Kim altered my daughter's formal dresses for attending a wedding. One of them, she recommended that my daughter return and buy one that would be smaller size so that there would not be so much altering which would cost more than the dress. We appreciated her honest feedback. After receiving a dress more to her size, an alteration was performed well. Most ready made clothes can use a fitting to make it look even better. Kim Dao's alterations on Court St is highly recommended. read more

I had a zipper replaced in my favorite jeans. They do quality work and everyone was friendly. I will definitely be back!

In 2021, I had a simple non-traditional wedding dress that needed taken in quite a bit because it was handmade in Ireland by someone who didn't measure me themselves, and I had lost a lot of weight. I had gotten alterations done here 7 years prior for a bridesmaid dress and had been pleased with my experience despite the alarmingly high cost compared to other tailors. I had thought it was worth the price, so I came back for the most important dress alteration of my life. Nothing could be further from the truth for the experience with my wedding dress. Ms. Dao made me feel like an idiot who was wasting her time and bothering her with my questions from start to finish. I asked things like "how long is it supposed to be? is it supposed to drag like this?" and she would shrug and say something like "I don't know, it's your dress." It was obvious she didn't like my dress/style, but that should have had no bearing on how I was treated or the work that was done. I honestly cried in my car afterward, it was so frustrating and demoralizing. To top off the rude treatment, the dress I got back was still way too long, didn't fit well, and I noticed there was a significant error dead set in the front that the original seamstress had made that Ms. Dao didn't care enough to point out or fix, which I would have been happy to pay for. The dress still needed significant alterations before it would look decent, let alone like the wedding dress of my dreams, but it was getting close to my wedding date and no one could do it. Through some stroke of miracle I told my doctor during my annual visit about my fiasco and she put me in touch with a friend who had done alterations for her last minute. Not only did that amazing person completely fix the issues with length and fit, but she also corrected the error in the bodice that Ms. Dao had thought my business was too beneath her to care about, and she couldn't believe that anyone would let me walk out of their business knowing it was my freaking WEDDING DRESS just letting that stay there. And this person charged me less than 1/3 of what Kim Dao's did. Will this review do anything to their business? I don't know. I'm sure it won't cause Ms. Dao to give equal care and grace to someone with a simple cotton wedding dress as she would with someone with some gaudy, complicated traditional dress. I'm sure it won't turn anyone away because of the scads of positive reviews. My experience was clearly an anomaly. But if you're someone who maybe doesn't fit the mold of some cookie cutter bride, don't expect to leave here with anything but hurt feelings and a hastily thrown together alteration, because they don't want your business and they want to make sure you know it. read more

Loved the alteration I got at Kim Dao's - showed up on a Tuesday over lunch and was in and out in under 15 minutes! Came in, tried on my dress, Kim marked where I needed to get it altered and then I was on my way! She quoted a fair price for the work needed and I was able to come back in 2 weeks to pick up. Upon picking up the dress looked in great shape and altered correctly. The dress was not steamed/pressed put that was easy to do at home myself. Will definitely be back for more alterations ! read more

I am so glad this place exists in Cincinnati. I have had many zippers redone so I didn't have to throw away my favorite things. My husband had many pants fitted as his favorite brand makes the thighs to large for his style. I also had shirts, jackets, pants shorten to match a change a style. If you like ti take care of your clothes and are mindful of your environmental impact this is a great place to répare and reuse :) read more

She and her son are super sweet, friendly, and reliable. I'm so excited to have found a trustworthy & talented tailor like Kim Dao in Cincinnati! read more

The quality of work and service here is better than anywhere else I've ever been. I'd recommend Kim's for any job.

Got my pants hemmed for my wedding. I have zero to little understanding about style. The guy who works here was very soft spoken and nice and understood my lack of understanding and took care of everything even when I didn't bring the shoes I was going to be wearing. I picked it up a week later and it was great! read more

I asked for a rush job on a bridesmaid dress, and the whole thing took less than a week (for a slight price increase, which was reasonable and so well done I paid a tip). I don't recommend you flood her with these requests - my situation was a delayed shipment - but the work was impeccable. I went in for just a hem and she was like "by the way, I'm gonna do the straps" and I was like, "okay?" And it turns out if the straps are right, literally everything else follows! She really gets it. read more

I've been going to Miss Kim for years. She's great at formal dresses, suits, leather and anything else you can think of. She's extremely reliable, skilled and always does a great job. She's also a great value. read more

Got a bridesmaid dress done here. Value was great for the awesome skill she has. I went just to get the length done, thinking there was nothing that could be done for an otherwise unflattering gown (you know how bridesmaids dresses are). Miss Kim was able to make alterations while I was standing there in the store and trying the dress on to make little changes that made it actually fit and look flattering. read more

If you need something altered, hemmed, stitched, fixed, the woman is a damn wizard. I have taken 3 different dresses to her, including my wedding dress, and she is cordial, skilled, and an honest businesswoman. She will tell you truthfully if an item can be altered. If she truly doesn't believe that it can, she will be straightforward about that. Depending on the garment, expect a 2 week turnaround. Bring check or cash for payment, or head down to the PNC ATM about 2 storefronts away. Her prices are out of this world reasonable, and she will have you try on everything after alterations are made to be sure you are happy and THEN you pay, not before. Such a rockstar! read more

I had a great experience at Kim Dao's - I took my bridesmaid's dress there about a month before my sister's wedding. I was in and out in 10 minutes, and my dress was ready in the 2 weeks quoted and looked great. Super friendly and reasonable! read more

I needed to alter a pair of pants, dress shirt, and bodysuit for an upcoming wedding and found the reviews of Miss Kim's shop very positive and they're all true! She's efficient, professional, trusted, a visionary, provides a great value at a great cost and has definitely become my go-to place for alterations. Couldn't say enough positive things about this place; I'd definitely suggest it for anyone who's looking to alter every day clothes or clothes for special events. read more

It's been a challenge to find a solid alterations shop in Cincinnati that does great work in a timely manner but Kim Dao's Alterations exceeded expectations. I needed a pair of corduroy suit trousers hemmed and cuffed before I left on a trip the NEXT DAY (my alteration needs usually aren't that urgent but this was a unique situation). They got me measured quickly, listened to my specific preferences, and then delivered exactly what we discussed on time. It was a really great experience. read more

I had a wonderful experience here! I got my summer dress hemmed and taken in from Ms. Dao and it looks perfect! You can tell she pays attention to the little details. She tailored the dress to fit my petite frame :) She also used the extra fabric to make me a cute little mask! Would definitely recommend! read more

I had two zippers replaced on two pairs of pants, $40 total, took a week, and very reliable.

Wedding dress alterations-- Owner was EXTREMELY rude. I have never left a bad review but I'm going out of my way to say something. I brought in my wedding dress for basic alterations. My maid of honor had called two days prior in regards to a consultation. Mrs. Dao unzipped the bag halfway, picking up my dress like it was a dirty rag, and being resistant to small details I wanted altered. It was like she had never done a wedding dress alteration. When I asked if she could take up the bottom, she asked me to take the bottom of the dress out of the bag to give me an answer. I NEVER EVEN TRIED ON THE DRESS. It was like she was completely uninterested in my business. If she didn't want to alter my dress, fine. But there's no need to be horribly rude and disrespectful to potential clientele. Once she said she wasn't willing to alter my dress, she began helping another customer over my shoulder before I had even walked away. As I was hanging my dress and zipping up my garment bag, she is helping someone else and acting annoyed as if I was in her way. I am extremely kind and polite, and did my best to be flexible to what she was willing to do, but her blatantly atrocious behavior is what turned me away. If you want someone who is going to put effort, time, detail, and care into your wedding dress alterations, DO NOT GO HERE!!!! read more

Let me just start by saying I'm a petite woman. The first time I went I wanted the hem and cups sewn in my bridesmaids dress. I went back and no cups were in the dress, Kim told me I had to bring my own. Went back for the 4th time to pick up my dress with the cups sewn in, I'm still not happy. The strap around my neck is too tight and the cups are sewn in by a few stitches on each side. Alittle loose and floppy on my small frame. I will be taking my dress somewhere else sadly. read more

After a ridiculous effort trying to find a tailor/seamstress on the East side of Cincinnati, I resorted to a Google maps search and found Kim Dao's Alterations. Finally, someone who could help! Admitedly, I had waited until the last minute to have the halter of a bridesmaid's dress altered. But, after one shop was on vacation, one was closed, and the other had no positive reviews online, I had only one week left. When I advised Ms. Dao of my deadline, she simply smiled. She is conveniently located downtown on Court St. (between Walnut and Race). Courtesy and professionalism are also her strong suits. She runs a modest shop with one dressing room and one flattering mirror. She immediately greeted me and got to work. A few, short minutes later, I was back in my street clothes and on my way. Her prices are affordable (my halter was only $14. A heads up: She only accepts cash.) and her work was perfect. I picked up my dress one week after I dropped it off, one the promised and even the promised time. Ms. Dao is both sweet and efficient. Anyone with tailoring needs would be wise to pay her a visit. read more

SUPER FAST! Seriously, I went in on a Tuesday afternoon with 7 pants that needed work (5 hems, 2 repairs). She had them ready for my within 24 hours. I can't attest to the quality of her tailoring since hems and repairs are really simple, but she may be really good at other stuff (I just haven't had to go to her for that yet). Oh, they were fairly cheap too. $8 for a normal hem, $11 if you want the original. I am VERY pleased. read more

Being just under 5'0", hardly anything fits off the rack. Kim is the reason why my pants don't drag, why my sleeves don't cover my hands, and why I don't look like a child in adult clothing. I enjoy coming to her shop with challenging projects - brainstorming and troubleshooting our way through darts, pleats, chopping off sleeves, adjusting shoulders, slimming torsos. She is wonderful to work with, and most importantly, is very honest about what is workable or not. I've had other tailors who have ruined expensive pieces of clothing by trying to power through a tailoring job that was too complex or required equipment or skills beyond what they had. Kim can do just about everything though - and well, too. Kim's prices are also very reasonable for the quality and the service, and she works quickly! read more

The reviews for this place were stelar and that is why I went there. Well, don't go. It's not about tailoring as much of being not an ethical/moral business. They will ask you extra money for everything without blinking an eye. Don't waste money. Helpful? Answer read more

Kim did the alterations on my custom made wedding gown (I drew it out and sent it to a designer on Etsy and she made it & mailed it to me), and she did an awesome job! She is very sweet to work with and might be the nicest/funniest lady I've ever met! (She has quite the sense of humor, which made me feel more comfortable.) You do have to make sure you are very precise and specific with what you want done. If you just go in and say something like "make it look better" I'm not sure that those directions would translate well because your idea of "better" may be different than hers. I did end up having to go back to her twice because I didn't clearly explain exactly what I wanted. Once I fully explained my full vision to her, she made it perfect and her alterations were SO affordable! $95 total for wedding gown alterations + changing my mind/losing weight THREE times? I'll take it! Oh - one more tip - bring cash! She's old school and doesn't have a credit card machine. read more

Honestly, Kim is fast. She is friendly, she is all that other good stuff. But she TOOK MY POCKETS!!! I would have definitely given her 5 stars if it wasn't for the pockets. I took one star for each of my pockets. I brought in a bridesmaid dress. a lovely floor-length gown that just happened to have pockets, which were honestly the selling point in getting me into an over-frosted cupcake dress. (Yes, I know I helped pick it out. I was THAT EXCITED about the pockets.) I know I can't complain too much because I didn't give her a lot of time (much like many of the other reviewers on this page) and she was able to turn the dress around for me in just 8 days. It needed to be taken up several inches and was 3 layers, and for the first time in my life, I was convinved to have the dress let out an inch or so. Okay, I was already really depressed about that...but I told her how excited I was about the pockets. I didn't notice right away when I tried the dress on in thte shop- she was so busy taking pictures of me in it, and I had to get back to work. When I went to show the woman at the salon my dress, I noticed that the pockets were missing. When she told me she was going to be able to let it out, she did not mention that the pockets would have to be removed, and she also didn't mention it to me when I picked the dress up. I would think that she would share that info with me when she was doing the fitting, just so I'd be aware of it- or even when she was doing the work and realized that she would have to sew over them...but no mention was ever made. I was HEARTBROKEN. I know it's such a silly thing to be excited about, but I really was. Come on, I was going to put my flask in there! ;) Also good to know, is that she requires you to pay in cash. At any rate, I will probably take more business back to her. She did do a great job, the dress fit well, and it looks fantastic. I am just really upset about the pockets. I would recommend her to anyone, but I would say that if there is a feature about your clothing item that you really love- be sure to ASK about it.. read more

I really needed my suit altered and I had no idea where to look. After doing a little research, I noticed Kim Dao's Alterations had some good reviews, so I decided to give her a try - and I'm so glad I did! Kim is wonderful. She altered my pants perfectly (without taking measurements either, which impressed me even more!). She's very funny and nice to work with. I talked with her for about five minutes, dropped off my pants, and a week later, picked up a pair of pants that fit exactly right. One thing to note: she only takes cash (She refers to herself as "Old School.") Gotta love it. Whenever I need anything else altered, I'm definitely going to Kim's. read more

Too lazy to trek to my go-to seamstress I decided to try Kim Dao's based on my roommates recommendation. I went to Kim's initially for a bridesmaid's dress alteration and brought along a dress and a skirt just to check pricing. Kim greeted me in such a welcoming and familiar way it was as if we were family (maybe it's because we're both asian though? I dk) . I tried on my clothes in the dressing room which my one complaint would be the lack of a sufficient mirror (it literally is fit for a midget, not that it matters because you go to the big front room to be pinned, but c'mon!) My bridesmaids dress literally just needed the one strap altered which would've only taken a couple days but she was going to charge $15 for! It's literally a 2 inch strap of fabric, so I told her I'd try on my own and if I fail, I'd take to her. I had a J.Crew dress that needed major work-- sleeves, bust and hem were too big. It literally sat in my closet a year because of awkward fit but I couldn't part with it cause it was so cute. I'm thankful for Kim because it now fits like a dream, the lining and everything, and now I can't wait to wear it. I also had a wool J.Crew skirt that was kind of awkward too and she immediately pulled it in for a much better fit and now it fits amazingly as well. She just makes your clothes that already fit, fit better. I gave her my items the week before Thanksgiving and she had them to me that the Friday after, just a little less than 1 week turnaround. 4 stars for Cash Only and the sub-par dressing rooms. Very pleased with her work and she is just an adorable little lady, I will definitely be back! read more

I've had wonderful experiences at Kim Dao's. The process is always simple, and the turnaround time is great. I always recommend Kim Dao to friends who are looking. read more

Kim Dao's was excellent. Very clear and transparent information regarding pricing, and I was assisted by her son. He was very friendly and kind, and I was in and out. Picked up my bridesmaid dress 2 weeks later and the new hem looked great! I will absolutely be back. read more

I gained an additional 6 inches in my waist from buying my bridesmaids dress to wearing my bridesmaids dress.. in 1.5 weeks she did 2 fittings and managed to at the additional inches so that I could be in my sisters wedding.... not only is she a great tailor, but she is also so sweet and pleasant to work with... thank you so much! Rachael H. read more

Great service, fair price. Needed a pair of pants hemmed recently and I was in and out very quickly with a short turn around time. Friendly service and knowledge from my experiences there. read more

Kim did amazing work on my expensive wedding dress !! It had about 5 layers and she made it fit my body perfect! She also worked on my sisters dress (maid of honor) and it also came out perfect. Kim's prices were the BEST in town. I recommend her to anyone for any work they need done. She also got my dress done in a timely manner. Only had 2 weeks until my wedding and she finished it within a week! read more

I needed tux and dress shirts altered in January. I chose Kim Dao's Alterations because of its amazing reviews and I couldn't be more satisfied. I have a slightly noticeable leg length discrepancy and my pants were adjusted for a slim-fit tapered leg that showed the perfect amount of shoe when worn with suspenders. I had to insist on giving them a generous tip because they did truly amazing work. I'll happily give them my business for any alterations I need in the future. read more

I can't speak for average alterations because all of the reviews in that aspect seem stellar but as a bride, I would not suggest coming here. ever. I went in to have my wedding dress altered a bit. Now I knew that it would need to be let out a bit because when I got my dress in it was a little snug but my bridal shop told me that it could all be done. I put the dress on and she looked at it for a few minutes and then said "I can't help you." Then she proceeded to tell me that I should've ordered a larger size when it's just 40 days til my wedding. All I could say was that it was a little too late for that decision, held back my tears, and then she shoved me away to put my street clothes back on. As I awkwardly walked out of the store bursting with tears, she had the nerve to tell me congratulations even when she took no initiative to make me feel better or to help me in any way. So much for working in the reading bridal district in the past. I will never go back here again and I would rather pay top dollar to have my dress and any other item I own at a big name alterations shop than to go back here. read more

Wonderful experience after my first time here! Had an old pair of suit pants tapered in, with the cuff removed. Turned out exactly as wanted with no hassle. No change in price on pick up, and the price was extremely fair (cash only payment). Will definitely be returning for future alterations! read more

It's always tough to find a good tailor at the right price. In my case, I moved back to Cincinnati after several years away, and wasn't quite sure where to start. I found Kim Dao's on Yelp, and they haven't disappointed. I've brought in jackets, pants, and vests for alterations, and they're always done on time and with great care. They listen to your needs and make sure that everything is perfect; And their prices are quite reasonable, especially considering the degree of difficulty of particular alterations. I've definitely found my go-to! read more

Fantastic service and alterations. Kim expertly tailored some difficult alterations on a tuxedo for me within only a few days and a minimal rush fee. I got many compliments, looked like a million bucks all because of Kim. Stop searching, go here for any and all tailoring needs! read more

Great service & super efficient. It is family owned and they do a wonderful job. I brought in a bridesmaids dress to be hemmed & they turned it around in 1 week, for only a small up charge. Their hours aren't ideal, but it's great that they are open on weekends. read more

My experience with Kim's involves a charcoal bridesmaids dress with complicated pleating at the bust. Kim did SUCH an amazing job. She paid very close detail to how the dress fit and showed me how the dress could be taken in to give me a slimmer frame. The best part was how she meticulously folded each pleat so that it gave the most flattering shape. This was no easy task. It was the oddest pattern! All in all, Kim's patience and expertise (FYI did you know she was a full time seamstress and taught women to sew in Vietnam before the war?) resulted in an amazing gown. I compared my pleated top to the other bridesmaids and my dress by far was the most beautifully done. The other dresses looked awkward and laid funnily over the other girls' busts. Kim is just amazing!!! read more

I have been to many tailors and she is by far the best. Her work is fast and charges a very reasonable price. I have gone to her for simple hems to complicated suit fittings. She has done everything I have asked. Recently I had a zipper break on my favorite jacket and she was able to replace the zipper on the spot. I do not know anywhere else you can get that kind of service. As a bonus she is nestled on court street so if you are working downtown it is very convenient. read more