Formal dresses
Prom & Homecoming Dress Alterations in San Juan Capistrano
A formal dress has to work for photos, dinner and a night of dancing. Bring it in as soon as you have it, with the shoes, so there's time to get the fit right.
Mon–Fri 10am–5pm · Sat 10am–3pm
The usual changes
Hem, straps and fit
Hem with the shoes
A long dress is hemmed to the heel you'll dance in, so it clears the floor without dragging. A short dress is set to the length you want, standing in the same shoes.
Straps
Shortening straps lifts the bodice and the neckline, and it also raises the hem, so straps are set before the hem is marked.
Taking in
A bodice or waist that gapes can be taken in at the side seams. A zipper or corset back changes how it's done.
Layers and beading
Tulle and chiffon skirts often have several layers, each hemmed on its own. Beaded or sequined edges take longer, because the beads have to come off and go back on along the new hem.
Timing
Come in early, not the week of the dance
Bring the dress in as soon as it arrives. That leaves time for a second fitting if the first change needs adjusting, and for anything that turns up when you try it on with the shoes.
Homecoming dances usually fall in the fall and proms in the spring, and many dresses are bought online and arrive close to the date. If yours did, call (949) 493-0505 with the date and Sami will tell you honestly what's possible.
What to bring
Make the fitting count
- 01
The dress and the shoes
The exact pair you'll wear. A different heel height means a different hem.
- 02
What goes underneath
The bra or shapewear you'll wear changes how the bodice sits.
- 03
Move in it
Sit, walk and raise your arms at the fitting. It has to work on the dance floor, not just standing still.
- 04
Know the price first
You get the price at the counter before any work begins, and a pickup date before you leave.
Nearby
Close to south county schools
The shop is on Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano, a short drive from San Juan Hills, Dana Hills, San Clemente and Capistrano Valley high schools. Drive times from each town are on the visit page.
For a dress that's too big all over, see taking in a dress. Wedding party dresses are on wedding dress alterations.
Good to know
Prom & Homecoming Dresses questions
Something else? Call (949) 493-0505 and Sami will help.
When should I get my prom dress altered?
As soon as the dress arrives. Bringing it in early leaves time for a second fitting. If the dance is close, call (949) 493-0505 with the date.
What should I bring to a prom dress fitting?
The dress, the exact shoes you'll wear, and the bra or shapewear you'll wear under it. All three change where the hem and bodice sit.
Can a prom dress be taken in?
Usually, at the side seams of the bodice and waist. A zipper, corset back or heavy beading changes how it's done, and Sami will explain at the fitting.
Can a beaded or sequined dress be hemmed?
Usually, yes, but it takes longer: beads or sequins along the hem are taken off and sewn back along the new edge.
How much do prom dress alterations cost?
It depends on the work: a single-layer hem, several layers, beading, straps or taking in. You get the price at the counter before any work begins.
Related
More from the shop
Visit the shop
Stop by and say hello.
San Juan Capistrano
32301 Camino Capistrano, Ste ESan Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 493-0505
Mon–Fri 10am–5pm · Sat 10am–3pm
- Monday – Friday
- 10:00am – 5:00pm
- Saturday
- 10:00am – 3:00pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Walk-ins welcome. For wedding gowns and bigger jobs, call first. Email samis.tailoring@gmail.com. Directions and drive times
Bring the dress and the shoes.
Walk in Monday to Saturday, or call (949) 493-0505 with your dance date.