Let me start by saying my review is not based on the quality of work, but the administrative mismanagement or problems with payment I've experienced. I am typically a gracious customer of most business and would love to give the customer service person the benefit of the doubt, but something has to be wrong here. I got a suit tailored here for $100, and the work was fantastic. It came out exactly as desired and the process was smooth. But when I came to pay, somehow, their credit card system denied each of my cards twice. In front of others. It was mortifying and I have never had problem with using the CHIP in my cards before or since. I mention this because magnetic strips have problems, sure, but the chip on three cards each failing twice is impossible. Somehow anticipating this, I brought a check book and wrote a check and left. Now, a month later, I receive a text message alledging my check bounced that I owe an administrative fee of $12 on top of the original payment. I have the check deposit images in my account. I sent them via text to Tails. I spoke on the phone to the lady at Tails. Tails has my money. While I'm not saying it's possible there is some kind of snafu here, the snafu, at this point, has a very small chance of being my fault. I've never experienced this before and don't understand how this could be so messy administratively. Again, the work was good but everything after that was crazy. I'm even worried this is somehow a scam, but my hunch is Tails is just... not properly set to do business. I do not think I will be bringing things here again. Taking my money properly should not be so hard. read more

Flawless execution. I came in with a very last minute ask and she delivered. I brought the headband on the left in as a model for what I wanted and she was able to replicate it exactly with the item I brought her. The headband on the right is the finished product. read more

Tails - Headband - Two headbands are displayed on a white surface, one with a holographic, iridescent pattern and the other with a bright, decorative design. - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have brought in 2 different items to have altered. I understand if you can't do it because not everyone can do all things. The most notable were the silk halter dress I brought in to have restyled and the vintage leopard print coat to have repaired. I was told that he wouldn't be able to repair the coat to it's former glory because of the type of repair needed and that the dress couldn't be taken in a certain way. I told him that minor alterations in the design doesn't bother me. I Told him that both were larger in some places and was there something that could be done with that? Is there something I can do? "Go shopping." he said. Really? REALLY???? I know that there are some pieces of clothing that simply CANNOT be saved, but I have also spent most of my adult life in theater watching the costumers do AMAZING repairs between shows, so I know that these pieces aren't above repair. I just know that he was rude. TWICE. I'll be calling a costumer to have them hook me up and here I was trying to patronize a local business. read more

So happy and friendly with fair prices to boot. I've had multiple suits customized here, with great results. They've even tailored hockey jerseys, which I really appeciated! They are quick, and reliable! read more

Saved me for a wedding. They were able to squeeze me in last second and did an amazing job. They will be getting all of my business in the future. Highly recommended! read more

Service was great but I was very shocked that a simple hem on a dress with no other alterations was $70. I was happy with the final product and they were able to turn it around quickly for me, but I could get similar quality for a lesser price elsewhere... Also this yelp listing is out of date - they do in fact accept credit cards. read more

I almost forgot to write a review of this place! I only met Joe but he was a very kind, knowledgeable and patient tailor. And they have Saturday hours, unlike my other favorite tailor. I got some jeans and some pants hemmed to my h/w proportionate 32 inch inseam. What is up with women's pants being 36 inches long??? I don't want to wear heels all the time. I didn't have to even say a word and Joe said "it's difficult for women", because maybe you want to wear the pants with heels or flats depending on the day. So he made me a happy medium. I can get away with wearing these pants in a couple different types of shoes. When I had an anxious moment and wanted to try the pants on again to make sure the length was right, he understood. I also like the framed pencil drawing on the wall. I noticed he was also very attentive when tailoring a men's jacket, and got into a lengthy discussion with some woman about her coat liner. I think he cares about your clothes almost as much as you do. read more

I inherited some beautiful clothing that belonged to my stylish grandmother. Instead of keeping it around waiting for "someday" to do something with it, I brought it to Tails. The owner was very friendly and did excellent work. A vintage Pucci robe found a new life with almost identical original buttons (not quite, but close) and a wool cape with a bulk of fabric became tailor made just for me. As others have said, it was expensive but for higher end items this is an excellent investment. read more

I always bring my dry cleaning and alterations here even though I pass 3 other dry cleaners on my walk over from my place. The service is friendly, and the prices are fair. After a drunk girl at a bar spilled her entire cranberry vodka on my dress a couple weeks ago, I was pretty bummed. They removed the stain without a problem though! If you are a new customer, or bring a lot of items at once, they often offer a discount. read more

I agree with the other reviews -- this shop is pricey, but well worth it. Tails is a charming Mom and Pop shop run by Joe and his wife. I took an off-the-rack designer suit to Joe. It now looks like it was hand tailored; it's a perfect fit. In the past, I have used Macy's or Nordstrom's tailoring services when buying suits there. I hadn't realized what shoddy work they did. I just assumed that when buying off-the-rack that you might not have the best fit. Joe proved me wrong. I'll be taking my suits to him from now on. read more

I took my wedding dress here after hearing great things from a friend. I bought it from a store that wouldn't make the alterations I wanted to the bodice because of their contract with the designer. I came to Tails with high expectations since I knew Joe used to make wedding dresses. My expectations were exceeded! They completely redesigned the neckline and fitted the dress to me perfectly. I even requested a custom belt piece and it turned out beautifully--now the entire dress is flawless and EXACTLY what I wanted! Their taste level and attention to detail was priceless in the re-construction of the most important piece of clothing I'll ever wear. It was such a pleasure every time I went in for a fitting and I will never be able to thank them enough for their hard work. read more

Slightly on the expensive side, but everything comes out perfect. I've had Joe fix everything from jeans to my tux (unfortunate satin-meets-hot surface incident) with great results. read more

AMAZING. A little pricey but worth it. They do a really good job here. I have to get all my jeans hemmed because I'm not a supermodel and they always do the most authentic looking jean hem and it's only $30. Worth not having wet and worn jean bottoms all the time. They obviously know what they're doing. read more

Joe and his sweet wife do great work. I have taken a dozen suit coats, a couple jackets, numerous skirts, etc. to them to down size them from 8/10s to 4s on a very curvy body. Excellent work, beautiful fit, wonderful time getting them marked up. Pleasant, talented people. Remember, they are human and not going to be perfect every time. I have a quirky, curvy body that is tough to tailor to and yet he hits the mark 99 times out of 100, with minor adjustments on the one near miss. There are just some things that cannot be adjusted, at least they are very honest and upfront about the work that they can do. They are the most honest and talented team around - they deserve the slightly higher prices. If clearly most of the reviews are 5-star, you can disregard the one or two that experienced the very rare exception. Usually only the disgruntled go out to enter a review. There are enough of us that think so highly of their work that we made an effort to go out here and praise them. read more

Size 0 pants needed to be taken in on the sides. The woman 'pinned' me the first time and when I came back realized they were now too tight (pockets on the side were stretched and they were too tight around the thigh when I sat down). The gentleman then used the chalk marker on me to let them out again, and now they're too big. I didn't ask to fix it again, bc at some point you just give in. I'll just wait to take them home to mom. Sigh, I really want pants that fit. Nice friendly couple though. read more

I've used Tails about 6 times for adjusting mens shirt sleeve lengths and tailoring pants. Never had a bad experience. Will continue to use as my go-to tailor. read more

I highly recommend this tailor shop. Lisa is one of the most talented and professional tailors I have ever met! She is a genius at altering clothes. I no longer worry about not buying something because it's too big, I know she can work wonders to make it just right. I will continue to go here from now on. read more

Joesph and Irina are fabulous. They take the time to ensure your clothes fit you. It is much better than the dry cleaner or Nordstrom's, and probably more expensive, but so worth it! They are nice, genuine people, I have used them for years, and have never had a complaint. You will need to plan ahead, a great job is not done overnight. read more

I was recommended to Joe last year for a suit alteration and it was spot on. Since I've had multiple shirts taken in and have not been disappointed. I can buy shirts I love that are too big and know he can handle the job. Joe is friendly and skilled. Accept no substitute. read more

Joe is awesome. I have had about 4 suits altered by Joe and he is extremely professional and ridiculously talented. The man can do wonders with a suit and does everything the right way - natural fibers, actual basting, etc. If you actually want something professionally tailored go to Joe. Yes, he isnt cheap, and it is cash/check only, BUT Joe is the one doing the work, in the back, by hand. You get what you pay for. Joe is an old-school european tailor and was a tailor at Oxxford for gods sake, he is the best in the city. read more

I almost don't want to share my review because this place is such a great find that once the word gets out my wait for tailoring is going to be painful. Joe is a master tailor! He has done everything for me over the past few years - leather, crushed velvet, tuxes, shirts. He does a excellent job, charges a fair price and turns things around amazingly quick. read more

Had two suit jackets tailored here about a year ago, they came out perfect. Definitely coming back real soon.

Fashion...beautiful fashion...worn well, is ALL about the fit. Please know that when you first visit the incredible team that is Tails; namely Joseph and Irena. Recently, I brought Joseph a suit that frankly; needed the most tailoring I've ever needed. Because I'm an athletically built man, and have broadly-capped shoulders among other tailoring challenges, the top of the jacket 'puckered.' The sleeves had a working cuff, and could only be shortened by the shoulder seam, not by the bottom of the sleeve (because once there are button holes in wool, they're there forever). The sides of the jacket needed to be taken in, all while ensuring the double vented back was even, flat, and perfectly apportioned to the square cut of the jacket. If that description gives you SOME idea of Joseph's talent, you won't be disappointed. He transformed a suit that frankly, wasn't my most expensive piece of clothing, and made it look like it is, and then some. Like I said, if you love clothes, but hate the fit of them - they will simply hang in your closet forever. But the tailored FIT of clothing you love will transform you. And if you bring Joseph off the rack or already-tailored clothing, or bespoke/vintage/haute couture, you will leave his shop with nothing but a smile, a bigger heart, and the willingness to show others that an incredible tailor like Joseph is worth sharing because he knows how clothes should fit the body, and he LOVES what he does. And people who LOVE what they do, not only show it on their faces, they show it in their work. Please visit Tails at 1414 N. Wells in the heart of Old Town. read more

Dropped off yesterday to pick up today and after calling a bogus number they provided was finally able to reach them via text messaging only to find out that I cant pick up till 5! Whats the point of dropping it off the day before. In a big city like Chicago there's many other dry cleaners that are better. Dont go here. read more

So disappointed! I had a designer jacket I needed the sleeves shortened on and wanted to make sure I went somewhere great to take care of it and went here based on all the great reviews. Next thing I know, I pick up the jacket and the sleeves were way too short! I went back after trying it on and they said they'd fix it with the fabric they cut off. It looks ridiculous, I'm so upset! Worst part is, is the tailor wouldn't even apologize of refund the tailoring cost after ruining my jacket :( read more

I used to live across the street from this tailor and was recommended to go here by a coworker. They are a little pricey but if you have something you really want a good job done on then this is the place, Joe is the best tailor in Chicago! I got married last year and had him tailor some of my heavily beaded indian outfits for my wedding because I didn't trust the shady tailors on devon street! He did such an amazing job and is so talented and so nice. I have seen reviews on here that he is snobby about what he tailors - but he is an expert tailor and charges a lot so I wouldn't bring my jeans to get hemmed here or anything like that. He also normally take a 3-4 week vacation at the end of the summer so beware of that! I had an awful experience with another tailor in the city where I took my wedding dress to, and I wish I had taken it to him - such a mistake. I know he would have done an amazing job. I would highly recommend him with anything you really like and want to look amazing. He is the best! His wife works there as well and is also so friendly and nice :) read more

Best tailor in Chicago end of story. Over the years, I have taken all of my suits, shirts, and formal ware there. It's not cheap but what good service is. And by the way, there is nothing that Joseph can't do with clothes for the right amount of money. read more

I'm extremely disappointed. I brought in a floor length gown that fit perfectly except for the length. I made it very clear that I wanted the gown to just skim the ground--to be just one centimeter off the ground. The first time they pinned it was clearly too short, so they re-pinned it (I showed them again exactly how long it should be). When I came in to pick it up it was 3/4-1 inch off the ground. It was also uneven-longer on the right than the left by at least half an inch. When I sit, 3 inches of the lining shows. I expressed how disappointed I was, and they still charged me a whopping $100 for the hemming. read more

I love Mr. Joseph!!! Take a look at my House of Brides review and you'll see why I had to bring him a bridesmaid dress that was absolutely ginormous on me. He basically reworked the entire top half of the dress and I know it will be amazing when he's done. Yes, he is a little pricier but soooo worth it. He notices details and realizes how clothes should fit on a women's body. He is also very funny and sweet. He told me that I could save money on alterations and have more fun if I just went out and started drinking beers and eating fattening food so the dress would fit. His wife works with him and they are such a sweet and lovely couple. I'd trust him with anything in my wardrobe! read more

Joseph has bailed me out more than a couple of times. He's made two dresses for me to use as bridesmaid dresses and they fit me for years to come! They both flattered my body very nicely more than most any dress I could buy off the rack. He also fixed a horrible bridesmaid dress fiasco. The sales lady insisted that I buy a dress that was THREE sizes too big and told the bride if I ordered the smaller size she'd be left with a bridesmaid without a dress.... ANYWAY I took it to Joseph and after laughing at the ridiculous amount of extra fabric he was able to cut, snip, and fold away until it looked halfway decent. Seriously I didn't think that I could wear that dress in public until he fixed it. I've also gone to him for small things like adding snaps, shortening blazers etc here and there without ever being disappointed. read more

I've taken a suit and a tux to Tails and both times Joseph has done a wonderful job. Joseph is very friendly and will gladly explain any proposed alterations he suggests, including the cost. I don't think they do appointments, but I've never had to wait more than 5 minutes when just walking in. I dropped both of my garments off in the spring and each took about two weeks, so plan ahead. As other commenters have noted, Tails is open on Saturdays, and not for a token two or three hours like you might find at a dry cleaner, but rather a full 9 to 5. Overall, I don't think you can go wrong with Tails. read more

Tails is great. Both Joseph an his wife are great at what they do. I've brought all of my dresses and jeans here and can't complain. Yes, it's pricey, but worth it for the craftsmanship of the work. Highly recommend it! read more

Joe has been my tailor for years, and he is unquestionably the best in Chicago. Joe did the impossible this March when I brought him a size 2 wedding dress that needed to fit my size four body! Joe and his wife worked a miracle, and I looked amazing on my wedding day. read more

Amazing jobs on dress and skirt I recently had altered. Huge repair jobs, but they looked new and fit me perfectly! Charged me far less than i thought they would for the amount of work involved. I've also had them fix pants and shirt sleeves with excellent results. Love them! read more

I gave Tails 3 stars because the once tailored a dress of mine and did a fabulous job. It's lower than a 5 because I went in a few months ago to get a bridesmaids dress altered and Joseph flat out refused to help me with it. He said it would cost more than what I paid for the dress for him to shorten it and do the boning in the chest area over again. I asked him to just shorten it and take in the sides and he refused saying he didn't want to do it without doing it correctly. So I said I would do it, then he told me he couldn't have it done in time (without asking me what the date was that I would need it). I have never been to a more unhelpful, rude tailor. Why refuse to work with someone? I took it to Miss. Couture and was very happy with it. read more

When I needed a bridesmaid dress altered, I was thrilled to see a well-reviewed tailor conveniently located in my neighborhood. However, what I thought would be routine alterations turned into a bridesmaid dress nightmare. The Tails seamstress (Monica?) took it upon herself to take in the slightly loose top portion of my dress by cutting it in half (down the front center of the bust), as opposed to going with the more typical method of taking in the sides or adjusting it in the back. The result was a horrendous Frankenstein of a hem down the center of my gown. Because the top of the gown was ruched, the two sides now had very different and distinct ruching patterns. When I saw their work I was absolutely mortified. It was immediately clear that it would no longer looked like the other bridesmaid dresses. Worse yet, I was charged a whopping $150. (In talking with the 7 other bridesmaids, no one else paid more than $65 for their similar alterations to the same dress.) When I expressed my concerns about the look of the altered dress, the seamstress agreed with me that it looked bad, but said she wasn't sure how to fix it and went so far as to recommend I take it somewhere else to be corrected at my expense. The mistake I can handle, but the terrible customer service I can not. Think twice about doing business with this store. read more