What to Expect from Your First Fitting at The Hem House
If you’ve never had a garment professionally tailored before, you might wonder what actually happens at a first fitting. Is it a quick pin-and-go situation? Do you need to bring your shoes? Should you know exactly what you want? (Spoiler: not necessarily.)
At The Hem House in Kamloops, we believe a fitting should feel less like an errand and more like an experience — one where craftsmanship, conversation, and confidence all come together. Here’s what to expect from your first fitting with your friendly neighbourhood tailor in Kamloops, and how we make sure your clothes fit you perfectly.
1. A Warm Welcome and a Quick Chat
Before the pins come out, we start with a conversation. At your first fitting, we’ll ask what brought you in — maybe your favourite blazer’s feeling tight in the shoulders, or your new dress needs to skim just right at the waist. Whether it’s a small hem or a full custom redesign, your tailor will take the time to understand your goals, your lifestyle, and your personal style.
If you’re visiting us from elsewhere in Canada, we’ll still make the process easy with clear communication, detailed measurement records, and mail-in options for alterations. (Yes, you can have a Hem House experience even if you’re not local to Kamloops.)
This chat helps us tailor not just your garment, but the entire alterations experience — ensuring we match your needs, timeline, and budget.
2. Getting Comfortable: The Fitting Process
Once we’ve talked through your goals, it’s time for your fitting. This part is where our expertise truly shines. You’ll try on your garment, and your tailor in Kamloops will carefully examine how it sits and moves on your body.
Expect a few gentle tugs and adjustments as we look at:
Shoulder balance and posture
Seam placement and drape
Length adjustments for sleeves, hems, or trousers
How the fabric behaves when you move
We’ll use fine pins and chalk to mark the changes. Don’t worry — nothing gets cut at this stage. The first fitting is all about assessment and precision, not commitment. We might even take a few reference photos (with your permission) to ensure we replicate that perfect shape in the sewing room.
Pro tip: Wear or bring the shoes and undergarments you plan to wear with your outfit. A few centimetres of heel height or a structured bra can change a fit more than you’d expect!
3. Understanding Your Options
After the measurements and markings are done, we’ll go over the options available for your alterations. Sometimes there’s more than one solution to achieve your ideal look — for example, we can shorten sleeves from the cuff or the shoulder depending on the garment’s construction.
We’ll explain every choice clearly, with no jargon, so you know exactly what’s being done and why. Transparency is key to a great first fitting — and we want you to feel confident trusting your garment to our hands.
We’ll also give you a timeline estimate, pricing details, and (if it’s a bigger project) schedule a follow-up fitting to ensure perfection before finishing.
4. The Hem House Touch: Where Craft Meets Care
What sets The Hem House apart isn’t just needle and thread — it’s our passion for making every client feel seen, stylish, and supported.
Each fitting is done with care and attention to the smallest details. We love talking fabrics, silhouette, and construction — but just as importantly, we love helping people rediscover their wardrobe’s potential.
A first fitting with us often turns into an ongoing relationship. Many clients return for seasonal wardrobe refreshes, wedding tailoring, or even custom design work. (Once you experience clothing that truly fits, it’s hard to go back to off-the-rack.)
We like to say: The Hem House isn’t just where clothes are fixed — it’s where they find their best selves.
Did You Know?
The term “fitting” comes from the traditional tailoring process, where each stage — baste, fit, adjust, and finish — was done by hand for bespoke garments. At The Hem House, we keep that heritage alive, blending time-honoured techniques with modern craftsmanship.
Every stitch you see is done in-house here in Kamloops, supporting local artistry and sustainable fashion practices. By choosing professional tailoring, you’re extending the life of your garments — and contributing to a more thoughtful, less wasteful fashion cycle across Canada.
5. What Happens After Your First Fitting
Once your alterations are complete, we’ll schedule a quick second fitting (if needed) to confirm everything feels perfect. We’ll check comfort, balance, and finish quality — because no detail is too small when it comes to great fit.
If you’re completely happy (and we think you will be), your garment is carefully pressed, packaged, and ready to take home looking better than new.
And for those curious about custom work, we can use your fitting data as a foundation for future bespoke pieces — so every jacket, pant, or dress you order from The Hem House fits like it was made for you. (Because it was.)
Ready to Book Your First Fitting?
Whether you’re looking to perfect a suit, tailor your wedding outfit, or give your favourite jeans a second life, your first fitting at The Hem House will be relaxed, personal, and professional — the ideal introduction to the world of custom fit.
We proudly serve clients in Kamloops and across Canada with premium tailoring, alterations, and design services.
✨ Book your first fitting today and experience what expert craftsmanship truly feels like.
Visit thehemhouse.ca or contact us to schedule your appointment.