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‘Best Of’: 12 Terrific Tailors

Clothes may make the man—or woman—but someone has to make those clothes fit. That someone is a tailor or seamstress, and as every well-turned-out man and woman knows, having a talented tailor is worth as much as a closetful of Diors. We’ve sussed out some

Hamza Simrick has written the book on tailoring. He can alter everything from bridal gowns to designer jeans. Photograph by Matthew Worden.

Christopher Kim’s. Don’t be put off by the ’80s-era duds in the window. Kim has been a hidden gem for 33 years. This master tailor is an expert at altering designer sportswear, menswear, and evening gowns and is a whiz with projects both difficult and delicate.

Hamza Simrick Tailors. Whether it’s designer jeans—he’s the go-to tailor for Denim Bar—or soothing an out-of-control bridezilla, Simrick can do it all. He may have a grandfatherly look and an old-school approach, but his résumé includes Burberry, Aquascutum, and a Paris fashion-designing stint. He’s written a book, too: The Art of Tailoring.

Kenwood Custom Tailors. John Tufeckgian’s loyal following extols his reasonable prices, quick turnaround, and expert tailoring.

Kim’s Tailoring. Top-notch alterations on prom and wedding dresses and beautiful work on damage to knits such as moth holes in cashmere. One fan says Kim’s “salvaged a Missoni sweater full of snags.” Another entrusted her entire wardrobe to Kim’s after she lost weight.

Kwon’s Boutique. Known for making custom suits for notables such as Lynne Cheney and Janet Langhart Cohen, this McLean fixture also does expert tailoring.

Linea Pitti. Master tailor Ihsan Dura is a wizard at alterations both complex and routine. The former tailor for Georgetown’s Else boutique, Dura is known for precise measuring and sizing. Specialties include delicate alterations on evening attire for men and women and made-to-measure suits and tuxedos.

Luis Tailoring. Quick turnaround, good prices, and the ability to rebuild, resize, nip, and tuck are what Luis Bejarano is known for, along with his upbeat personality and welcoming smile.

Maria Luz. You could say sewing is in the blood of this Argentine-born tailor, whose family has been in the business for years. Besides basic fixes, she tackles complicated projects such as reworking the bodice of a wedding dress and repairing leather.

Millie’s Tailoring & Dry Cleaners. Friendly service and reasonable prices make this a one-stop shop where you can get clothes altered and cleaned. The second floor is given over to the tailoring operation; though most folks are after basics such as hemming, more complicated projects such as repairing torn lace are also nicely done.

New York Cleaners. Expect a warm welcome and careful alterations at this sliver of a shop in Georgetown. Kum Ko is a versatile seamstress hemming jeans (with original stitching), retooling delicate children’s party clothes, and nipping and tucking jackets. She pins precisely, offers opinions when asked, and has a good eye.

Reston Tailoring. Since 1984, Wagner and Berta Cordova have taken on tailoring projects many others won’t: saris, uniforms, embroidery. They also do the basics.

Sun Tailoring. Known for expert styling and alterations on shirts and suits for men and women. Also good for designer jeans if you want the original hem recreated. Service is friendly and positive.

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