Catherine is a seasoned, highly skilled seamstress. Reasonably priced, timely. Highly recommend read more

Owner was unbelievably callous and rude. Canceled after committing to work and could not be reasoned with despite the significant inconvenience it caused. I agree with the other reviews citing her aggressiveness and utter lack of professionalism. read more

Last winter she charged me $60 to botch my $150 leather jacket. The seams were uneven and the sleeves much too short. She was argumentative when I commented on it saying I said it was fine when I tried it on and it had pins in it and couldn't move. I wanted my jacket back so I had to pay her what she wanted even though she never discussed it beforehand. There were also multiple strings loose from it when I left and she seemed to look down on me the whole time I was in the store. Just getting my winter things back out now saw and it sparked the memory and I remembered I never gave her the nice review she earned. Update with the new pic! Her work really speaks for itself, doesn't it? I also now added in the loose strings that are still there. From something I didn't ask her to do but she charged me for. read more

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I've been going to Catherine for 15 yrs and she is excellent and a master at her craft.

After postponing our wedding due to Covid, my wedding dress hung in a closet for a little over a year. In the meantime, I gave birth to my first child. Of course, my body changed and no longer fit in my wedding dress from the year prior. After deciding to elope, I needed to get that dress to fit somehow so I went on Yelp and found Mannikins. Let me tell you ... I don't think that damn dress would have fit without the help of this amazingly talented tailor. I will continue to go here with every piece of clothing I can find. Thank you for saving my big day!!! read more

Mannikins Tailoring - BHLDN gown with low back - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

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Catherine is amazing! Across from my office. Great prices. Superb tailoring and fits like a glove. Recently moved from LA and was worried I couldn't find a tailor till I found Mannikins! Highly recommend! read more

Mannikins Tailoring - Finely tailored work shirt for my Halloween costume bringing 1940's Pump Jockey realness from Netflix's "Hollywood" - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

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On behalf of my wife: I needed to have a bridesmaid dress hemmed and add straps, and have a matching bolero taken in. I went to Mannikins and was told the dress could be taken in so much that it wouldn't need hemming. I was discouraged from adding straps but persisted that I would prefer it. I was told the bolero would need to be reconstructed. While pinning the dress and jacket on me, the owner inserted a pin into my skin. I wasn't quoted a price. I picked up my finished dress on a Friday night. The owner said she had the "pink thing from Hell" and that my basic David's Bridal dress was one of the most difficult she's worked on. The dress and jacket felt tight. The cost of $158 shocked me, as this was more than alterations for my wedding dress, but I paid and made small talk while the owner listened to political radio. I was uncomfortable and wanted to leave. Concerned over fit, I tried the dress on at home and saw stitching along the sides of the dress was unfinished/pulling. The bolero was falling apart with stitching coming undone. The interior of the dress had incomplete stitching. I panicked because the wedding was a week away and Mannikins was closed until Tuesday. I took my dress and jacket to a Pismo tailor first thing the next day. The tailor was reluctant to take the job, but I told her the original tailor wouldn't be open until Tuesday and I was leaving that day for a wedding. The Pismo tailor had me try on the dress; it buckled around my midsection where ruching ended and the hip area was made too tight. The Pismo tailor used a tool to easily pop the tearing side seams of the dress. She found that so much material had been cut when the dress was taken in that she could only take out the dress minimally. I was told I would "need to suck in all night." She confirmed that the stitching wasn't finished and her exact words were "it's a bad job." She agreed to rush the job. On Monday evening, I called Mannikins to leave a voicemail. I was taken aback when the owner answered the phone while closed, but I explained the situation and was told to come in with the dress. After we hung up, I realized I hadn't set up a time to meet with her so I called back right away but went to voicemail. The owner texted me immediately and told me to bring the dress in when I returned from the wedding and to 'not worry.' I picked up the dress from the tailor in Pismo the following day. This tailor had fixed the seams and pressed the dress (unlike Mannikins). I was charged $45 to redo Mannikins' work. The draping of the pleats along the front of the dress was ruined by the original tailoring, as was the shape of the bodice ruching. The empire waist curved over my stomach and made me look pregnant. I couldn't comfortably move in the dress. I ordered a second dress with rush-delivery. I began the process of filing a purchase protection claim with my bank after being told the situation would qualify. The owner was unresponsive to texts until I communicated to her my plans to complete a bank dispute. She immediately set up an appointment for me to bring in the dress. My husband and I went to Mannikins the next morning with the dress. The owner stated that weddings are stressful as if to suggest that I was overreacting due to emotionality. This wasn't my wedding; I felt no stress about it. I explained to the owner what we and the Pismo tailor saw wrong with the dress. She said: "I left the 'pockets' on the sides and didn't finish the stitching to save you money"; "I gave you a 30% discount and this job took $180 of my time"; "the other tailor was trying to drum up business." I was never given an initial quote and never asked the owner to save me money; there was no need for her to leave unfinished work. The second tailor was reluctant to take the job and rushed it for only $45. Also, $158 isn't 30% off of $180. The owner said that I could have worn the dress and that no dress has been ruined by her in 35 years. She told me I should have called her to repair the dress and that her cell is always on her. It seems reasonable to assume that the hours posted for a business are the only hours in which it's reachable. The owner was vehement that we not file a bank claim. When I told her that I felt she was blaming me for the work, she said, "I feel that you're blaming me!" Yes, we were blaming her for poorly done work, a negative, bulldozing attitude, poor customer service, and manipulative tactics. Our concerns were met with defensiveness to make us feel as though she had done us favors and that we were in the wrong. She was gaslighting me, aiming to make me question whether I was truly at fault for her not delivering on a service supposedly rendered. In the end, we were given a check for $150. When I told the owner to keep the dress, her parting words were, "You better believe I'm keeping the dress!" Unprofessional, overpriced, rude, dishonest, aggressive, and questionably skilled. I wish I had never entered the shop. read more

I was nervous about the high slit in my dress and Catherine said she could sew it down lower so I would feel more comfortable. She then suggested I pull up the length a little on my long dress to show my shoes. I agreed but then doubted myself. She said it will turn out beautiful and she was right. I received so many compliments on my dress all evening. Her knowledge was superb, and the dress was finished super fast. She knows what she's doing and she is truly a gift in the art of making your clothing fit properly for any occasion! I highly recommend her! read more

Mannikins Tailoring - My dress! - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

Cathrine is an amazing communicator from the moment you walk into her shop. I had two down jackets that needed some fixing and I didn't want to throw an ugly patch on them. Manikins Tailoring fixed them up right and you would never know where the repair was needed! Definitely recommend that you call in ahead of time because you may need to bring some fabric with you if that is what your project needs. Too many of the fabric stores have closed in downtown SLO to make it a "quick" trip to the fabric store. read more

The only place to to go for alterations. Everything was perfect and so fast. She completely transformed my boyfriends suit from outdated and frumpy to modern and perfectly fitted. Thank you so much you are the best and we will be back! read more

I've gone here three times. The first time, a few years ago I wanted to get a dress hemmed and the straps shortened. I go to pick it up and the pins were still in the bottom and it hadn't even been hemmed? But she fixed it right there in the store before I paid which was nice. The second time, I got 2 metal buttons punched in the straps of a pair of overalls so that I could wear the overalls higher without them sagging. I pick them up, and immediately a button falls out. Luckily she fixed it there and I haven't had any issues since then. But it still cost me like $12 for two buttons. What?? The third time, I got a pair of skinny jeans hemmed and the ends aren't even tight, they're just kind of fanned out, making them look weird on my ankles. I go here because I run a lot of errands downtown and it's convenient, but I've been disappointed three times and it's honestly not worth it to me anymore. read more

Really fast and affordable. Professionalism here is top notch as is her knowledge base and recommendations. Great for a quick tailoring if you know what you want, as well as if you are clueless and are looking for an expert. Has been great to us twice and look forward to working with her in the future as well! read more

Mannikins is absolutely amazing! She saved a leather jacket that I'd ripped and was sure was ruined and I've taken all my clothing that needs alterations to her ever since. The quality of her work is amazing and I'd seriously follow her to the moon and back! read more

My God, this is the worst service I've experienced in my entire life. She is equivalent to a doorknob when responding to me. Apparently she makes too much money to respond and goes on vacation for two weeks and doesn't tell me my item is done. She didn't text me either and has a very biatchy personality when it comes to personality. You are better off driving 100 miles to another place than going here. I struggle to understand how she is still in business with such atrocious and horrid people skills. If a brick was a person,l and you'd like to meet it, put your directions to this place. It is ridiculous, plain and simple. My piece of clothing also has tartar sauce all over it when I received it. Unbelievable. read more

My wedding dress came out perfectly, as did my rehearsal dinner dress. I got my wedding dress hemmed and the torso shortened, and my rehearsal dinner dress straps taken up. Catherine's work was great. She was very frank, but that's exactly what I needed. She even had shoes for me to put on when I forgot my shoes at the initial consult and we needed an approx heel. She worked with my timeline and was very affordable too. I would highly recommend Mannikins to anyone and everyone for dresses! read more

Mannikins Tailoring - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

I am blown away by this woman. I have a trip to Italy within two weeks and really wanted these shirts to fit just right for the trip. These shirts I bought online looked so promising but I got them in the mail and they looked like garbage bags on my body. Im so impressed with Catherine's work. Her suggestions were so thoughtful and clarifying. She helped me get more out of these clothes than I thought possible (and also repaired a very delicate shirt that was my partners favorite...better than new!). And she was so fast. Ready for my trip thanks to Mannikins:) read more

One star because I have to do that just to write this review. If you are getting married or have a very special event planned DO NOT bring something you care about to the place. I brought my WEDDING dress here and needed a bra added to the dress , the lace that was picked to fix the middle, looks like a piece of garbage she found out of the trash can. My dress looks awful. I let her know I didn't like that part and she said " no one is going to be looking at it ... they will be looking elsewhere" I have been frantically trying to find someone to fix it and the sewing I seriously could have had my 4 year old niece do a better job. which would have saved me almost $500 dollars . I was quoted my dress would probably be about $340 to alter. NOPE. She also sent me a text demanding I pick up my dress almost two weeks earlier then scheduled "or else I wont have a dress for my wedding" . Please save your self . I will make sure to let the bridal shop know about this, being that they are the ones that referred her. Call the fitting image in SLO I wish I did. read more

I had an invisible zipper in pants that was difficult to zip from behind. I wanted a metal zipper instead. She replaced the zipper but at a seam it was still difficult to zip. She said the pants didn't fit me and proceeded to rip out the stitching and left the pants like that and charged me $20. I took them to my cleaners where they stitched them up correctly and they fit perfect. She was rude and condescending. Very uncomfortable interaction with that owner. Never again. read more

A wedding dress magician!!! Extremely reasonably priced for all of the work she did and communicated regularly regarding the alterations. She had to shorten the torso of my dress and was able to add extra lace overlay to hide the seam. When she was done, the dress fit like a glove! read more

I had a very complicated wedding dress that I brought to Catherine because I knew she was the only person I could trust with such an important and delicate task. The end result was that she was able to make fit my body like a glove. We had multiple fittings and she wasn't satisfied unless she had gotten the fit just right. This is nothing against her ability she just had to work with a difficult wedding dress. She had me come back quickly after one appointment because she knew I lived 30 minutes away and she wanted to see it on me one more time to be precise with the adjustments. My friends, this is the time you want a perfectionist! Catherine got all the details right and it shows in my pictures. Thank you Catherine, so much, for making this dress unbelievably beautiful!!! read more

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Catherine is absolutely hands down the best!!! Her work is incredible and perfect and good pricing, if you don't come to her to have all your tailoring needs fulfilled you'll probably regret it. She is very efficient and had my formal dress ready for me in like a week!! Also, don't forget to be nice to her because she works her behind off for everyone who comes in!!! She shines with an amazing light when you treat her with respect and manners, as we all do, so don't forget to be kind people. read more

Omg this lady is by far the best tailor. Idk why I waited 1 month before my wedding to get my dress altered, but hey I did and it worked out. I walked In nervous to get turned away and asked if she accepts walk ins and that my wedding was in a month and needed only my dress hemmed as It fit like a glove. She said as long as it was just hemming she could do it and had me put on my dress and was like "yea we're going to do this now" and started cutting it on the spot. I asked her to leave it a little longer as I was probably going to change my shoes cause I didn't like them and she put the breaks on and was like wait, like your going to change during the wedding or return the ones I was wearing. I told her the ones I was wearing and she told me to come back once I had purchased a new pair of shoes. I came back two weeks later and just popped right in and said hey I know that I am unexpected if you don't have time no worries obviously this is my fault because I'm just taking my time she said no you know what it's fine put your dress on put your shoes on I'll take you now. I changed into my dress and once again she started cutting away. At this time I kept pulling my dress up as this was a strapless dress. She mentioned that it was big since it kept falling and said she was going to alter the top to fit me like a glove and to not worry about it. She was so accommodating so nice I was so worried how the dress looked on me she went as far as helping me get the right bra for the dress and as embarrassing as it sounds even went as far as putting the bra on as this was one of the pasty kinds. That same day as I took my dress off I had told her if she had time to alter another dress that I was wanting to wear for my reception. again this is like 2 1/2 weeks before my wedding and she was amazing she didn't give me crap because I waited to the last minute she lifted my spirits up every time I doubted myself in the dresses And just kept reminding me that it was going to be a great day. She was by far phenomenal and went further than any alteration specialist I have ever gone to. Two days before my wedding she texted me and reminded me to breath, she really helped me out that day as I was having issues with some of my vendors. She now has a loyal customer and I will rave about this lady to anybody who needs alterations done. Trust me she is worth it!!! Did I mention great prices read more

Mannikins Tailoring - Wedding dress - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

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Catherine is amazing! I go to her for everything, but most importantly, I trusted her with my wedding dress. Her alterations were flawless and (as you can see in the photos), she added an adorable French bustle for dancing. She's quick, competent, and such a nice and friendly Canadian. Thank you so much, Catherine! read more

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This tailor receives good reviews, and indeed the final product will likely be very nice. But the process will be awful. Instead of listening to what you want, she'll do what SHE wants. She will act extremely rude and pretentious during every encounter. Perhaps your experience with this tailor will be different, but don't be surprised if it isn't. read more

Great work done here. Needed my suit to be altered. It was done in a few days and it came out perfect! I'm also a big guy 6"5 so everything fit better then i bought it haha! Great place I definitely recommend you coming here. I'll be back bringing more stuff to be altered! read more

Two weeks prior to my wedding, I realized I needed my dress altered. Catherine was amazingly helpful and completed the work really quickly! She was also able to alter my fiancé's suit, so it fit her perfectly. We are so thankful that Catherine was able to help us and make us feel great about our wedding outfits! read more

I use tailoring quite a bit, for new things and also for repairs. I usually use The Fitting Image (Broad Street, reliable, nice, reasonable) ~ but they were closed for a week to catch up so I gave Mannikins a try. Disappointed. At first, she called me back right away re: her hours of operation (wrong on line, so I was double checking), but when I entered the store it was a different mood altogether. I second the political radio in the background. Perhaps it was my RBG mask. She looks at my items that need mending ~ 2 jeans, 1 shorts. The jeans just needed patching (the holes that came with it got a little bigger). Ditto jeans shorts. I brought in vintage fabric for the jeans. The other pair of jeans legs needed tapering at the base. Her quotes were all over the place, finally I wrote down what the prices would be, although at this point I was hesitant to use her, I needed my stuff. Just this once I thought. She also said, why are you repairing these jeans, why not get a new pair, it would be cheaper. Well, a/I hate to shop, b/my mom's really ill and I don't have time to shop and c/I don't like waste. She was not friendly to me at ALL when I was in the store (as a business owner this is a big pet peeve of mine). Sorry, can I bring you some business? So, I was quoted $20, $30 and $18 for the three repairs. At FI image they would have been friendly and NICE, and I am sure less $. I left my business card in the car (up the street on a meter), so when I came in the items were on the counter. $94. Really? Do you mind going over what each was, that seems high. Oh, she recounted. $78. Back at my car, sure enough the total was supposed to be $68. Forget it, I am not going back in there. Ever. I haven't tried on the items yet, esp the taper, but even if it is a botch job, I won't go back in there. The patches seem fine and she did return the leftover vintage fabric as requested. What I don't get is the ATTITUDE, more than anything. Gee, I have been a central coast resident for more than 30 years and use alterations frequently . Who is she catering to? Just the radical right? Why the attitude? And the icing on the cake was the gross overcharge quote of $94 when I went to pay, which she dropped to $78. Does she not keep receipts with her quotes? I enjoy giving business to people who are grateful to me for my business ~ not phony, just nice/sincere. I didn't feel comfortable going back in re the overcharge of $10. Buyer beware. Go to The Fitting Image! read more

If you want anything tailored to your exact specifications, then Catherine at Mannikins is the one you should take it to! She is a pro and her attention to detail is unparalleled. I have had some of my favorite clothing items tailored by her and always get compliments on the subsequent fit. She is the only one in the county I trust for my tailoring needs. Scott read more

I wouldn't go to any other tailor in SLO. Catherine knows what she is doing; a very experienced tailor. I would recommend her for all your tailoring needs. read more

Before March 2020, I hadn't been in the market for face masks. By now, I haven't become a mask "expert," but I've had a few given to me, I've bought a few, and I've worn several kinds for hours and hours, and I think hers are absolutely the most comfortable and functional. Highly recommended! read more

It was my first experience ever getting something tailored and the woman working inside was very condescending. I eventually left because she made me feel like she didn't even want to do the work that I was paying her for. I don't recommend going here. If she made me feel more welcomed inside I would have given her my business. If you do go to Mannikin's Tailoring, use your voice and advocate for yourself if she makes you feel bad in any way. The one plus was that she was efficient in the pinning process. read more

I was so impressed with Catherine this afternoon as I was desperate to repair my favorite dress before traveling next week. I had called several places and had grim responses. I was told it would take two weeks minimum for me to get it back if they could even repair the spaghetti strap on the dress or some people just said they were too slammed to take on any project. Catherine encouraged me to come on over so she could take a peek. She stopped what she was doing to see if the repair was possible and 20 minutes later, my strap was as good as new! I'd never been to her store but will definitely go again and refer her to anyone who may have sewing needs! She is very kind and caring read more

Catherine is INCREDIBLE! I'm a crossfiter and was so worried when my dress came because it was too tight in the lats/shoulders even though it fit everywhere else. Catherine was able to change the straps, hem the lace, and sew the perfect bustle. It fit perfectly! She's amazing! Will definitely be using her in the future. read more

Mannikins Tailoring - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

Unfortunately the woman who works there is a very angry and RUDE person. Not to mention that it too 10 days for my jeans to get hemmed!! Plus she only hemmed one side of my blouse and when it didnt look right, she decided not to do the other side?? Thanks a lot! I do NOT recommend doing business here! read more

Mannikin's is the standard I hold all tailors to. She (I'm ashamed I can't remember the owner's name) is one of the SLO town wonders I wish I could have kept with me for all my post-Cal Poly life. She's just "with it." She's got great style herself and knows what she's doing . . . sometimes she knew more what I wanted than I did. Her experience level is invaluable, especially with your treasured wardrobe items. Many a treasured Coverings purchases (you slo gals can relate) were only trusted to Mannikins . . . from jeans to sweats, to dresses. Hemming, taking in, taking out, creating a new item all together . . . this was theee place. I also referred the male species to her, who were equally happy. Her hours are not ideal, her prices are slightly above average, but her work is the absolute best. Each time I hold my breath upon trying on a garment freshly tailored elsewhere, I miss this place and its reliable perfection factor big time. read more

These guys are extremely attentive to detail. I love that because my tailoring always comes out perfect. Super friendly and professional. They obviously are passionate about their craft. read more

Let me just say that Catherine is one of the loveliest people I've encountered, and her skills parallel. I have had several alterations completed perfectly by her, and within seconds of our first encounter, she infused me with her vibrant personality and wisdom. She is not only an excellent seamstress and business owner, but her customer service skills are literally unparalleled. I have no doubt she befriends each and every person who walks through her doors. Her prices are quite reasonable for San Luis Obispo, her work is unbeatable, and her persona is warm and inviting. I would never even consider taking an alteration anywhere else, she is a master of her craft. If I could give her 6 stars, I would! read more

For my first tailoring experience in San Luis, Mannikins made it easy for me! I don't know much about tailoring prices, so I can't speak to the cost being expensive or cheap. If I ever need any other tailoring done, I'd go back! read more

This woman deserves 10 stars!! Catherine is a miracle worker!!! Days before my wedding, my gown was destroyed at the bridal shop, due to horrible alterations. It was completely unwearable. Catherine took my dress apart and fixed everything that could possibly be fixed. It went from being completely unzippable to fitting like a glove. She completely reshaped the bodice which was beyond horrible. Without her magic seamstress talents, my wedding would have had to be postponed. And, she did all of this on Christmas eve....she is incredible, and I will forever be grateful read more

Mannikins Tailoring - Sewing & Alterations Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

Catherine is an expert tailor I have trusted her with many of my precious designer items and she has done an excellent job of altering or remaking the items to fit today's styles and, more importantly, to fit me. She recently remade my friend's wedding dress. It was absolutely beautiful. She did an excellent job and the turn around time was quick. Catherine is a trained fashion designer and has an expert eye for detail and style. You can't go wrong using Mannikins for all your tailoring needs. She is the best in town and delivers quality everytime. Her rates are fair for the quality of work she produces. Quality, eye for detail, fashion acumen and expert workmanship all at a reasonable price. read more