Why We Don’t Offer “Free” Alterations—and Why That’s a Good Thing

In recent years, some menswear retailers have started offering “free alterations” as a selling point—often on suits that are mass-produced overseas with lower-grade materials. At first glance, it seems like a great deal: buy a suit, get it adjusted at no extra cost. But here’s the truth most customers aren’t told:

You’re still paying for those alterations—just in a different way.

The Hidden Cost of “Free” Alterations

When a brand offers “free alterations,” the cost isn’t magically absorbed. It’s usually built into the garment’s price—regardless of whether you need the adjustment or not. This strategy is especially common in fast fashion or lower-end tailoring, where the suit itself is produced cheaply, leaving room to pad the margin with hidden extras.

At Leonard Silver, we take a different approach.

Quality First. Always.

We believe in fair, transparent pricing. Our suits are made from high-quality fabrics—including British and Italian mills like Loro Piana, Vitale Barberis, and Noble—and constructed to last. Every detail, from the shoulder structure to the internal lining, is chosen with care and craftsmanship in mind.

We don’t cut corners to create artificial margins for "free" perks. Instead, we charge reasonably for alterations, because the suit itself is already excellent value.

The Most Common Alterations: Why They Matter

The most frequent alterations we’re asked for are:

• Leg length adjustments (trouser hems)

• Sleeve length adjustments

These aren’t major structural changes—but they’re still done by hand, by a skilled tailor, to get the perfect fit. When you’re buying a high-end suit, these adjustments make a good suit great—but they shouldn’t be “included” at the expense of the fabric, the fit, or the finish.

The Real Question: Price or Quality?

So when someone asks, “Why do I have to pay for alterations here when others offer them for free?”—we ask a different question:

Do you want a cheaply made suit with hidden costs? Or a beautifully made suit with honest pricing?

At Leonard Silver, we focus on lasting value, not fast fixes. Our customers choose us because they care about how they look—and how long their suit will last.

That’s why we’ve been trusted since 1946. And that’s why we’ll never compromise our standards just to win a quick sale.