Fit, care and budget
How to work with a tailor in Accra
By sneakersInn team · Updated
To work well with a tailor in Accra, choose one by recommendation and by seeing their finished work, bring a clear reference (a photo and a garment that fits you), agree the measurements, fittings, delivery date and price before they start, and check the fit carefully at each fitting. Leave plenty of time, especially before December and wedding season.
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Find | Ask friends whose clothes fit well; look at finished pieces |
| 2. Brief | Bring a photo, the fabric and a garment that fits you |
| 3. Measure | Let them measure; wear the shoes and undershirt you'll wear |
| 4. Agree | Price, deposit, fittings and collection date, in a message |
| 5. Fit | Try it on; check shoulders, length, sleeves and waist |
| 6. Collect | Try it on again before you pay the balance |
How do I find a good tailor?
Ask men whose clothes you admire. Look at the tailor's finished work in person, not only on social media. Check seams, button holes and how patterns line up. Start with a small job, like a shirt or trouser alteration, before a suit.
What should I bring?
- A photo of the style you want
- A garment that fits you well, as a reference
- The fabric, if you're supplying it, with enough length (ask the tailor how much)
- The shoes you'll wear, for trouser length
How do I explain what I want?
Be specific. Instead of "slim", say "a slight taper to the ankle and no break". Instead of "short sleeves", say "ending mid-bicep". Use how a suit should fit and how trousers should fit as your checklist.
How many fittings should I expect?
For alterations, often none or one. For a new shirt or kaftan, one fitting. For a suit, at least one and ideally two.
How do I avoid delays?
Agree a date with buffer before your event, follow up politely a week before, and avoid starting new work in December, which is the busiest month. Keep the agreement in WhatsApp so both sides have it in writing.
What can a tailor fix on bought clothes?
Trouser length and taper, sleeve length, shirt and jacket waist, trouser waist (a few centimetres). Not shoulders. See why fit matters more than price.
Questions
Should I pay everything upfront?
A deposit is common; pay the balance when you've tried it on and you're happy.
What if it doesn't fit at collection?
Point out the specific problem calmly and agree a date for the fix.