Probably one of the best tailor in Monterey. A little on the pricier side and no mistakes. (Not like some of the cheaper ones I've been too). Fast too! read more

Took my AGSUs here to have all the patches put on. Great work. The guys there know where to put everything and it looks great on the quality. I think the price for mine was fair. They received it on a Friday afternoon and had it ready by Monday. If you're looking for a place to take your uniform I'd recommend here. read more

Van is a wonderful tailor. My husband is a clothes horse and inevitably buys clothes that don't fit quite right. We have taken suits, dresses, jeans, jackets to him, all have been done perfectly. He gets the job done in a timely manner. You can tell he keeps up with trends and what is classically stylish. He will give input and if he thinks an alteration won't work he will tell you. My husband bought a shirt that wasn't French cuff. He loves French cuffs. I took the shirt to Van and he told me it couldn't be altered and why. He didn't try to say he could do it and charge me and return an inferior product. He has integrity which I greatly respect. read more

Top notch. Readily available and reliable. Exceptional quality military structured thread work. It takes a village and I'm grateful for the quality work. It keeps a pep in my step. read more

Needed some new pants hemmed & I came here. Got sized up & picked them up 2 days later as I had requested. Insanely cheap & magnificently job well done. Will definitely come here again in the future if needed. read more

Van's Tailoring & Alterations - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - Seaside, California

My wife and I had alterations done for our 50th wedding anniversary. Van did a great job! Everything done to perfection, on time and at a great price. We will use their services again any time we need alterations. read more

This place is great. Professional and excellent work. Won't go anywhere else A little shop and tough to find if you blink driving by. read more

I want to give a huge acknowledgment to this place for both customer service and efficiency! I'm 4'11" so sometimes, alterations are a must. Van is extremely nice and helpful. I needed two dresses altered and they were ready for pick up in two business days. They even steamed/ironed my dresses!! I would highly recommend this place. read more

Van's Tailoring & Alterations - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - Seaside, California

I discovered Van's Alterations when I moved to the Monterey Bay. I initially brought in a pair of curtains that needed to be shortened. The curtains were quite intricate and double paneled. Not only did Van do an amazing job, but he saved AND pressed the remaining fabric so I could repurpose it later. We've since returned to Van and had him alter two pairs of slacks, which he did an equally great job! The parking lot is very small and it's a bit tricky to find (buried in between a restaurant and another business), which makes it a diamond in the rough! They do alterations for a lot of the local police and military uniforms. Van's Alterations only accepts cash so plan accordingly. Typically speaking, he's always had us pay when we pick up. The prices are VERY reasonable!!!! Van's Alterations has become my go-to place for anything involving a thread and needle! read more

3 pants to be hemmed and tapered. 20 bucks each. A little more that what I expected but he did an awesome job. Make sure you take cash or check, no c.c. Accepted. He does the work pretty quick as well. Usually 24 hour turn around for simple jobs. I like that. I haven't tried other places yet but this place is close to where I stay so I will continue to use him as needed. read more

I brought in a leather jacket with a stuck zipper to Van's. He took a look at it, and immediately knew what to do. He was enthusiastic, showed me his supply of zipper sliders, and told me, "You came to the right place.". Indeed I had. The next day, it was as good as new, and for just 10 bucks, my jacket was saved. His friendly demeanor, professional knowledge, and great craftsmanship, deserves no less than the highest rating. Keep him in business, and you'll be happy with his work. read more

Professional, timely, courteous, excellent pricing a great finished product. If he could make my clothing give the impression I was 10 lbs lighter he would be perfect. read more

Really enjoyed this place. I purposely drove an hour for this tailor shop. The owner talks a lot, but I found it reassuring especially when tailoring my Military uniform. He told me his background working with Military Clothing and Sales and tailoring in San Diego before moving to Monterey. He showed me his books for Regulations for Uniforms for every branch. He even showed me all the Military Uniforms he was altering. All very helpful! Jacket and pants altered and hemmed for $50! All completed in a week! read more

Family owned, very personable, quality work, reasonable prices and super quick turnaround! Can't really ask for much more! These guys rock!

I don't often need repairs, but I find myself fond of bringing even the smallest things to Van's after a great first impression. Very fast turn around! Fantastic prices and reliable fixes, Van is very well versed and "can do everything"! I needed a suit tailored for a wedding and he had everything pinned and was finished faster than it took me to get dressed! Very familiar with style and what clothing can and can't do, walked me through recommendations for my suit, and had it tailored and pressed in only a few days. Brought in some pants that needed a new zipper, and another pair that had some difficult tears and they look brand new. read more

This was a great visit! I needed a ugly Christmas sweater fixed that very day. I was in luck the owner runs this store with some employees of his. Anyway,he took care of me in a jiffy, it was mended and pressed in 4 hours!!! Charged me 10 bucks! What? See ya next time. He's a life saver. Ugly sweater I'll see you next year! read more

I had previously given Van's Tailoring a 5-star rating. I'll leave my old review below for reference. The downgrade is primarily because of a recent experience very similar to that mentioned by Sol P. More specifically, Van indeed does what he wants and seems to use your input as a mere recommendation for whichever alternations he eventually decides to make. Don't get me wrong, he is a professional tailor and he knows what he's doing; but when my sense of style clashes with my tailor's sense of style, I expect my tailor to give me feedback but ultimately do what I have asked him to do. This relationship, however, seems to go the other way around. To briefly expand, I took in some dockers I had recently bought that were in dire need for alterations and I told Van that I want the pant legs to be made slimmer. Van politely said alright and did his thing. After the pants were altered, I tried them on and noticed that the pant legs were still too big around the upper thigh, but now that the lower part of the pant leg is narrow, my dockers had a certain je ne sais quoi that gave me some very curvy, feminine looking hips. Now that might work for some people, but I didn't particularly like the look. When I mentioned this to Van, however, he just told me that this is the "style" now and that the extra fabric will help me move more comfortably. I insisted, but Van adamantly out-insisted me and I didn't want a request to turn into an argument so, in the words of her majesty Queen Elsa, I let it go. As Sol so succinctly mentioned, I would much rather pay more for alterations that I want than less for alterations that somewhat resemble the broad outline of what I requested but only if the universe is aligned and everyone is on the same wavelength. I have since gone to another tailor and requested to alter the pants yet again--so I'm basically paying double to learn this lesson. That said, "double" isn't exactly a *lot* of money so all in all this lesson comes relatively cheap. If you want to risk having the same experience as I did, care about saving money more than precision (which is perfectly understandable), or if have a very simple hemming job that you want to get for around $10, then this place is right for you. On the other hand, if you expect your tailor to closely follow your requests, go somewhere else or expect some complementary frustration along with your alterations. ----------------------------------- PREVIOUS (5-STAR) REVIEW: ----------------------------------- Oh, this man! I can, obviously, only speak about my own experience here, which involved a simple hemming of a new pair of jeans I bought. My experience, however, was remarkable. It starts with calling and asking about the cost of hemming the jeans. The man I speak with (who I presume is Van) answers with: $9. That's cheaper than what I'm expecting, so I'm starting to like this already. I then ask him how long it would take to finish, and he responds with, "how soon do you need them?" I mention that it would be great to have them in the next day or two (you know, bargaining), and Van counter-offers with tomorrow! I should also mention here that I'm calling on a Friday so this reply is a bit unexpected. Grateful, and a little stunned, I mumble to Van that tomorrow is quite acceptable and that I will be there shorty. Nothing too exciting from there: I deliver the jeans, I return the next day, I pay the $9. The jeans are hemmed perfectly and now I'm beyond happy. Before I leave, and despite my mere $9 business, Van shakes my hand using both of his, and with a direct look and a warm, sincere smile he wishes me an amazing weekend. It may not sound like much, but I'd seriously pay $9 just to get the handshake, the sincere smile, and the good wishes. Great service; great man; and, I'm absolutely a return customer. read more

I shopped around yelp looking for a place that would make alterations to my work apron and two dresses. Im pleased with his service. He did an excellent job on my work apron and his hem line stitching is noticeably better quality than the original. He nicely told me that the two dresses i came in with didn't actually need alterations. One i could adjust the straps a bit, and the other only needed to be tied at the waist properly. TIPS Don't be surprised if he outright refuses to "fix" something and please respect his expertise. Im assuming its to ensure top quality/integrity? Allow yourself extra time to find his hole in the wall shop and a parking space (very limited). Only one dressing room. Tiny interior. Understand that his personality may seem blunt and pushy BUT the price and quality of work have convinced me he simply knows what will and wont work and doesn't need to spend his energy trying to convince you he is more of an expert in alterations than you are. read more

These guys do amazing work for a great price! They're always kind and understanding. The ONLY place I will take my stuff on the Monterey Peninsula. Brought a beautiful leather blazer which he tailored for only $60! Took over 5 pair of dress pants to get the hem repaired and only charged me $25! Not only are the prices amazing the work is too! Just be sure you bring cash! read more

Came to this place because my mom said its great prices and great experience from the man who owns it. He knows alot of tailoring. Very hard working and has loyal customers. I got two suits tailored. Very quick. It's a small shop reminds me of an 80s feel to it. Overall experience. Fun. I am definitely going back here again. read more

Van's Tailoring & Alterations - Business card. Van knows alot about the business and what is in fashion for any/every event. - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - Seaside, California

Mr. Van simply does a great job. He is accurate and works quickly. Has a great attitude too. Prices are very fair.

I tried to go in for my cheer skirt alterations on the waist line and the man in the front would not let me. He was not understanding and did not listen to anything I had to say. I put the skirt on for him and he saw what I was talking about and said "we can't do anything, you just need to put it down" and did not understand the skirt is high waisted and was refusing to make the waist line tighter. I only spent 5 minutes in here and he was terrible. Do not recommend going here read more

I love Van's. I'm always collecting a pile of clothes that need some minor mending. Van has been a great find for me. His prices are very reasonable - much better than using the service at the dry cleaner. He's also friendly and prompt. Definitely recommended. As others have noted, he is cash only, and he requires payment in advance. read more

Took in a new blazer and pants for alteration. Quick turnaround, friendly and great service. Prices good too!

I have had pants hemmed and minor alterations that came out great! He was a very nice person to deal with, his prices were reasonable, and my clothes look great. read more

Vans is a great place to get your suit tailored. Been going here for awhile and have never been dissatisfied. Make sure to tell him exactly what you want done (ie break in suit pants, jacket sleeve length) otherwise he will just go off his own discretion. read more

Van has been doing my alterations for some 7 years, excellent work, very precise........ my uniforms always look perfect after his touch and eye for detail. Very fast turnaround and reasonable pricing for all work he has done for me. I highly recommend him to anyone in the Monterey area for repairs and alterations. read more

$10 per pair of pants to hem. Reasonable price. Very friendly shop owner (I presume). And alterations can be done in just 2 days.

So Started coming to Vans last Fall after I lost a few pounds and had to replenish my wardrobe. Not only are his prices fair and the quality of his work is excellent but he was honest in recommending not to have clothes (suits) tailored, which he could have profited on, due to feeling that it would not look good. read more

I walked into the store at 4 o'clock Tuesday and picked up both pairs of jeans at 1 o'clock on Thursday what a great job thank you Van. You were right I am a 29. read more

I've known him all my life! He's like an uncle to me. He does an excellent job! I've always brought all of my stuff to him to get it altered since I'm 5' even. Quality service and I appreciate his bluntness/honesty. That's my uncle! read more

I have used Van's Tailoring and Alteration shop several times. I am totally impressed by the straightforward and earnest attitude of the man who helps me. Maybe he is Van :-) The man has twice fixed my garments right then and there on the spot. And, the price he charges me is always quite reasonable. I always enjoy giving him a tip, and he is always genuinely grateful. The shop accepts cash and checks, but no credit cards nor debit, I believe. I recommend Van's to anyone who would like to receive this kind of treatment. I believe this man is a tailoring and alteration master! Sincerely, Jeff :-)) read more

Please read this before you decide to choose her for alterations. I brought in a very expensive bathing suit to in to have her add ruffles to the straps. I was VERY clear on what I wanted and even showed her how I wanted the fabric to be gathered. When I picked it up it looked like something out of Star Trek. She honestly didn't know what a ruffle looked like. I went back and forth with her as she just argued with me on what a ruffle was. So I returned a few days later with a bathing suit top I already had that had ruffles and she totally reprimanded me for not bringing that top in the first time to show her. I honestly felt like a child being punished by my parents for doing something wrong. She also used regular thread to sew on the Star Trek "ruffles" so there is no stretch in my bath suit top straps. She kept arguing with me to ask me what I wanted and then told me the materiel was too thick and kept coming up with excuses. I couldn't take anymore punishment from her and I just took my stuff and left in tears. What the he has happened to customer service??? She's anything but kind. So now I'm having to go and spend more money elsewhere to get what I should have gotten and paid for in the first place. I DO NOT RECOMMEND her at ALL!!! I spent a lot of money to get punished. I'm really sad and upset. read more

Van is arguably the best in the West! I don't want to put the man's history on the internet, but his family has been in the biz a while and were schooled in Paris back when the French and Vietnamese were still friendly with eachother or one a colonial power, know what I mean?. This man knows his trade. Dealt with him many times, a truly great guy and human being. Seaside is privleged to have his shop there. Van is also an expert with military uniforms, Uncle Sam even schooled him a bit on them. I took a vintage Kersey wool peacoat to him and he sewed the buttons back on just as the coat would have looked from the factory, taking no shortcuts. Nowhere nearby will you find better prices for the work of such a craftsman. I am now a believer that every man should have a good tailor, and proud to call this guy mine. Clothes must fit right to even begin looking good, and this shop could make you look like a million bucks with goodwill clothes simply fitted properly. read more

This guy measures super fast, which I guess is good if you're just hemming pants, but if you want alterations any more intricate than that, forget about it. I brought in a dress to narrow at the waist and it was a disaster. After that incident, I only brought in my pants for hemming. Did I also mention that he lacks any basic knowledge of customer service? I've never seen someone so impatient (and occasionally rude) that depends on his customers' money to make a living. I stopped going to him once I found someone who actually appreciates my business, rather than making me feel like I'm bothering them. read more

Van stated that he attempted to sell the items we brought in when we were delayed in picking them up. When we returned to his shop to pick-up our items he mentioned we were now in "a new status" "cash before work" and that he had attempted to sell our items but was not successful. Considering that we had been Van's customers for over a year and always paid in cash and were always prompt in picking up our items, this came as a complete surprise. When we started to discuss the logic of his actions in terms of us being regular customers that could also bring future business, Van became more aggressive and demeaning in his language and threats. His response was that he would sell anything we did not immediately pick-up even if we paid in advance. While we have seen some very interesting renditions of customer service we would like to call this particular instance "Customer Service Gone Wild" read more

Van is simply amazing, can do anything and is so sweet! He will turn something around in no time if you have to have it. I have been going to him for years and he is reasonably priced. read more

I'm surprised to read the two previous reviews since I recommend Van to people regularly. His prices are very reasonable, he's prompt, and the work is quality. I may not have given him anything terribly challenging, but for basic alterations, I recommend him. My parents and grandparents were sewing teachers, dressmakers and tailors, so I could do it myself, but for his low prices, it's easier to have Van do the work. read more

This place is amazing. Van worked his magic and for a low cost all my shorts and jeans that were to big fit me like a glove. The workmanship this man does is by far the best Ive seen in a long time. His prices are more then fair for the type of work that he offers. So if your in need of your pants, shorts, hell all of your tailoring needs go see Van... Just remember he only accepts CASH....... read more

Fast, courteous, and meticulous. And fair prices too! Van is the man. He also mounts ribbons for you military types. He charged around $10 for a hem, and it was done the next day. read more