Tips for Making Modest Alterations to Clothing

Ever buy something without trying it on and finding that it would be perfect if it just had a higher neckline? What about a skirt slit that is too high or revealing? Don't bring it back to the store when you can easily alter it for the cost of sewing notions.

Gapping buttons

Button down shirts always look good when you first put them on, but as the day progresses the material bunches, crinkles, and gaps at the button holes. You can choose to wear a camisole underneath if it is a major problem; however, if you just want to keep the buttons from opening on you, try a few nylon snaps. Nylon snaps can be easily and discreetly sewed into place between the natural button placements of the shirt. They are clear and can be sewed on in less than 15 minutes. These snaps act as a preventive measure from a potentially embarrassing situation at work.

High slits

Side slits and back slits on long skirts are the easiest to sew up without practicality problems. If the slit is in the front or it is a short skirt with a back vent, than this can be more difficult to fix. Side slits or back slits can be sewn with a sewing machine or by hand; put the skirt on and mark the length you want the slit to be sewn up with a safety pin or piece of tape. Take the skirt off and lay it on a flat surface. For side slits make sure you line up just the edges of the slits from the inside, so you won't have puckering when you sew it down. Pin the slits up so you can evenly sew them. For short skirts with a revealing back vent, it would be easier to wear a matching color slip underneath than to sew it up and not be able to walk in it. Front slits are taken care of by sewing them up just to the knee so that you can still walk in it. You can also put in a cloth insert if you are more ambitious.

Low backs

For evening dresses with low backs, you can usually pick up material from the hem line or a matching scarf accessory to sew into the back area to cover it. You can also use a contrasting color fabric. Be sure to take the material from a 'natural' place so that it doesn't appear to be altered (e.g. skirt hem line, long, wide sleeves, etc).

Low necklines

Other than layering a cami underneath which tends to bunch and move around under your top layer, you can buy a cami from a discount or thrift store for fairly cheap and cut it for a custom insert. Line up the straps of the cami where they would naturally be under the shirt (you can even model it and have someone else do the pinning), and sew the insert in, making sure to use a stitch that will be barely noticeable from the front (a simple hand sewn running stitch will do if you don't have a sewing machine). You can cut the extra material off before you sew it into place so that you can make a clean folded hem on the underside of the shirt or you can sew the entire piece into place at a few key points of the neckline for a secure fit. This will also prevent gapping at the top of the shirt that would be revealing when you lean over.

For necklines that are too wide, you can opt for a 1" trim that can be fancy or simple. Trims can be found in craft stores and sold by the yard.