- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Express Tailor Shop
Category: Local Services Sewing & Alterations Sewing & Alterations [Edit]
92 Rivington St(between Ludlow St & Orchard St)
New York, NY 10002
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
(212) 674-7341
- Nearest Transit:
-
Delancey St (F)
Essex St (J, M, Z)
2 Av (F)
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
$12 OFF any alterations as good as cash. No minimum purchase. *By Appointment Only. Print page for discount. Excludes rush alterations.
24 reviews for Express Tailor Shop
24 reviews in English
-
Review from smlyc s.
New York, NY
9/3/2011
Too good to be true.
I originally went to this place because a nearby, higher-rated place (don't remember which) was closed, despite my having called on the way to be sure they'd still be open. So glad it was and that I discovered this place.
I am one to pay almost any premium for convenience, but for years now I've faithfully schlepped to this to-me-inconvenient location when I need something fixed or customized, for two reasons:
while-you-wait, and
SO CHEAP I am always afraid I'm going to get arrested on my way out. (In fact, I could swear they've gotten CHEAPER over time -- maybe because of my repeat business? IDK but I like it.)
I've entrusted increasingly expensive items and complex alterations to them, with continued unbroken success.
In my own experience & from eavesdropping on others', there appears to be a reliable, exponential inverse correlation between (OOH) how polite you are and (OTOH) your price & how long the work takes. It's just as easy to be polite as it is to be a jerk, people. -
Review from Karen F.
Manhattan, NY
2/1/2012
Definitely express- tried on my jeans to get measured and the guy marked my jeans in seconds and was done. A lil skeptical about the little attention paid at measuring only because I didn't want my brand new jeans mishemmed (one short than the other etc.), but went through with the service anyways. Wasn't going to know if they were good unless I let them have a go. Yes, at the same time I realize that it's not hard to hem jeans, but I've also experienced screw ups in the past.
For $5 and same hour service. I can't complain. They aren't perfect, but really good enough. And would go back again. -
Review from Jun N.
Manhattan, NY
1/15/2012
People aren't friendly at all.... but they get the job done!
I have had lot's of trouble finding tailors who do what I ask correctly, but these guys do it.. at a good price too!
The hemming on my pants were slightly off, not completely straight but it was VERY minor. Nothing very noticeable. Brought a shirt there, perfectly tailored.
I would definitely recommend it if you need something quick and cheap. If you have more money to spare, there are places with better service and work. -
Review from David C.
Brooklyn, NY
8/17/2011
I've never used a sewing machine... But I'm pretty sure I could do a better job.
This is not to say that the gentleman working the front wasn't nice. He was. Very.
But I can't wear his nice demeanor out... Just the jacket they worked on... and now I can't wear that either. -
Review from Naomi E.
Manhattan, NY
6/18/2011
Please don't waste your money like I did. Yes it is inexpensive but you get what you pay for.
If you are going to experiment here I strongly recommend that it is with an item of clothing you won't miss if they mess it up.
one of the simplest things I could ask them to do is replace a button on my jeans - they did so by punching a hole through them so that the new button falls all the way through and also ensures that I can never get another button put on. Hey it cost me $10 + a $200 pair of jeans.
I have been here more than once and really didn't want to go back but convinced myself that you couldn't possibly mess up putting on a button.
They hemmed pants for me - completely uneven.....
Boyfriend was having pants marked for hemming and they marked it at least two inches too long....I called it out and then they re-marked it.
I had pants taken in at the waist - completely ruined the line it by chopping the waist band in half and sewing it back together in such a way that I can never wear them. -
Review from Jon F.
Brooklyn, NY
8/4/2011
One of Manhattan's best! I've gone through many tailors in New York and this place is by far the fastest, most economical and the best! Out of the 30+ times I've used this place I've only had one problem which was fixed promptly. My only regret is not finding this place sooner as I've had great suits and dress shirts ruined by other tailors (namely Imparali, amongst others).
They do complicated suit alterations (sleeves, shoulders, chest, etc..) for the best price in the city. Since discovering this place I've been able to purchase great dress shirts that typically were too baggy and these find gentlemen have cut them up and made them fit perfectly.
The only downside is that sometimes the fitting rooms get crowded. Best to go off peak hours (during the day when most people are at work).
Women: I've also seen ladies come in with dresses for alterations. While I can't vouch for their quality of female attire, the ladies were on first name basis with the tailors which leads me to believe they were regulars (i.e., good work).
Yes they accept credit cards. -
Review from Monique R.
Kew Gardens, NY
11/30/2010
i always take my pants to get hemmed here (cuz im a shorty). They are always quick and sometimes they can do the job while i wait.
I had a difficult dress that needed to be let out (for reasons you can probably figure out based on my reviews) and they charge was pretty steep and they had to redo it 3 times... but they were professional and took their time with it! i totally trust them! -
Review from Grace L.
9/22/2010
Yea, so I'm one of those bitches who buys things from sample sales that aren't my size and tries to get them altered...resulting in pretty much the same cost of garment in the end.
Luckily, I was recc-ed this shack of a place on Rivington during my trip back to the motherland (thanks cuzzy!) and got 3 tops taken in for about $30. NOT BAD considering they were all fancy pants type silk going out tops, AND done in under 2 hours. Can you get this type of labor abuse + efficiency + quality in London? Doubt it.
Also, try to do your own measuring and pinning before you come here, or else you'll be on full display in front of all the customers. Unless you're into the whole "everybody look at me!!!!" thang (I am but not in this context)
Perfect for a drop off before lunch at Hana and a cupcake at SSS. WOO!Listed in: Misc, USA
-
Review from David C.
New Orleans, LA
6/1/2008
On most occassions, they are done with the alterations in less than 2 hours. So my usual routine, is I hit up Alife 3 blocks down and Bereket: http://www.yelp.com/bi... for some doner kebab or maybe Katz's for the ginormous pastrami sando depending how I'm feeling. But I don't recommend eating at Katz's before trying on your pants or jeans because they may not fit when they're done altering it.
I am not recommending these Dominican tailors because of price. Do they great work, I've had a pair of Seven and True Religion Jeans altered here with the original hem. BUT with that said, they don't charge an arm or a leg either, but that's just an added bonus. They've corrected many mistakes other tailors have made. So, if you have an expensive pair of jeans, be confident they will do a great job.
Minus 1 star only because sometimes they close a little earlier than their stated times. But I'm usually there early afternoon. -
Review from miz m.
New York, NY
11/1/2007
I needed two pairs of jeans hemmed up, and after weighing the options, I tried Express Tailor Shop for the speediness and price ($10 for an original hem).
When I went in for a fitting, I felt rushed and distracted--fittings are done by a mirror right next to the counter, right in front of a man whirling away at a sewing machine, and basically in front of everyone in the store. I'm not a shy person, but I really could not concentrate on anything with all the activity and flurry of people. The man who took my measurements hardly spoke to me and acted like he was doing ME a favor. He spent no longer than 30 seconds cuffing the pants up and marking where they should have been hemmed.
I dropped off the jeans around 6pm, and they were to be ready after noon the next day. Even though the ticket says they are open until 7pm, every time I called they said they would be closing at 6. I'm not sure if that's a tactic they use to keep ppl from bum rushing them last minute or what, but I was a bit annoyed about the false hours advertised--I don't usually get out of work until after 5:30 and I don't work near the LES.
When I got the pants back, the hem looked good. Unfortunately, when I tried the pants on, they were each 2 inches too long. If I had been more aggressive at the fitting perhaps I would have gotten better results. But I don't think I should have to bark at someone to properly get my pants adjusted. They should be just as concerned with doing a good job as I am. I could go back to have them fix it, but I'd rather just take my business to a place where they aren't so gruff.
I'll probably go back to G + G Cleaners on Grand Street. I got a dress fitted there early this year and the staff was very nice and courtesy when I went in for a fitting, and they did a great job. Their prices are a bit more expensive than Express Tailor Shop, but I'll pay the extra few bucks for their quality service and customer care.
All in all, I think the quality of the work is fine, but the staff there kinda sucks b/c of their total lack of interest in their jobs and clients and do not make it a positive experience going there.
BTW- I chose G + G for the dress fitting after reading that they were chosen as the best cheap tailor in NY Magazine (2005). -
Review from Anne H.
Manhattan, NY
10/12/2009
I retracted my 1-star review of them earlier. I found my pants, they were tucked in my jacket. They did do a good job, and I've gotten my jeans altered there before.
Great prices... 4 pairs of pants length and 2 jackets (arms) for $70. I'm calling them to owe them an apology tomorrow. -
Review from Pia D.
Long Island City, NY
8/22/2006
Like their name says, this is the place to go when you need something altered, Pronto. I've taken numerous items to be altered here and have always had positive results (with one exception which they were quick to fix). You can drop off a bag of a half dozen items, go around the corner for a drink, and when you come back everything is ready, and I'm not just talking about a pants hem here. I've had dresses taken in, straps shortened, sleeves shortened and cuffs reattached, etc. I've also seen them shorten jeans and reattach the original hem. Oh yeah, and they're really cheap.*
They're great for procrastinators who realize something needs to be altered ASAP.
*My last bill was less than $30 for altering 7 items -
Review from Jennifer Y.
New York, NY
7/23/2009
You know I used to love going ot this place to get my pants hemmed. They're been in business for a very long time but I have noticed that the quality has gone down while the prices have gone down.
The manager is a cool guy but, they might be rushing jobs at this point. I've dropped off pants I didn't care TOO much about but, if you want it done relaly well, I'd recommend mentioning that and not just waiting an hour for pickuup.
Overall, still a great bargin and if I'm just hemming jeans or sweats, can't beat the value to convenience. -
Review from Russell C.
West Village, Manhattan, NY
2/11/2011
Tony fitted my new suit perfectly for a fair price. I was able to pick it up just two hours after dropping it off. Can't ask for more than that.
-
Review from Kirsten S.
Astoria, NY
If your not getting anything extensive done, this is the best place. Quick and inexpensive, walk-in and be seen right away. They even have dressing rooms for you to change. I walked in randomly to get a dressed hemmed and $20 and 2 days later I was a happy customer.
-
Review from S T.
New York, NY
10/15/2010 1 Check-in Here
Taking off three stars automatically since i dropped off my pants and a dress to get hemmed which should be a very easy and quick job. I gave them a week to do it and when I came for my clothes, they couldn't find it. About 5 minutes later, they were able to find my clothes under a pile of clothes-untouched since last week. They asked me to come back twenty minutes later. I'm sorry but a week and twenty minutes later, I just don't have the time or patience for that. Very unprofessional. Taking my clothes elsewhere next time.
-
Review from Beau W.
New York, NY
6/11/2010
I'd have to agree with most of the other reviews I've read about these guys. Go here for a reasonably priced tailoring job on an article of clothing that's not too treasured. My girlfriend wanted to take 2 1/2 inches off the bottom of a summer dress and was getting quotes for $25 - $30 at other places around town. I took the dress here and they hemmed it up for $7 and it was finished in a half hour. The quality of their work seems to be average. We'll have to wait and see how it survives the test of time. Regardless, with my experience, there was a huge difference between the price I was gonna pay elsewhere and what I paid here. Well worth it.
-
Review from Charles U.
New York, NY
1/2/2009
I've been getting my alterations done in this neighborhood for years, but with the closure of some old time tailors I've been forced to go elsewhere.
Brought in my pants and they measured for alterations. Within 20 minutes I picked up my pants and headed back home uptown. Looking at the alteration I quickly noticed that one leg was quite different then the other. Seems like a routine thing to have done and should have been caught before even giving it to me, but the width on the right leg was over an inch different then the left; the one side which was correct.
I bring the pants back first thing in the morning and they admit the error, but tell me to come back late afternoon......"before we close". You would have thought they would have met my timely needs after making such a huge error. I come back and both legs are the wrong width from what I requested. There were signs of issues when I first dropped the pants off and even when I left they had promised delivery on alterations to customers and had to disappoint at least two people on my two visits.
So if you remember the late 80s and early 90s with the U-men look or MC Hammer pants....that's pretty much what I have now. Because these were expensive jeans I'm going to alter everything else to match. Can anyone suggest where I can get a Kid N Play haircut? -
Review from Jessica L.
New York, NY
3/9/2009
This place used to be great and cheap and fast, but my boyfriend and I brought in a bunch of pants and shirts to be altered. Half of them had to be redone because the sleeve lengths and pant legs didn't match up... I think they're rushing too much and not doing a good job.
-
Review from Steph S.
New York, NY
3/23/2009
I came here today to have a pair of my jeans hemmed. It's a no frills kind of place, but at the cheap prices they offer -- I think it's worth it. There are three stalls for changing into your garment (a little dingy, but whatever). I waited about 30 min and am very satisfied with the way my jeans came out. I'm not sure how they are with more complicated alterations, so I'd stick with taking simple tailoring here.
To have my jeans shortened, with the original bottoms attached, I paid $10. For such a good deal, I'm definitely coming back to have my other jeans done.
I paid with cash, but I saw that they take Discover, Visa, and Mastercard. -
Review from Rachel L.
New York, NY
12/29/2009
Today I took in 3 pairs of ill-fitting expensive jeans I never should have purchased. 90 minutes later they all fit great and only $12 each for taking in the waist, hips, and seat (basically restructuring them).
It took 2x as long as they originally estimated so if the location is convenient I'd recommend just picking up the next day. -
Review from S K.
Hoboken, NJ
6/26/2007
This place is pretty damn good. I had a bridemaid dress COMPLETELY overhauled....hemmed, taken in everywhere, had a sash shortened, basically everything changed. I dropped the dress off on a sunday and it was totally ready by the following friday (I had to go back once and they made some additional changes). I liked that they have actually rooms w/doors for you to try things on in, and the speed of the job. The price was also nice: only $65 to do all of this, and they did a good job. I would have give 5 stars, but the guy who I spoke with there was a little rude to me when I was telling him what I wanted him to do. But I mean, at this price, what do you expect.
Listed in: Cheap! Cheap!!
-
Review from Gotti B.
Berkeley, CA
1/27/2008
I went here because Nelson's is closed on Sunday., and I needed to have my pants hemmed (without the cuff). I paid $10 for two pairs and had my altered pants back within 30 minutes. It was a very easy job, so I can't speak for their ability to handle more complex work.
-
Review from Britt C.
NY
3/25/2007
Okay so I'm 5' 1". A tailor is a need not a want. But I'm also poor, so after I paid $25 for a hemmed skirt at the local dry cleaners I was on the lookout for something a bit more reasonable.
Went to Express Tailor Shop based on reviews and I was not disappointed. I got a pair of jeans shortened with the original hem, a lined skirt shortened, a pair of pants taken in and another skirt taken in. After trying on everything to get the chalk mark (an odd process but humiliation-free as they have actual rooms with doors to change in -- not curtained area) the guy looked at the small pile and said "An hour?". I was amazed.
When I got them back I was even more amazed. The jeans were done so well I thought they had been forgotten. My one complaint was that in order to take in the entire length of the dress pants they had had to open the cuff hem too (which he did warn me about, either because he didn't want to do it or because they charge per seam opened). I thought the stitching to put it back together again was a little too quick and dirty. But they look fine from the outside and it wasn't so loopy I could get a heel caught in them or anything so who cares? Especially when the total bill was just under $30. I'll be back with another armload soon.
(btw check out nearby Economy Candy while you wait! yummy.)
