John the Tailor

It won’t be fast.
It won’t be cheap.
But when John the Tailor is done with you, you’re going to look spectacular.
I brought in a new J. Crew suit with two different options for the pants — one that was a little big, one that was a little small. John took his time on me with both pairs, figuring out which pair would be better for him to tailor to my body and which would be a better long-​term bet for me. Once we made a decision — and he made sure I had input but I leaned on him for his recommendation — he explained in great detail the work he was going to do and how a suit should fit me from neck to ankles.
The entire fitting took about 90 minutes, so figure you’re looking at 30 minutes per article of clothing. It’s probably a good idea to call ahead for an appointment with him. He did say that know that he worked with me and «knew my body» that future alterations will take less time.
No credit cards. Cash and (I think) checks, in advance.
He’s funny, he’s interesting, and he does outstanding work. Stop getting your suit altered at Macy’s, gentlemen. This is where you should go in Metrowest.

This guy is the real deal. I had a cotton velvet blazer that needed to have the sleeves adjusted. He explained to me in detail all the options — including ones that couldnt be done because of the fabric. The end result was splendid — the garment fits perfectly, and you can’t tell it’s been altered.
I’ll never go anywhere else anymore.

Not cheap, but very good. I wound up paying more on the alterations than I did on the pants, but this guy is the real deal. Old school husband and wife team. You will try the clothes on, John will adjust, readjust, and give you a lesson in fabric and clothes construction. Don’t expect to breeze in and out super-​quick, he takes this seriously, and it shows. Very nice man too — a bit of a character, in a good way. A craftsman.
So the price thing. I’ve paid far less for alterations, but they were awful. I’m starting to think that you get to choose either good or cheap in tailoring, but not both. Plus, we’re used to paying very little for clothes because someone halfway around the world is making peanuts to put them together, so this is what it really costs to have something made to fit.
For alterations, they want payment upfront. I can imagine they’ve been left holding the bag (of clothes) many times otherwise. I would definitely bring more items I care about here.