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Are you on the hunt for stores and brands that provide complimentary tailoring services, including hemming and more? Look no further! In this comprehensive 2025 update, we present our curated list of top stores that offer free alterations along with all essential details you need to know. You might be surprised to discover that some of your go-to department stores and fashion brands provide these valuable services, so keep reading!

Regrettably, since the publication of the original version of this post a few years ago, some changes have occurred. For instance, Athleta has ceased offering hemming services (you can find the details from an employee here), Dillard’s now exclusively provides free alterations for men (thanks, Dillard’s), and Uniqlo has started charging a fee of $5-$10 for hemming (which, to be fair, is quite reasonable!).

As a person who stands at just five feet tall (or should I say, five feet short?), with a petite frame that often struggles to find suitable petite sizes (a challenge that seems to be intensifying!), I intimately understand the frustration of regularly incurring costs for clothing alterations (and let me tell you, it can get pricey where I live). I shudder to think about how much I’ve spent over the years just to have pants hemmed, for example. Perhaps I should take up sewing as a new hobby.

Many individuals face similar challenges when it comes to finding styles they adore in mid sizes, tall sizes, or even plus petites (with Talbots being a reputable source for plus petites), making alterations a necessity!

On a related note, if you identify as petite, I highly recommend checking out this recent WSJ article titled “Vanity Sizing Is Forcing Petite Women Into Kids’ Clothes” [gift link], which offers valuable tips and solidarity.

(A quick public service announcement for shorter individuals or those with shorter torsos: I’ve grown increasingly annoyed with how long T-shirts appear on me, so I’ve resorted to trimming a few inches off with sewing scissors for casual tees. The fabric typically doesn’t fray, and it usually doesn’t curl up, even though it’s obviously cut. (Hey, I’m embracing a bit of punk rock style here!) Additionally, as someone with an hourglass figure, when a shirt fits well in the chest, longer tees (especially graphic tees) can often feel too tight on my hips, prompting me to cut, cut, cut.)

Do you take advantage of the complimentary alterations offered by specific stores, or do you rely on your trusted local tailor?

related: tips on wearing kids’ clothes when you’re petite

Essential Tips for Maximizing Free Alterations on Workwear

When considering free alterations, there are two crucial aspects to keep in mind:

1. For certain clothing items, particularly those made from 100% cotton (especially if they are not preshrunk), it might be wise to skip the free alterations initially and wash/dry your purchase before taking it to your personal tailor, as this will help mitigate any potential shrinkage. That said, some stores will still offer to alter your clothes for free if you return another day!

2. When getting your pants hemmed in person, be sure to wear shoes with the same heel height that you typically wear with those pants to ensure a perfect fit.

related: a guide to suiting alterations

Discover 7 Clothing Stores That Provide Free Tailoring Services

Nordstrom: Your Go-To Destination for Free Alterations

Nordstrom proudly offers free alterations handled by professional tailors and even provides alteration services for clothing purchased from other retailers. How convenient!

Here are some of the alteration services they provide, among others:

• Tailoring menswear to fit your specific body proportions
• Adding pockets (hooray for functionality!)
• Shortening pant hems and/or tapering pant legs
• Removing raw hems (anyone else dislike those?)
• Taking in waists for a better fit
• Altering vintage pieces to meet modern tastes
• Repairing clothing for extended wear

You can conveniently book alterations appointments online and find the nearest store that offers these essential services through a simple search.

Lands’ End: Hassle-Free Hemming for Online Orders

Lands’ End provides complimentary cuffing or hemming for pants ordered online, and this service typically adds just 1 to 2 days to your order-processing time.

Here are the important details regarding this service:

• Pants that are pre-hemmed by the inch are not eligible for alteration, and some jeans and corduroys can be hemmed but not cuffed.
• Each item will clearly specify online whether it can be altered.
• For cuffing, simply select the “cuffed” option for a 1.5-inch cuff.
• For 100% cotton items, it’s advisable to add 0.5 inches to your desired length to account for shrinkage.

related: the most common tailoring alterations for women

Banana Republic: Exclusive Alteration Services for Credit Card Holders

As has been the case for some time, Banana Republic‘s complimentary alteration service is unfortunately limited to customers who hold a BR credit card. They can shorten hems on pants, skirts, and dresses in person and recommend reaching out to your local store for more information.

Brooks Brothers: Free Alterations with Limited Information

Brooks Brothers does offer free alterations, but curiously, they have removed most details about this service from their website. You can select the length option online for certain styles or bring your clothing to a physical store for alterations.

Additionally, Brooks Brothers has launched a new Made to Measure service for women, which was previously available only for men’s suits (why the exclusivity?). In four locations (New York, Illinois, and Pennsylvania — apologies to fans in the western and southern regions), employees assist you in achieving the perfect fit for suit jackets, pants, and skirts, offering a variety of customization options.

You can book appointments at their stores online, and you can expect your custom pieces to be ready in approximately 3-4 weeks.

J.Crew: Tailoring Services with Membership Benefits

J.Crew provides in-store hemming for pants and alterations for sleeves; however, the complimentary service is only available to store card members, which is a bit unfortunate!

Lululemon: Free Hemming for Members

Lululemon offers free hemming for pants if you possess a free Lululemon membership (you can sign up here). If you bring in a past purchase, there’s no need to present a receipt or tag (which makes total sense). Some stores also provide minor repairs, such as fixing holes and zippers, but as with all Lululemon alteration services, it’s best to call your local store beforehand for confirmation.

Check if your local store offers hemming by using the store locator — simply filter by “hemming.” Keep in mind that some alterations might be sent out to a “third party” for completion, so your experience may vary.

Ralph Lauren: Limited Free Alterations on Collection Items

For women’s clothing, Ralph Lauren offers free alterations, but this is only applicable to Collection items available in select stores. You will need to present your receipt, and they will return your item within a timeframe of up to 10 days. If you purchase Collection styles on sale, you will be required to pay for alterations, which can be quite frustrating, Ralph Lauren.

Readers, do you know of any other clothing stores that provide free alterations? What have your experiences been with stores’ tailoring services, whether online or in-store?

Stock photo via Stencil