Reviews of Island Alterations (Tailor)

Stephanie G

Excellent work! I trust Paulina with all of my alteration needs. The rates are very reasonable and alterations were finished in a very timely manner. She is always very accommodating. Paulina has pretty much tailored my entire wardrobe. Thanks to her, my clothes fit me perfectly.

Michael Hutcherson

In March 2013 I took my son's new hoodie in because the zipper kept sticking. The owner replaced the zipper for $25, a little expensive but I figured it would last. The zipper's pin came off about a month later but the weather had gotten warm and we kind of forgot about bringing it back in. I took the hoodie back in November 2013 and showed the zipper to the same owner without saying anything (Pauline I think). She told me that it was a cheap zipper and it would need to be replaced. I then told her that she was the one that repaired the zipper. She quickly changed her tune and said "well your son must be too rough on the zipper". I asked how much to replace the pin. She said probably around $20. I told her I wasn't willing to put another $20 into a hoodie and I just assumed that because the zipper only worked a handful of times that she would possibly cut something off the price. She said "alterations are expensive, you need to tell your son not to be so rough on his clothes". My fiancé was disgusted by this woman's behavior and decided that we will never give them any business again.

Joshua Coleman

They seem professional over the phone and harp on the fact that they have a lot of business. However, THEY DO NOT DISCUSS PRICES OVER THE PHONE This was extremely off putting because I was just trying to get a pair of pants shortened, nothing major. This place seems like they get you in and "hard sell" you. What's that famous Star Wars quote? "ITS A TRAP!"

Meghan Carrington

I had a bridesmaids dress that was MUCH too small, and Pauline was able to let it out while retaining the beauty of the dress! She is nothing short of a miracle worker. I will be returning for all of my future alteration needs!

Brooke Audrey

I called this shop to inquire about getting some dress shirts taken in. I asked for a price range and the owner stated they do not discuss it over the phone. I then asked for a price range so I knew what to expect and she actually raised her voice at me and said, "I told you we don't do that!" Customer service starts at the beginning and unfortunately this business will not have the opportunity to earn my business if they can not provide a price range or general courtesy over the phone.

J S

I took my wedding dress here and I almost walked out of this shop after 5 minutes of dealing with the owner. I told her what I needed done to my dress but she wouldn't listen to me. She said she does things her way and doesn't listen to what anyone else says. I told her I needed the back panel of my dress moved over a couple inches and she said I was wrong and "did I ever think that maybe the dress was just too small?" She actually said that to me! I had just tried the dress on a week ago and it fit perfectly fine. She seemed like she had no idea what she was doing but I stuck with her because I needed my dress done. After the first fitting she did a complete 180 and she was the nicest person. She got my dress done really quick. As for the alterations, they're just ok. She did what I asked but it could still look better. (Trying convince myself it looks fine so I don't turn into Bridezilla) Also, the shop looks dirty and my dress smells musty from sitting in the shop for a few weeks. They also only take cash or check. I was never told this and luckily just so happened to have a check on me. So go here at your own risk. It's not the greatest but they get the job done.

Michael Walsh

My wife just went in to pick up a dress for my daughter. They dropped it off two weeks ago with the promise that it would be ready in two weeks time. The woman running the shop yelled at my wife, telling her it wasn't due for another six days. Then she yelled at her a second time when she found it, saying it was in a pile that told her she had called on Tuesday (she hadn't) to say it was ready? Finally, when my wife prepared to pay, she was yelled at a third time for pulling out a credit card, since the call she hadn't received told her cash or check only. We will not be back.

Amanda H.

I took a dress here to get altered for a wedding. I got the dress back and the hem was uneven (longer on one side). The owner agreed to fix other issues I expressed but would not fix the hem because she did not believe it was uneven. I took it to Maria's Alterations and they told me it was in fact uneven and fixed it for me in a time crunch. I normally do not post negative reviews, but I had to pay almost $150 in alterations at two locations because of the mess. So I would recommend Maria's Alterations over Island.

Brynnan Frye

She was very helpful and friendly and did a wonderful job.

Jack Handegan

What a great local business. Amazing work, fair price and quick turn around!

Marla Carter

I recently had the dress I wore for my daughter's wedding altered here. Pauline was warm and professional and being a sewer, I could tell she knew what she was doing. I waited until the last minute and she had it ready on time and it fit perfectly. Price was comparable to other locations recommended to me but who wouldn't guarantee it on time.

Nicki Gobel

TERRIBLE customer service. My daughter and I walked in and she did not great us at all. Still being friendly myself I asked how much it would be to hem a romper her response was to yell at us. She said it will be $21 but we don’t give estimates and if you wanted to know the price of something you should just ask. Umm... I was so taken back that my response was I did just ask how much it was and you yelled at me for that. Needless to say I won’t ever go there again and I can assure you my 18 year daughter who needs everything altered won’t either.

Alicia Van Sickle

Love this place, we have been return customers for 2+ years. She does excellent work, reasonably priced and quick turnaround. We will continue to be customers for all our alteration needs and have referred other friends as well. Highly recommended! Edit: FYI the negative reviews listed are ridiculous. Who in the world asks for a quote for these types of services over the phone? Do they ask their car mechanic how much it costs before a diagnostic is done too? Also, there are multiple signs posted saying they don't take credit cards. So someone who takes issue with that is actually illiterate, unobservant or simply ignored her when she mentioned it.

Kaley Standish

Pauline was amazing! I needed a Kate Spade cocktail dress taken in in several places and was worried about where to take it. My friend recommended her. She knew exactly what she was doing and my dress turned out perfect! She speaks her mind, but I have nothing but the utmost respect for her. She is passionate about what she does and it shows through her work. I will definitely be going back!

Kathleen Turner

I have gone to Island Alterations for years now and have always been pleased with the service. Pauline gives her best and does excellent work. She *will* tell you exactly what she thinks, and I treasure her forthrightness.

Perri Sluder

Finding an alteration shop in the Charleston area is actually quite difficult. The majority of the places I have been in touch with over the phone have had a 1-2 month time frame for hemming a dress (non wedding). Yes 1-2 months, I could not believe it. Island Alterations has a prompt 2 week turn around time and does quality work at reasonable prices. I have always felt very welcomed at the store and have always been happy with my alternations.