Frequently Asked Questions
In over 30 years we've heard almost everything. Here are answers to the most common questions about our repair, alteration, custom tailoring and postal service.
If you can't find your answer below, message us on WhatsApp or email — we reply the same working day. For a faster quote, send a photo of the garment you'd like repaired.
General Questions
How long does clothing repair take?
Most repairs and alterations are completed in 5-10 working days. Simple jobs such as a button, hem or small seam repair are often faster. More complex alterations and made-to-measure clothing can take 2-6 weeks. We always give a specific timeline when we receive the garment in the workshop or by post.
Do I need to book an appointment?
Walk-ins are welcome for simple repairs and garment drop-off. For complex alterations, suit fitting or made-to-measure work, we recommend calling or writing on WhatsApp first so we can give you proper attention.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, bank transfer and card payments. For postal service customers, payment is usually by bank transfer after the quote has been approved.
Do you guarantee your work?
Yes. We stand behind the quality of our work. If there is a problem with a repaired or altered garment, let us know. If the issue is our fault, we will correct it free of charge.
Can I send a photo or video on WhatsApp before posting the item?
Yes. For a zipper replacement, hem, jeans or lining repair, curtains or wedding dress, a photo or short video is often enough for an initial estimate. We confirm the final price after receiving the item.
Can you shorten curtains to my measurements?
Yes. Send us a photo or video of the curtains or fabric, the approximate width, the desired finished length and a photo of the rail or fixing. We will advise whether the curtains can be shortened, whether a heading tape can be added or the edge finished, and give a price estimate.
Can I bring or send several items at once?
Of course. We recommend bringing or sending all garments that need repair at the same time. It saves time and, for postal service customers, shipping cost. We assess each item separately and confirm the total price before starting.
Are my garments safe while they are with you?
Yes. Customer items are numbered and registered systematically in our workshop. Garments are stored in clean conditions and used only for the work they came in for. Õmbluslabor has worked for more than 30 years, and trust is our most important asset.
What happens if something unexpected appears during the work?
Sometimes hidden wear or damage becomes visible only after work has started. In that case we stop, contact you, explain the situation and ask for approval if the price changes. You will never receive a bill that was not agreed in advance.
Why choose Õmbluslabor?
More than 30 years of experience, Riga Fashion Week background, postal service across Estonia, transparent pricing and service in Estonian, Russian and English. We help both local Tallinn customers and people farther away who cannot visit the workshop. All work is done by qualified tailors in our Vikerlase Street workshop.
Repair Questions
What repair work do you do?
We replace zippers on trousers, jackets, coats, boots and bags; repair loose seams; patch holes and tears; sew buttons; reinforce worn areas such as jeans inner thighs; replace linings; and repair leather and fur. If you are not sure whether we can repair your item, contact us. In most cases there is a solution.
Can you repair a badly damaged or old garment?
Often there is a solution even for items that others have called hopeless. For old or sentimental garments, it is worth sending us photos. We will honestly say whether repair is sensible or whether redesigning the item into something else would be better.
Do you repair leather and fur?
Yes. We specialize in leather and fur repairs: restoring seams, reinforcing worn areas, replacing zippers on leather jackets, repairing handles and shoulder straps on leather bags, and handling structural damage on coats. Leather and fur repair requires special equipment and skill, which we have.
What if a button or zipper cannot be matched exactly?
We keep a large selection of buttons and zippers. Often we can find the original match or a very close one. If an exact match is not possible, we show you the nearest options and discuss the best solution together. The quote will specify the materials we use.
Can you repair worn inner thighs on jeans?
Yes, this is one of our most common repairs. We reinforce the worn area from the inside and stitch it by machine so it blends with the original denim structure. The result is strong and as discreet as possible, giving the jeans a useful life again.
What is invisible mending?
Invisible mending is a specialist hand technique where a hole or tear is repaired so the result is almost invisible. We use it mainly on wool, cashmere and fine fabrics. It takes more time and costs more than a standard patch, but it is worthwhile for valuable garments.
Does the clothing need to be clean?
Yes. Please bring or send only clean and dry garments. Moisture, dirt and pet hair can damage the fabric, slow down the work and harm our equipment.
Alteration Questions
How much can a garment be made larger or smaller?
It depends on the garment construction and seam allowance. Usually an item can be taken in or let out by 1-2 sizes. We assess every garment separately and tell you honestly what is possible. One jacket may allow only a 1 cm change, while another may allow up to 4 cm.
Can you preserve the original hem on jeans?
Yes, this is one of our most requested services. We shorten the jeans to the desired length, remove the excess fabric and sew the original hem back on. This is especially important for designer jeans and special finishes because the original color tone and stitch pattern are preserved.
How does suit fitting work?
Suit alteration starts with a first fitting, where we mark the changes on the jacket and trousers. On the jacket we can usually adjust the sides, sleeve length, shoulders within limits and body length. On trousers we adjust the waist, leg width and hem. Depending on the work, 1-2 fittings may be needed before final finishing.
Can you alter a wedding dress?
Yes, wedding dress alterations are one of our specialties. We work with new purchased dresses as well as redesigning a bride's mother or grandmother's dress. We recommend allowing at least 4-6 weeks before the wedding. Usually 2-3 fittings are needed.
Do you preserve the original look of branded garments?
Yes, where the construction allows. When fitting a jacket, dress, coat or jeans we aim to preserve the factory seams, decorative details, the original hem and the overall silhouette.
Postal Service Questions
How exactly does the postal service work?
Four steps: 1) Contact us by e-mail, WhatsApp or form, describe the work and send photos. 2) Send the item by parcel machine, using Omniva, SmartPost or DPD, with a short note inside. 3) We assess the work, send a quote and complete the repair after your approval. 4) We send the repaired item back to your preferred parcel machine.
Which parcel machines do you use?
You can use all major Estonian services: Omniva, SmartPost/Itella and DPD. Choose whichever is most convenient for you. We give the exact sending address when you contact us.
Who pays for shipping?
You pay for the first direction, from you to us. Return shipping is included in the quote when the work value is over 30 euros. For smaller jobs we add the return shipping separately. Valuable items are always handled as trackable shipments.
What if I do not approve the quote?
No problem. If you do not want the work done at the proposed price, we send the garment back to you. You only pay the return shipping cost. We do not charge for the assessment.
Does the postal service work across all of Estonia?
Yes, we serve all of Estonia: from Tallinn to Tartu, Narva to Pärnu, Saaremaa to Võru. Estonia's dense parcel-machine network lets you send and receive garments wherever you live, without driving to Tallinn.
How long does postal service take in total?
Usually 7-14 days: shipping to us takes about 1-2 days, assessment and work take 5-10 days, and return shipping takes 1-2 days. Express service may be available with priority handling, with a total time of 5-7 days. We always discuss this in advance.
How should I pack a garment for shipping?
Fold the garment carefully and place it in a plastic or paper package to protect it from moisture. Add a note with your name, phone number and a short description of the work, unless we have already agreed all details in writing. For especially valuable items such as a wedding dress or leather coat, use tracked shipping.
Can I send several items in one parcel?
Yes. Place each item separately or include a note saying what needs to be done with each one. We assess the work individually and send a combined quote before starting the repair.
Custom Clothing Questions
How much does made-to-measure clothing cost?
The price depends on complexity, fabric and details. A simple skirt starts from 95 euros, a simple dress from 180 euros, and a women’s suit from 650 euros. Wedding dresses start from 850 euros, but the final price depends on the design. A complex lace design can cost 2500 euros or more. We give a detailed quote after the first consultation and measurements.
Do I need to provide the fabric myself?
You can, but you do not have to. We have fabric samples and can help you choose and source materials. If you already have your own fabric, for example from travel or a vintage shop, you are welcome to bring it. We will also help assess whether the fabric suits the garment you want.
How many fittings are needed for made-to-measure clothing?
Usually 2-3 fittings. The first checks the basic structure and fit, often with a trial garment. The second is for more precise adjustments, and the third is final finishing before completion. More complex garments such as wedding dresses or women’s suits may need one more fitting.
Can you make a wedding or evening dress to measure?
Yes. We can discuss making a wedding, evening or formal dress to measure, as well as altering or redesigning a ready-made dress. It is best to get in touch early to allow time for fabric, fittings and any handwork details.
Do you also sew dog harnesses and pet coats?
Yes, this is one of our specialties. We sew made-to-measure dog coats, rain protection, harnesses and, when needed, shoes. Measurements are taken with your pet present, so please bring the dog by appointment.
Didn't find your answer?
Message us on WhatsApp or by email — we reply the same working day.
