Overall the experience was super quick. In a week she made alterations for a bridesmaid dress. The alterations was shortening the hem and it cost $80. Overall the price was less than other places but it is still significant for a dress. The service was good and professional. The shop was small and had a few changing areas and a large mirror and area to try on clothes read more

Elim Tailors & Boutique - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

I took a jacket to have the sleeves shorted. When I picked up the jacket, the sleeves were uneven. I asked her to correct. She tried. The sleeves are still uneven and now too short. The jacket is not wearable. read more

Super short summary: Workmanship is great, but prices are ridiculous, delivery was delayed, and she made changes I didn't want so I ended up super unhappy with two items. I'm still giving three stars because I could have pushed back more and it's partly on me, but be aware. Details: I tailored 6 items here in one batch. The workmanship was A++, so if you don't mind paying a high price to guarantee good workmanship, this place might work for you. Three of the items were just pants I wanted hemmed. They were all slightly wide legged, but unlined. She charged me $40 for 2 pairs and $45 for 1 pair. I have never paid this much to hem pants in my life - I'm used to it costing half as much. Again, the workmanship was good, so if you don't care about price, these weren't a problem. A fourth item was a Halston kaftan dress that I just wanted hemmed. This was expensive to hem, but it was a ton of fabric, workmanship was good, and she did exactly what I expected, so no issues here. A fifth item was a thick, stiff brocade maxi skirt with multiple tiers. I just wanted it hemmed, which I knew would be expensive because of how much fabric it had. However, she also said she was going to hem one of the tiers, too, because by hemming the skirt the ratios were now off. This not only added expense, but also altered the shape and lines of the skirt. I didn't mind this because this had occurred to me, too, but what bugged me was that she didn't phrase it like a question, she just said it needed to be done and added it to the list without asking. After getting it back, I didn't like the change and think it would have been better to leave the tiers alone, and I love this skirt so I really wish we hadn't messed with it. And that brings us to the sixth item, which absolutely kills me. I bought a dramatic, off-the-shoulder maxi dress from a brand called Tufafii (the Deka dress if you want to look it up online). It was only $150, and had a dramatic, deep, wide plunging neckline that was very cleavage-bearing, but it stayed in place because of elastics around the waist. It was super striking and I was in love with it. The bust was a little loose and did gap, but this is nothing that couldn't have been addressed with styling tape and/or specialized foundation garments - I was not at risk of a wardrobe malfunction. So I planned to hem it but never considered touching the top. As soon as I came out of the fitting room, she immediately started pinning the bodice without asking me what I wanted. She told me we needed to lower the arm holes and raise the straps further on my shoulder. I was uneasy about this, and I also got a distinct vibe that she thought the dress was too immodest, which made me feel embarrassed, plus there was another customer there, and she acted like she knew best, and I assumed that all this was to address the gapping/looseness. Never in a million years did I think she would completely change the entire neckline. So I rolled over and just let her do what she wanted, and I shouldn't have. When I got it back, it was a totally different dress. It was no longer off the shoulder at all. The plunging neckline was reduced to a sliver. Everything that made this dress special was gone. And I ultimately paid her TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS to alter this $150 dress, if you include both the bodice changes and the hemming. From my perspective, the dress was ruined. Why did she just assume, without asking, that I would be OK with her completely changing the entire neckline of the dress? Because SHE thought it was too immodest and so it was something that needed fixing? Then, when I got the dress back and tried it on at home for my fiance to show him, the zipper broke. It was a cheap zipper to begin with, but I have to assume that all those changes to the bodice created strain that a zipper that cheap couldn't handle. She also didn't follow my instructions about hemming, though it's possible she just didn't hear me or remember. It was done at the right length, but the original dress had a zipper at the bottom to create a slit that I found unnecessary and said she could take it out, but she had I guess removed it and then sewn it back in after shortening the skirt? Which is fine, but extra work that I probably paid for. In the end, I couldn't stand looking at it in my closet I was so mad, and I gave the dress to a friend. And then I bought it again, and now I have to get it hemmed again somewhere else, and with that much fabric it will be an expensive hem job. So my $150 dress that should have been $200 all-in after hemming is now going to cost me closer to $600, not including what my friend will have to pay to fix the zipper. On top of all this, she texted me when the items were due to say she needed more time. What if I'd needed one of the dresses for an event or something? I would be afraid to do bridal here. read more

Elim tailors were very accommodating to my many requests for my wedding bridal outfits. I needed shoulder coverage for my wedding dress, and as my wedding is 2 months away I was very stressed about the timeframe. The owner was very willing to help make the shoulder bolero for me, using a design I'd found online that I love. I trust her with my business and wedding needs and plan to use her for future tailoring needs. read more

Great selection. I wouldn't quite call it a thrift store because it is very high quality level products.

I've been going to Elim Boutique for about four years now, and I truly wouldn't go anywhere else. Jeanhee has tailored everything for me, from dresses to suits and everything in between. Whether it's a simple hem or completely taking apart and resizing a complex garment, she does it flawlessly. Her work is precise, fast, and consistently beautiful. Jean has an incredible eye for fit and detail, and she has a way of explaining exactly what a piece needs, even when I can't quite articulate it myself. I've recommended her to all my friends, and we all agree: she's an artist. Jeanhee tailored both my wedding dress and my after-party dress, and she's also done the same for my two best friends. Elim Boutique is a gem! read more

Elim Tailors & Boutique - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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FUTURE BRIDES!!!! Do. Not. Go. Here. I had an awful experience with this place, and I want to save others from the same frustration. One week before my wedding, I went to pick up my dress, and it was completely ruined. When I expressed my distress, I was told, "It's not my fault, it's the dress," with zero compassion or accountability. I was left in tears. I initially chose this place based on positive reviews, but my experience couldn't have been more different. During my initial appointment for alterations, I was there for maybe 2.5 minutes. The seamstress didn't take her time and didn't seem interested in making the necessary changes. I ended up paying A LOT for minimal work. When I returned with the ruined dress, instead of trying to fix it or showing any empathy, she became defensive and just blamed the dress. I would NOT recommend this place to anyone. The lack of professionalism and care is unacceptable, especially when it's something as important as your wedding day. If you're a bride, do yourself a favor and look elsewhere for alterations. read more

Jeanne is a master at tailoring, giving advice, options. She shortened my jeans, and when I wanted them longer, she did it for free. She also had the foresight to shorten them in a way I could adjust. read more

Great experience with Elim Tailors - I had a dress altered here and the process was quick, painless, and within budget. Prices are reasonable and the turnaround time for a significant stitching alteration was less than one week. read more

This business owner lacks integrity and provides poor quality. I recommend you take your business elsewhere! I paid for alterations to my mother's wedding dress. In the photo below you can see that the seam at the waist isn't straight, and the length of the dress isn't the same across. She didn't complete the v-neck for the dress and unilaterally decided to make the dress longer in the back and bunch the fabric around the waist. When I asked her to fix it and complete the work she cut the dress so it was unwearable and tried to exploit me for additional funds. She takes customers in the middle of appointments and charges more than others in the neighborhood. This experience was heartbreaking. read more

Elim Tailors & Boutique - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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The business owner was friendly, but mistakes were made due to lack of attention. I received another person's dress shirt, when I returned it and received my dress shirt, the sleeves were adjusted to be too short. Overall, the price was rather high for the quality of service I received. read more

Jeanhee is truly an artist! My husband and I wanted to re-tie the knot on our vacation so with three weeks prior to our departure, I took my gown to her at Elim and she did two fittings to ensure it was perfect. I have had a wedding gown and over a dozen pageant gowns (many of them custom) altered in my life and her work was perfection! There was a lot of lace and beading and multiple layers and she made it look like it was built to fit me. I highly recommend her and just cannot say enough about her high quality work. read more

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My fiancé, Kevin, has been a loyal client for years -in fact, his bespoke attire is one of the things that first caught my eye! I now realize that all credit belongs to Elim Tailors. From sports coats and jackets to jeans and pants-they do it all with precision, skill and speed. We are so grateful to have found ET&B! read more

I've been seeing Ms. Jean-Hee for alterations small and large since 2005, from simple hemming and seam repair all the way to fully resizing suits. The results have always been outstanding, and the prices are reasonable considering the quality of the work. Even though I no longer live in the neighborhood, I still come back because I know I'll be happy with the finished product. read more

Situation: I have a blazer that needed the sleeves shortened ($45) and the pants taken in 1.25 inches ($20). Total cost $65. The Good: - It was professionally made. They took in the sleeves, moved the buttons up about 0.75 inches, and removed the stitching that came with the jacket. No issues there. The pants also looked good. Although they removed 1.25 inches worth of fabric, it did not make the pants look like they were altered. The belt loops stayed vertical and did not slant in. (Those who have taken in their pants before will understand) - The price seems reasonable although I haven't shopped around. - Location is great. I live in Rosslyn and I can drop/pick up on my way home or to work. The Not So Good: - It can be a bit busy on Saturdays. I would recommend calling beforehand and make a reservation. Jean-hee is very nice but seems to be a one-woman show. Tops I've waited was maybe 10 minutes, which is not bad. Conclusion: If you're a guy like me who needs suits retrofitted to fit our individual, unique frames, you're in a good hands with Elim Tailors. They are, as we speak, doing another suit of mine. I recommend it! read more

I had a wonderful experience with Elim. I brought in a bridesmaids dress that I had ordered online and was too tight and too long. They were able to take the length off the bottom and seamlessly add it to the zipper so it now fits like a glove and zips up with ease. It's pricey - but worth it if you need it to be perfect! read more

I wish I could give this place more stars! I needed a gown tailored for a Galla and I crossed my fingers with the reviews I saw on here. I was not disappointed!!! When I bought this dress I was bigger (size 6) now I'm a size 2 so I was praying it would look just as beautiful as the day I bought it. The turn around was quick, she knew exactly how to pin up tuck and take in. The dress looks FLAWLESS. I can't even see where she took it in, and it fits like a glove. I can not rave enough about the customer service, great price, and attention to detail! read more

Elim Tailors & Boutique - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Jean is a magician who has saved more clothes that I can count. She is kind and compassionate, and a gifted designer and tailor. Her measurements are spot on, her understanding of fashion astute, and it's a joy to work with here. I gather clothes to bring to her when I am in town. I trust no one but her to alter my favorite items, and she is beyond compare when it comes to formal gowns. Jean knows her stuff. read more

Very Precise. I brought an old beautiful silk top that I wanted to have the material sown onto the ends of my jeans. They saw my idea and ran with it! Beautiful craftsmanship and very decent prices. I have since taken them more items and I am happy all the way around. read more

3.5/5 stars I work in the building across Elim Boutique so when a custom-sized dress I ordered online came out way too long, I decided to go to Elim for the sake of convenience. The dress had at least two feet worth of extra fabric which also caused the slit to fall above my knee rather than come up mid-thigh. I came in on a Thursday after work and the owner greeted me right away. I told her I wanted my dress hemmed so she had me try it on. She took a look and told me it would cost $100, which I thought was reasonable because there were four layers she would need to take up. She suggested different lengths and explained how they would fall. After agreeing to the varying lengths, I went on to mention that I also wanted the slit raised to mid-thigh. She told me it would cost an additional $50. By no means am I seamstress but I thought $50 seemed pretty steep. I thought it would be $35 at best but considering I didn't get estimates elsewhere, I settled with that. I paid $150 in all and she told me my dress would be ready the following Thursday at 2 p.m. I came in the next Thursday a little after 5 p.m. When I saw the owner, she told me the dress would be ready in another hour. From where I was standing, I saw what looked like my dress sitting on her sewing station. Hmm, okay. I came back after an hour and she had the dress ready to go. I tried it on as soon as I got home and I was very happy with the length. HOWEVER, when I looked at the slit, I noticed one layer was actually sewn an inch longer than where it originally fell. I went the next day during lunch because I thought it would take some time and it would be ready by the time I got off work. When I showed the owner the dress, she apologized and said she would fix it right away. She asked if I could wait as it would only take 10 minutes. Sure enough, 10 minutes later she had adjusted the slit. Overall, the owner was particularly sweet, the length turned out perfect, and I was glad she fixed the slit almost immediately. I suppose my biggest gripe was the price (particularly for the slit), considering it only took her a little less than 10 minutes to fix. It was also slightly inconvenient having to wait around another hour when she said the dress would be ready earlier that afternoon. read more

Elim Tailors & Boutique - Dress (Before) - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Jeanhee saved my wedding dress! I got a custom dress from San Francisco. Because of the pandemic, I wasn't able to get measurements done in person, so I had to do them myself. I super screwed it up, to the point where the sleeves of my two piece dress literally would not go past my elbows. Jeanhee told me not to worry and completely reconstructed the sleeves to make it fit PERFECTLY with only one fitting between when I brought it to her and when I picked it up. She kept the beautiful pattern of the design as well. The picture is just to show what an amazing job she did. I felt the price she gave me was completely fair, considering there was less than a month until my wedding and she basically had to make new sleeves. I won't go anywhere else for alterations in arlington! read more

Elim Tailors & Boutique - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

I wish I could give them 6, 7, a million stars. I brought my wedding dress here 6 days (4 business days) before leaving for my wedding. It had been poorly altered and I desperately needed someone to fix it. The dress is intricate lace and multilayered so it was not a simple fix. They did an absolutely phenomenal job, on such a crazy fast turnaround. This is the only tailor I will use in the area from now on. Thank you thank you thank you! read more

If the rating was based on kindness and superficial conversations about randomness, I would rate this business a 4 or 5. However, I took a pair of pants for alterations and I left disappointed for two reasons. One, the side of the pants pocket area needed adjustments. She advised that taking in from the middle of the pants would fix this problem, because the pants did not fit properly. Upon pickup and trying on the pants, the side pockets area was still the same. I asked if she could explain why it looked the same and did not receive an answer. Two, the pants were not ironed, which also made me skeptical of the work that she claimed to do. The pants looked the same. Any prior alterations have at minimum been returned ironed. I value quality, but smiling and speaking pleasantries does not fix the problems, this was unacceptable for $35. read more

I was in dire straights. I mean look at the hat in the photos. Most people would say "get a new one," but this hat is one of a kind and my dad gave it to me when I got my first Jeep. So there is some sentimental value. Anyway, I brought it to Elim and they were able to make it look like new. If they can repair that I'm almost certain they can take any suit in or alter any dress to perfection. Will definitely be coming back with any future tailoring needs. read more

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I had a bridesmaids dress that needed to be let out and shortened in a week and a half leading up to my best friend's wedding (too much wine and Taco Bell... whoops) and not only were they able to get it done, it looks great!!!! Given that the bride would have murdered me otherwise it's not too much of a stretch to say they saved my life. Will definitely be using this tailor from now on. read more

Elim Boutique is wonderful! I have had four bridesmaids dresses altered here. Each time, the craftsmanship was on point. I felt so comfortable in the dresses, which allowed me to focus on supporting the bride instead of worrying about wardrobe mishaps. I feel like Elim Boutique has, in a way, traveled with me to each wedding, from DC and Atlanta to Little Rock and even Seoul! I have so much trust in the beauty and seamlessness of their alterations. Thank you so much! read more

I like this place and the lady owner who is truly an artist on tailoring. She makes the clothing look great not only the outside, but the inside too. She deserves to be called 'tailoring artist'. read more

I am relatively new to DC, so tried Elim's out to tailor a suit jacket. Was wary of the 3.5 stars but wanted to at least give it a shot. I paid over $150 for the tailoring (which was really expensive), only to receive it way too tight. When I asked if Elim could fix it, she refused to and tried to talk down to me. I went to a new tailor who said the jacket is not salvageable since all the material is cut out. Tragically, I now need to buy a brand new suit jacket as the one she tailored is ruined. read more

This is a very wonderful tailor. I brought my very delicate wedding dress her to be tailored and customized. My dress had a big zipper that needed to be removed. She was able to take care of it and make it look so beautiful. As most brides, I lost weight throughout the process and she was still able to keep up with all the changes. By the time the wedding came up it fit so perfectly. I really felt like the dress was made just for me. I can't wait to bring my dress to have it shortened and wear on my anniversary. The prices may seem higher than some but she really is worth every penny. You can especially trust her with a wedding dress considering she use to design herself! read more

I took a pair of Seven For All Mankind jeans to get shortened. (I still don't know why they make them 2 feet too long!) Jeanne was particular and a perfectionist. She made sure that I was pleased with the length before she took it to the machine. She also had a number of shoes with different heights. The jeans were done in a day, and I paid exactly what I figured I would. The hem looked just like the original, and she even matched the thread. The shop very conveniently located (very close to the Rosslyn metro) and very quick, clean, and accommodating. I'll definitely go back. read more

Note: This tailor is in ROSSLYN not VA Square! (Right next to the Subway) This is the best tailoring experience I've had in the DC area! The owner is really nice, and very speedy with services. Basically, you name the day and time you want everything done, she she will pull out all the stops to make it happen. This is especially great if you're like me and realize you need major alterations done to a dress and you need it in a few days because you procrastinated! I took 2 cocktail dresses in on Tuesday afternoon to get let out in the chest and fitted in the body, and received them both back a day and a half later on Thursday afternoon! Each dress cost $65 for alterations, which was cheaper than other tailors I've gone to, but still a little expensive than my liking. My only complaint was that she didn't provide any kind of cost estimate upfront, so I was really worried about an expensive "surprise" when I went in for my 2nd fitting, but it wasn't so bad. I asked about pant hemming and was told that is $15, which is about $5 more than most places, but I'd be willing to pay for the quick and friendly service. Will definitely come back! read more

A friend of mine who lived near Elim recommended it to me for the alterations on my wedding wedding dress. She said that she had taken clothes to Elim for years and was always satisfied. I took my wedding dress in, and needed to get it taken in, the ruching on the front needed something, as well as a hem, a wrist-loop and a couple of additional items. She did a phenomenal job and was always polite and helpful. The cost was lower than average for wedding dress alterations in the area and the result was that my dress fit me perfectly. In the time since my wedding, I've taken Jean multiple projects, from pants and jeans that needed hemming and the waist taken in to a sari that I wanted made into a dress. I've never had any problems with any of her alterations and the dress she made me is absolutely gorgeous. I've recommended Jean to friends all over the area for their alterations, from wedding gowns to a pair of jeans. I've never heard anything bad about the results and some of those alterations have been fairly complicated. Jean is polite, professional, exceptionally skilled and reasonably priced. If you want cheap alterations, go to your dry cleaner. If you want excellent results, go to Elim Boutique. read more

I always come here to get my pants tailored for work, really quick turnaround great service and not super expensive compared to other locations in the area. The owner is also really nice and makes sure the fit is perfect! read more

I found this place after trying 4 other tailors in the Arlington area. The price to shorten dress shirt sleeves ($25) is comparable to others, and that, combined with the excellent customer service and attentiveness, has made this my new go-to for tailoring. I had the very nice lady that runs the business alter 15 dress shirts (basically my entire work wardrobe). read more

She did an incredible job with tailoring my wedding dress and reception dress. My dress was hand sewn so she had a lot of work to do to make it more tailored to my body. By the end, my dress fit me like a glove. The owner is very kind and helpful! My dress ended up being rather expensive to alter, however for quality of work, it was worth it. The pricing is reasonable for suits as well. My husband had his suit tailored here as well and she did a great job! read more

Elim Tailors & Boutique - This shop did an amazing job with my wedding dress! Highly recommend - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Horror experience! She is very expensive and distroyed my bridesmaid dress in the front and in the back as well. I had to buy a totally new dress. She even didn't take my measurements right. If she doesn't like you, she will do her best to mess up your tailoring pretending she didn't know. Low character. She wants to do easy work only and charge big money. read more

As my husband and I are moving cross-country soon I have decided not to bring my wedding dress-the box is massive and heavy. I called Elim Boutique and asked if they bought wedding gowns. She said yes, so I asked what the process was-do I email her pictures or bring the dress in. "Bring it in," is what she said. So I do. I pay for parking and carry the heavy box into the store. The owner, the woman I spoke with on the phone, needed a translator, and luckily another woman was there to communicate with us. Apparently she doesn't take wedding dresses, and obviously didn't understand a word I said on the phone, so I brought the dress in for nothing. read more

$160 and two to tailor a sport coat and dress shirt. Neither done correctly first time. Shirt had lots of excess material left on the back seams. Sleeves were too short on shirt and back seam on jacket had a pucker. Didn't have time for them to fix as we were headed out of town for a wedding. Had a tailor at our destination fix overnight and it came out beautifully at less than half the price. Upon return to town, notified the owner of the issue. She offered to redo the shirt and jacket... it was already done as I needed it for the wedding. Offered to tailor my next dress shirt for free. read more

The best tailor in the area! I have been taking all kinds of alterations to Elim for over 10 years and have never been disappointed. Jeanhee is amazing at listening to your concerns and uses her experience to achieve your desired results. She is extremely skilled and knows what changes can be made to make any garment become elevated. She is extremely detailed oriented and patient with requests. I have taken every kind of garment to her from a simple pant hem, new seam lines in shirts and even my wedding dress! I originally had my dress altered at the shop I purchased from bc tailoring was included. It was a mess from the original shop! Jeanhee came to my rescue and I should have never trusted anyone else! She fixed my lace back wedding gown to pure perfection and I will always be thankful. I have referred two other friend brides to her and they were pleased as well. Do not hesitate to utilize Elim's services, truly top notch skill that is unsurpassed. Thank you Jeanhee! read more

Elim Tailors & Boutique - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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I went to Elim Boutique & Tailoring to have my wedding dress tailored and I was not disappointed! Ms. Jeanhee was such a pleasure to work with over the course of a month. My dress is covered in an intricate sequin design that posed a few tailoring challenges, but Ms. Jeanhee handled them like a pro. I wanted to add a bustle to the back of my dress, but because of the sequins, it was too heavy to secure one without risk of the dress ripping. I appreciated that Ms. Jeanhee patiently explained this to me and didn't allow me to push her into something that could have potentially ruined my dress. I had 4 or 5 fittings and was really pleased with the progress that was made each week. Ms. Jeanhee was very accommodating with scheduling fittings around my busy schedule; I really appreciated that. Since I got married in the middle of a pandemic, I asked if a mask could be made out of the material cut from hemming my gown and Ms. Jeanhee was happy to make one! I would absolutely go back again and again for my future tailoring needs. read more

Elim Tailors & Boutique - final look...perfect! - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - Arlington, Virginia