Twelve Tailoring in Charleston: Custom Alterations and Repairs

What Twelve Tailoring Does

Twelve Tailoring is a custom alteration shop in Charleston that handles garment repairs, hemming, and made-to-fit adjustments for everyday clothing and formal wear. The shop works with customers one-on-one to understand what they need—whether that's taking in a waistband, letting out a seam, replacing a zipper, or restructuring a jacket shoulder. They work on both men's and women's clothing and accept items ranging from jeans and t-shirts to wedding dresses and suit jackets.

The shop operates on a made-to-order basis, meaning you bring in a garment, discuss what needs to change, and the tailors complete the work on their timeline. Turnaround depends on the complexity of the job and how busy the shop is at that moment. Twelve Tailoring does not do rush orders as a standard practice, so plan ahead if you need something altered for a specific event.

Key Takeaways

• Twelve Tailoring handles hemming, seam adjustments, zipper replacement, and structural changes to fit on both men's and women's clothing.
• You bring the garment in, discuss the alteration needed, and the shop completes the work on their standard timeline.
• The shop works with everyday wear and formal clothing, including wedding dresses and tailored jackets.
• Pricing and turnaround time vary based on the type and complexity of the alteration.

Types of Alterations Twelve Tailoring Offers

Hemming is one of the most common services—pants, skirts, dresses, and sleeves can all be shortened or lengthened to fit your frame. The tailors will measure you wearing the shoes you plan to wear with the garment to ensure the length is right.

Seam work includes taking in or letting out the sides of shirts, pants, and dresses to adjust the overall fit. If a garment is too loose in the waist, chest, or hips, the tailors can taper it. If something is too snug, they can release seams if there is enough fabric to work with.

Zipper replacement is available for jackets, pants, and bags. If a zipper is broken or stuck, the shop can remove the old one and install a new one that matches the garment's style and weight.

Structural alterations—such as adjusting shoulder seams, changing necklines, or modifying sleeve caps—require more skill and time but are possible for garments worth the investment. These changes reshape how a piece sits on your body.

How to Bring in a Garment

Visit the shop in person with the garment you want altered. Bring it clean and ready to try on if needed. The tailor will ask you what you want changed, may ask you to put the garment on so they can pin or mark the adjustments, and will give you an estimate of the cost and timeline.

Be specific about what you want. If you want pants hemmed, say whether you want them to hit at your ankle, break slightly on your shoe, or sit higher. If you want a dress taken in, point out whether it should be tighter in the waist, hips, or both. The more detail you give, the more accurately the tailor can execute the work.

Ask about the turnaround time before you leave. Twelve Tailoring does not may provide a specific number of days, so confirm when you can expect to pick up your garment. If you need it by a certain date, mention that when you drop it off so the shop can tell you whether that deadline is realistic.

Pricing and Payment

Twelve Tailoring charges based on the type and complexity of the alteration. A simple hem costs less than a full seam adjustment or zipper replacement. Structural work like shoulder adjustments or neckline changes will cost more because they require more time and skill.

The shop will quote you a price when you drop off the garment. Payment is typically due when you pick up the finished work. Ask whether they take cash, card, or both before you leave your garment so you know what to bring when you return.

Location and Hours

Twelve Tailoring is located in Charleston. Before visiting, check their current hours and location details, as small shops sometimes adjust their schedules seasonally or for special events. You can call ahead to confirm they are open and to ask initial questions about your alteration before making the trip.

Calling ahead also gives you a chance to describe your garment and get a rough sense of whether the shop can handle the work and how long it might take. This is especially useful if you are traveling from another part of Charleston or if you have a time-sensitive alteration.

When to Choose Twelve Tailoring

Twelve Tailoring is a good choice if you have a garment that fits well in some places but needs adjustment in others, or if something you love no longer fits after a change in your body or lifestyle. Alterations can extend the life of clothing you already own and save you money compared to buying new pieces.

The shop is also useful for formal wear—wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, suits, and dress shirts often need tailoring to fit perfectly for the occasion. If you have a piece that is close to right but not quite there, a tailor can usually make it work.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a typical alteration take?

Turnaround depends on what you are having done and how busy the shop is. Simple hems might take a week or two, while more complex work could take longer. Ask for a specific timeline when you drop off your garment.

Can you alter a wedding dress?

Yes, Twelve Tailoring works on wedding dresses and formal wear. Bring the dress in well before your event so there is time for adjustments and any corrections if needed. Wedding dress alterations are often more involved than everyday clothing, so plan accordingly.

What if the alteration does not fit right when I pick it up?

Discuss any concerns with the shop when you pick up your garment. Many tailors will make small adjustments if something is not quite right, though this depends on the nature of the problem and the shop's policy. Ask about this when you drop off the work.

Do you work on all types of fabric?

Twelve Tailoring works with most common fabrics—cotton, wool, silk, and blends. Delicate or specialty fabrics may require extra care or may not be suitable for certain alterations. Mention the fabric type when you drop off your garment so the tailor can let you know if there are any limitations.

Can you add fabric to make something bigger?

Adding fabric is possible only if there is a seam to let out or if the tailor can add a panel that matches the original garment. This is not always possible depending on the garment's construction. Ask the tailor to assess whether your piece can be enlarged when you bring it in.