of shirts, dresses, and jackets to change the fit. Zipper replacement works on jackets, pants, and bags when the slider breaks or the teeth separate.

Repairs cover torn seams, ripped hems, and small holes that can be patched or stitched. Custom work includes adding pockets to dresses or pants, adjusting waistbands, tapering sleeves, and reconstructing garments that need significant changes. Formal wear like wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, and dress suits receive the same care as everyday pieces, though the cost may be higher due to delicate fabrics and intricate construction.

Pricing and Timeline

Lee's Tailors prices each job individually based on the type of work and fabric. A basic hem on pants or a dress typically costs less than taking in multiple seams or replacing a zipper. Formal wear and delicate fabrics may cost more because they require extra care. The tailor will give you a price estimate before you leave the garment, so you know the cost upfront.

Most alterations take one to two weeks. The exact timeline depends on how busy the shop is and how complex the work is. If you need something faster, ask about rush options when you drop off the garment—some jobs can be completed in a few days, though this may cost more. Payment is due when you pick up your finished clothing.

What to Know Before You Go

Bring the garment clean or in good condition. If a piece is visibly dirty, wash or dry-clean it first so the tailor can work with a clean fabric. This also helps them see the true color and condition of the material.

Be specific about what you want. If you're hemming pants, mention whether you want a traditional fold or a rolled hem. If you're taking in a dress, show the tailor where it feels loose. Bring reference photos if you have them—a picture of how you want the neckline or sleeve to look can help the tailor understand your vision.

Ask questions about the process. If you're unsure whether a repair is possible or how much it might cost, the tailor can advise you. Some garments are worth altering; others may not be, and a good tailor will be honest about that.

Finding Lee's Tailors in Your Area

Lee's Tailors operates as a local shop in South Carolina. To find the specific location, hours, and contact information, search online for "Lee's Tailors" plus your city or region. Many tailors also have a phone number listed so you can call ahead with questions about a particular job or to confirm hours before you visit.

Some tailors offer drop-off and pickup services or accept garments by mail if you live far away. When you call, ask whether these options are available. If you're working with a wedding gown or another high-value piece, confirm that the shop has experience with that type of garment before you bring it in.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a basic hem take?

Most basic hems take one to two weeks. If the shop is quiet, it may be faster. If you need it sooner, ask about rush service when you drop off the garment—some shops can turn around simple hems in a few days for an extra fee.

Can Lee's Tailors fix a broken zipper?

Yes. Zipper replacement is a standard service. The tailor will remove the broken slider or teeth and install a new zipper. The cost depends on the type of zipper and the garment, but it's usually a straightforward repair that takes one to two weeks.

What if I don't know exactly what I want done?

Bring the garment in and describe the problem—it's too loose, too long, or doesn't fit right. The tailor will assess it and suggest solutions. They can show you options and explain what each one costs. You're not committed until you agree to the price and leave the piece.

Do you work on wedding gowns?

Many tailors do, but confirm with Lee's Tailors before you bring in a wedding gown. Wedding dresses often have delicate fabrics and intricate beading or embroidery, so not all shops take them. If they do, the cost and timeline may be different from everyday alterations.

Can you let out a seam if something is too tight?

Sometimes. It depends on how much extra fabric is hidden in the seam. The tailor will examine the garment and tell you whether there's enough fabric to let out and by how much. If there isn't enough, they may suggest other solutions like adding panels or adjusting a different seam.