I brought my wedding gown to Jean as promised. I had bought a lace jacket that I wanted to pair with my dress to give me a bit move coverage and to make the dress more personal. I showed it to Jean and had suggested how we could attach it, which included cutting the lace and adding a clasp. He said it would be unnecessary and attached it in such a way I could still get into the dress easily and it looked like it was always suppose to be there. I gave him plenty of time to do the dress and the other alternations which were mostly minor. The cost was WAY less than the tailor at the bridal shop, a lot closer and great service. I love Jean's work and would totally recommend him in a second. read more

They do excellent work for a reasonable price. I have been going to this tailor for many years.

Jean is a highly skilled and experienced tailor. He is incredibly easy to work with and it is apparent that he is passionate about his work! From what I gather, he wants you to look and feel your best. He altered my wedding dress and some traditional attire for my wedding. I appreciate his advice and guidance throughout the process. He is also very timely and always had my items ready by the date promised. His prices are fair and the quality of his work far exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend Jean without any reservations. read more

I had my wedding dress alterations done at Custom Design and Alterations. I left my dress with them for 5 weeks and was able to pick it up two days early, as my schedule changed and I couldn't make my original final fitting. My dress was taken in, shortened, a hook added above the back zipper, and the lace in the bust-area was adjusted to lay correctly. Jean was very professional and kind and cannot recommend him enough for any garments you need altered. read more

Custom Design & Alterations - Wedding gown alterations - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

Jean was incredibly courteous, sweet, and very complimentary in person, and with such amazing online reviews (minus some timeliness issues), I felt comfortable going to him for my wedding dress alterations. Unfortunately, I am incredibly sad to say his work was far less than perfect. I am attaching photos so you can see just some noticeable parts. When we met, we determined that the dress only needed the bust taken in a bit and straps added. I had already gone to the fabric store and purchased the fabric for the straps, so he was able to pin everything up right then and there and get the order started. He told me to pick it up in two months, which I thought was a rather long time for such small alterations, but I was in no rush so I agreed. Two months later, the morning I was supposed to pick the dress up, he called me and asked if I could pick it up at 4:30pm. I agreed. When I picked it up, I thought everything was fine, but now that I am carefully inspecting his work, I realize I should have taken more time looking everything over before paying him the remainder and heading home. In hindsight, I think he must have put this dress on the back-burner and that morning realized he needed to quickly do the straps and take the bust in... Here are the results: 1. The straps sit ever so slightly unevenly on my shoulders. Looking now, I realize they were sewn in unevenly-- one strap is ~1cm closer to the back zipper than another. 2. There are multiple skipped stitches throughout the work he did. I've attached a photo showing one example along the edge of the bustline. 3. There is now a patch of missing beadwork where he had altered the bust. I am really sad because I do not have the funds to take it to another tailor, and although the mistakes are not easily seen and likely won't be noticed by my friends and family on my wedding day, I know I will be wondering whether I need to shift my straps to make them even, worrying the stitches will further pop because they are already broken, and wondering if the missing half beadwork will show up in photos. read more

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Mr.Jean has been doing my alterations ever since I moved from Houston 3 years ago. When I found my dress online, I knew Mr.Jean would be doing the alterations. I am not a bridezilla,but I wanted my wedding dress to fit me like a glove. My dress looked amazing and fit me perfectly. I am a very difficult to fit as I am very pear shaped. Thanks Mr.Jean for helping me look my best. read more

Custom Design & Alterations - My but looks great!! - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

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As a second generation clothier having worked with many local tailors over the last decade, Jean is without question the best in the business. Extremely detailed, professional and courteous. Highly recommend. read more

Jean did a fabulous job on my husbands shirts. He lost a ton of weight and all of his shirts were baggy. Jean went above and beyond to do the alterations. He made excellent suggestions and was very professional. read more

EXCELLENT SERVICE! I called first based on the reviews. I needed my bridesmaid dress altered. Jean was very friendly. I told him I needed to come early and he told me if that's the case, I'd need to bring breakfast :) Hidden gem on the second floor of a strip of shops. Jean was very attentive, listened to exactly what I wanted, gave suggestions, and ultimately gave me a date to come pick it up. On-time and more than fair pricing. I highly recommend! read more

Custom Design & Alterations - Thank you to Jean, my bridesmaid dress fit perfectly! I got numerous compliments! - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

Jean is amazing. He is very professional, and nice. I went to him two weeks ago for a dress and he did a great job. I went this week to get two pair of pants fixed and I was impressed with his work. Jean is extremely busy but can accommodate your needs. To me, Being busy means he is in demand.Everyone I have seen walking out of his office is always happy both entering and leaving. I'm extremely happy that I've found a good tailor because I'm the type that finds a good deal and will buy with the hopes of tailoring to my needs. I have lots of clothes with tags, years of being hung in closet just ready for Mr. Jean. read more

Jean is an outstanding tailor and custom designer. He has done my alterations for quite a while with excellent results on every ocassion. I have referred him to many of my friends and they all feel the same as I do. He can shorten sleeves that have a button hole, and then replace the button hole exactly like the others. I know no other tailor who does this with his level of expertise. Rick Toye read more

If you are looking for a tailor that is the epitome of professionalism and care... Look no further. You have found Jean. First and foremost, Jean is a classic, sophisticated gentlemen. All reasons why you would feel comfortable trusting your clothing with him. I was asked to attend a ball last minute and purchased a dress that needed alterations due to my 5 ft stature. Bad news is I needed it done in 2 days... Yikes! I called him and he told me to come in to see if it is possible. Already generous - provided I received no's from others. I met with Jean after a consultation, he agreed to take on the dress. Little did I know that he said extra hours that same day just to make sure my dress was completed! Talk about a man who will go the extra mile! And the results! Amazing! It might be the best formal dress I've worn. I received a lot of compliments and jaw dropping stares. I had a great night and it would not be possible if it wasn't for Jean. Jean has a new client! Any tailoring needed I will wait for Jean. In fact, he was away on summer vacation for a whole month and my clothes are still waiting in a bag just for him. I promise to give him more than ample time now. I look forward to growing this client - business relationship. read more

Excellent job hemming my grandmother's vintage dress to take it from tea length to a much more flattering height right above the knee. Jean was incredibly kind, easy to work with, and obviously excels at his job. One piece of advice: the shop is crazy busy with quite a backlog of work, so be sure to call the day of (or the day before) you are expecting to pick something up (even if you gave a deadline) to make sure it's on Jean's attention to complete before you arrive. read more

Not ready on time - twice! I've been here twice to get pants hemmed but both times my pants were not ready on time. The first time was during the holiday season, so I can understand. But I should have still received a call that it wasn't ready instead of having to find out when I got to the shop. The second time it happened the same way but at least they offered to drop it off at my apartment for free later that day. The work on the hem was done well, but the reason for the 3 stars is that both times I went, I was turned away because the job wasn't done on time as promised. read more

Beautiful work, very accommodating, reasonably priced, and convenient. After trying many tailors for alterations over the years, this is the only place I go to. read more

The tailor, Jean, is INCREDIBLE! This is my second time coming to him, first was for a bridesmaid dress and now for my wedding dress. With the bridesmaid dress, he saved my $100 by offering alternate solutions (like cinching in the waist with a belt) to the alterations the bridal shop suggested. He could've gotten a lot more money from me but instead he told me what was best for me and saved me money. Now, my wedding dress is intricately beaded and about 1.5 inches too big on the top of the dress. Luckily it was the only alteration, but required him basically re-beading the top 2 inches of the dress. He was honest that it was going to be a pain for him but he only charged $120 for this very detailed work! I just picked my dress up and it looks amazing. It perfectly fits my torso and you can't tell at all that it was altered. Highly, highly recommend! Just be sure to call when you're thinking of heading over (for drop-off and pick-up). Since he's a one man show, he sometimes needs longer or won't be in the shop. I can't imagine going to another tailor ever again. read more

I cannot imagine how anyone could give this business a rating under 5 stars. This man is incredible. I've used him in twice now for more involved pieces and have been extremely pleased with the finished product. Highly recommend. read more

Well.... I must say to this business' credit we came within two period for a prom gown to be altered. That being said I believe the gown was rushed at the last minute. The collar was too tight so the gown was unzipped in that area. Therefore, making the look incomplete. The cost was substantial but the finished product was definitely rushed. I will be searching for a tailor with a good rating but spaces their projects accordingly. read more

I second Kathy's 5-star review! The proprietor's name is Jean and he really is top notch. My husband had his wedding suit fitted here and I've had many a bridesmaid's dress altered here as well. I want to emphasize - please don't let the location fool you. When I first arrived, I was hesitant, given that the building facade looks somewhat run down and the second floor hallway (where this shop is located) is downright crappy. Not to mention that it's located on one of the busiest stretches of Georgia Avenue! But there is a metered lot just South of the building (turn off of Dale Drive) so it's actually a piece of cake to get there. This business is a gem hidden in a crappy building. Jean is professional (always wearing a tie and sometimes a full suit) and is very talented at what he does. I highly recommend him for all of your tailoring needs! Also, for some reason, the Yelp map is highlighting the wrong location. The address is correct, but just put it into Google Maps to make sure you get to the right spot. read more

Have had jeans altered here (slimed down / tapered the legs) and am very happy with them. Excellent work at reasonable prices.

John did a great job on a bridesmaid dress for me. His price was exactly half of the quote I received from David's bridal. He is also courteous and well spoken. I would definitely return for future alterations. read more

Jean is a gentleman first and a top notch tailor second. His work is consistently perfect and never disappoints. There is noone else to see for delicate adjustments of your fine clothing. read more

Being a grown up means that I can (or should*) no longer rely on mommy to fix every day issues - like hemming pants that are too long (let's be real, that's ALL pants since i'm fun sized). Enter Jean - the best tailor EVER. His work is impeccable, but even more importantly, his prices are fair. The first time I went there, I was accompanying my roommate and had taken along a dress that looked good enough (or so I thought) but could *maybe* use some cinching if the price was right. He quoted me at $10 for the tailoring - i was FLOORED. That's how much the Asian tailors at my dry cleaners charge for basic single layer hemming (thieves, obvi). Since then, he's become my regular tailor and his service is what keeps me returning along with the prices. He's hemmed dresses for me overnight for a wedding, and will keep the doors unlocked for me past his closing time if I'm stuck in traffic (which is always tbh). I hope this mom & pop shop never leaves this area, but if it does, I'll certainly be following right behind them. read more

Fantastic customer service and work! The owner answered the phone after hours, AND allowed me to bring a top by that I needed done ASAP because another tailor botched it up. Not only did he accommodate my "emergency", but he did so with fantastic workmanship and excellent customer service. Ill be using him for all my tailoring needs in the future! read more

Although I've had many alterations done at this shop, I'm embarassed to say I don't know the proprietor's name. But his work is wonderful, his prices are reasonable, and he has never failed me or my family. He's altered a suit in record time. He's changed necklines and taken clothing in. I even brought him a gathered top that was too sheer to wear to work and asked him to devise a lining. Not only did he create a lining that looked like it was an original part of the garment, he used a satin and put the smooth side on the inside, so the top not only looks great but feels great to wear! I've never had him make a custom garment, but I've seen his work in his shop, and it's beautiful. I'll be bringing him fabric and a pattern for my next special occassion. read more

Me and my sister took our dresses for a wedding to get alter last min and the owner of the shop dis an amazing job and within a few days. Everything was great read more

Jean is a master and artiste - all of the raves are true! Just be sure to call ahead to set up an appointment, and be patient as he is incredibly busy (for good reason). I have an unusually small waist, and absolutely nothing fits me off the rack, but I am happy to pay what I call "the tailor tax" just to have streamlined, perfectly fitted professional clothes. Prices are amazing considering the amount of work that he does. Love this place! read more

After calling several tailors, I decided to use Custom Design based on price and also Jean's professionalism and courtesy on the phone. I had the sleeves lengthened on a sport coat and the seat taken in on a pair of wool dress pants. The experience from start to finish was first rate. The work was completed on time and the fit for both items was perfect. The fact that there is public parking right next door is a bonus. read more

Jean is impeccable, honest (he'll tell you how things really look on you or if he thinks there's a better way to do something!), affordable and creative in finding solutions to any tailoring job. He's better than almost any tailor I've ever used, including the 15 years I lived in NYC. Really so surprised and happy to find him in the area. read more

I have used Jean's services for the last 3 years while I was painstakingly recreating a film-accurate Boba Fett costume from "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back." The project details are quite demanding and very specific but Jean knocked it out of the park every time I brought another strange request for the the soft parts of the costume. From the flight suit, to hand-sewn gloves, to the cape, to the vest, and to the neck seal, he got it right the first time, every time. I cannot praise Jean's work enough. Because of his outstanding work over the last three years, I was accepted into the 501st Legion Costuming group which is the largest and most demanding Star Wars costuming/charity group in the world and am now doing children's hospital visits and charity work in the community. Thank you Jean for all of your help. His prices are more than fair, he meets/exceeds expectations because he is an excellent listener and communicator, and he is willing to do what it takes to make you happy. I cannot recommend Custom Design & Alterations enough. They can do all of the ordinary things as well as those not so ordinary ones from a galaxy far, far away.... (c'mon, you knew it was coming). read more

Custom Design & Alterations - Thank you, Jean for helping me to realize a lifelong dream of having an accurate Boba Fett costume from Star Wars. - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - Silver Spring, Maryland

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Lucky to have this terrific tailor walking distance from my home! A number of family weddings and a time crunch keeping me from my usual seamstress (now in Rockville) brought me to Jean. His careful, brilliant alterations to a number of heavy dresses involving designs and embroidery led me to bring him several pieces of more mundane workwear that needed minor adjustments. Jean executed all flawlessly, within quite a reasonable price range, and in a timely manner. His knowledge, professionalism, and kindness are also worthy of mention, and I will be returning- soon. Highly recommend! read more

Accommodated us for a last minute tailoring need that was a rush. Really great customer service.

I dropped off a veil to have it altered - length taken off and beading added. And a bridal slip to have color added. It wasn't ready in time. I decided to check on it again and was told it wasn't even started on!!! I've been asking to get the estimated price to have this done and another minor item. After I was told it wasn't started on yet, I was given a quote of $450! Needless to say, drove an hour out of my way each trip and called every 10 days to make sure we were on track. I picked my stuff up extremely upset. I could have done it myself in the 45 days that it just sat there. Maybe they do great work, but I couldn't tell past the lack of communication from them and they just didn't do it in the time given, which was plenty. And yes, I asked if it was enough time for them. "Oh yes, no problem, plenty of time!" read more

Jean rocks! I have been going to Jean now for at least 10 years and he is an excellent craftsman, cares about his work and provides a great value for impeccable work. I recommend him highly. read more

Prices are fair. Work as awesome. Takes a little long to get things back but it's well worth it. If you express that it's an emergency he will work with you deliver product sooner. I have referred multiple people to him. I ahve had shirts, pants, men's suits altered. read more

Denim heads take note, this was a really good experience. I had four pairs of jeans hemmed, and asked for the leg opening to be tapered for one of the four. The owner Jean did a great job and seemed comfortable working with raw denim (up to 16oz from me). He was willing to taper from the inside seam so as to not mess with the selvedge line. Excellent work all around. If you cuff your jeans note that it won't look quite the same on the inside as it isn't a chain stitch, but to me it was no big deal. I won't post the prices here but will say that I saved a lot compared to sending my denim out for a chain stitch hem/taper service like Blue Owl, Railcar, etc. I'm super satisfied and will definitely return. read more

Like one of the other reviewers, I unfortunately had an "over-promise, under-deliver" situation here as well. I took a bridesmaid dress here for some minor alterations, based on the great reviews. I tried the dress on, Jean marked it up, and we scheduled a date for me to come back and pick it up. I let him know that I was flying to Jamaica for the wedding and needed it by that date, etc. When the date came, I got to the shop about 15 minutes before our scheduled meeting time and found the door locked. I knocked, no answer, called, no answer, so I left a voicemail and waited until the time we had scheduled. I knocked and called again, nothing. I ended up spending 45 minutes waiting outside his shop, knocking and calling, before I finally gave it one last try and banged on the door one last time (in my frustration, much louder than before..) Jean opened the door. He had been inside the entire time, NOT answering the phone or the door. Not only that, but he hadn't made any note of the date I was supposed to pick up the dress, and couldn't even find my dress inside the shop. Luckily, I had added in an extra day between when the dress was supposed to be ready and when I had to leave for the trip, and Jean was able to have it ready the next day. And... not that I was necessarily owed anything, because it ended up working out, but his prices weren't cheap, and I don't think I even got an apology. :/ I was really disappointed, because Jean was very nice. I enjoyed working with him when we first met, but I won't go back. I get that he's busy, and I get that things happen and sometimes jobs won't be ready on time, but if I can't even trust that he will write the date in his calendar? No thanks. read more

I was unfortunately disappointed with my experience here. I totally understand that business is booming, which is great, but I ran into an "overpromise, under deliver" situation. The other issue I encountered was the actual alteration on the bridesmaid dress I brought in. 1) Overpromise, under deliver: I said I needed the dress done by a wedding in mid-November. Jean said he could have it done the Saturday before I left. On the Saturday it was supposed to be done, he called and said he didn't have it done. He asked if he could instead have it done by Tuesday or Wednesday of the following week. I said I needed it done by Tuesday because my flight out was on Wednesday and I was worried that if any last minute alterations needed to be done that there wouldn't be time. He said okay. When I called on Tuesday afternoon to let him know I was coming to pick it up, he apologized but said he had gotten the dates confused and that my dress wasn't ready and it wouldn't be ready until the next day--the day I was flying out. He said he would have it done first thing in the morning and that he could do any quick alterations necessary in under an hour. This was extremely stressful for me because I was still worried it might not be done. Luckily, he called me early Wednesday morning and said I could come pick it up. 2) Alterations: I needed the bridesmaid dress hemmed and taken in considerably (reworking the entire zipper). The dress was hemmed about a quarter to a half an inch too short and my feet stuck out more than the other bridesmaids. However, my biggest issue was with the zipper. On the hanger, the dress zipped up completely. When I tried it on, there was about a 4-inch gap from the zipper closing. The bizarre part is that the dress fit (ie there was enough fabric to close it), it just wouldn't zip up those last 4 inches. Jean tried to assist, but had just put lotion on his hands, so I figured that since it was able to zip on the hanger and since there was enough fabric to zip it up, it would be fine in real life. Stressful situation #2: It was not fine. Later that day, I had two of the other bridesmaids try to zip me into the dress just to make sure it would be okay for the wedding the next day. They tried unsuccessfully for 20 minutes before we gave up and decided to start fresh on the day of the wedding. On the day of the wedding, the hair person, the make-up person, the photographer, AND another bridesmaid all tried to zip up the remaining 4 inches and again, the zipper did not want to budge. There was one little seam that it just couldn't get over when I was actually wearing it. We tried for another 20 minutes before figuring it might be time to just safety pin it up. However, before we did this, I had an idea to try to zip it around my stomach and then shimmy my way into the dress. This ended up working out and the dress fit perfectly. Needless to say, however, it was an added element of stress right before the wedding. Overall, I was just disappointed because of the stressful situations I encountered despite what I paid to get the dress altered. read more

The work done on my dresses was quality work and the price was competitive with other tailors, but the owner has trouble keeping to his promised pick up time. I tried to pick it up three different times, only to be told it still wasn't ready. quality of the work and price was not worth the accompanying stress. read more

Jean is the bees knees. While the shopping center and entrance leave you wondering if you are in the right place at first, once inside the suite it's a different story. Simple and clean, and home to an adorable and truly gifted man. I first went there to get my husband's wedding suit jacket repaired - it had come from J. Crew with a blemish at the shoulder seam and required a complicated fix. But it was the only one available from J. Crew in that size and color in the country! So something had to be done. Jean expertly disassembled the shoulder, was able to hide the blemish, and reconstructed it better than new for an extremely reasonable price. I haven't gone anywhere since and am always completely satisfied. The service is always lovely, his work is impressive (a one man show), and the prices always reasonable. Can't recommend this place highly enough. read more