The Seam, an on-demand tailoring service that makes clothing alterations easily accessible with just a few clicks, is now available nationwide.
The website allows access to a community of skilled experts (available locally in London and by postal service nationwide) who will fix men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, with prices starting at £3.00. With 700 makers in the community currently, The Seam’s passion for tailoring is a game-changer to the slow fashion revolution.
Repair, alteration and made-to-measure services breathe new life into garments.
The platform was created by Layla Sargent, who was inspired by her grandmother, a skilled dressmaker of 60 years who tailored and repaired all of her childhood clothes.
“Growing up with a talented seamstress on demand, I assumed everyone else always fixed their clothes too,” says Sargent. “It wasn’t until I grew older, I realised that I was in the minority. The default opinion is not to repair but to replace.
“This overconsumption concerned me, especially with the evolution of fast fashion in recent years. I wanted to give people more access to makers who can help them love and care for their clothes and prolong their life, rather than leaving them to end up in landfill.”
The platform is simple and easy to use. Users, or ‘wearers,’ submit their address into the website to find local makers near them or opt to post nationwide if they aren’t based in London. Then they select which tailoring service they’d like, specify what kind of item, and the specific service needed. An expert is then found. Items can be dropped off or posted (by recorded delivery) to the chosen seamstress.
Services available include:
Alterations
- Length adjustment
- Sleeves adjusted
- Waistband adjustment
- Fitting (taper) adjustment
Repair
- Re-hem
- Small/large hole or tear repair
- Replace zip, button or lining
- Repair lining
Basic alteration and repair prices are fixed but made-to-measure services, embroidery and delicate repairs are quoted on a bespoke basis.
The Seam is currently available locally across London as well as across the UK via postal service. For further information, or to sign up and become one of The Seam’s makers, please click here.
