The 5 Biggest Style Mistakes We See – As Sewists

Last Updated on April 22, 2025 by Alterations Express Staff

It’s a professional hazard. We can’t help it really; everywhere we look, we see style mistakes. It’s not like we seek them out; if anything, they find US! But there they are, staring us in the face. The pant hem of your uncle’s suit dragging on the floor at the family wedding. Or the sport coat with sleeves so long they touch the thumb of your brother-in-law at a funeral. Or the designer tag left on the sleeve of a coat because your friend doesn’t know they need to be cut off. The 5 biggest style mistakes we see as sewists are all around if you know what to look for. And unfortunately, it’s hard to point out these style mistakes without offending or embarrassing someone. So, we’ve come to The Tailor Shop to review the 5 biggest style mistakes we see as sewists. It is our greatest hope that you, our reader, pass on this information to those in need. Thanks for your help – we tailors appreciate it.

Quick Links:

• • #1 Dragging Hems
  • #2 Sleeve Lengths
  • #3 Leaving Designer Tags in Place
  • #4 Opening Front Pockets
  • #5 Not Removing Tacking

#1 Dragging Hems

A pant hem dragging on the floor is a big no-no and a straightforward way to tell that someone hasn’t visited their tailor. Whether you’re looking to rock a full-break, half-break, or no-break in terms of your pant length, your pant hem should never drag on the floor – especially when talking about suit pants. Getting your pants hemmed is easy and affordable and makes a world of difference regarding the benefits to your style. We even offer ‘Pant Hems While -U- Wait’. Bottom line: don’t let your pant hem drag on the ground.

#2 Sleeves Too Long

Please, for the love of all that is good, hem your sleeves and adjust your cuffs. We know it’s easy to ignore this one. I mean, who is really looking at your sleeve length? Is it seriously that important? YES! Yes, it is. And yes, people are going to notice. And you won’t feel as confident in your clothing because of it. So, get your sleeves shortened to an appropriate length.

#3 Leaving Designer Tags in Place

This is a little niche, but it’s a pet peeve and something we’re seeing more frequently. Listen carefully: When you buy a suit or a coat from a well-known brand like Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, or Ralph Lauren, before wearing it, remove the designer tags that are sewn onto the outside of the garment. Usually, these designer tags are sewn loosely onto the outside of the garment and are meant to be cut off before wearing. We’ll leave some photos below to help demonstrate what we’re talking about. And remember, you can always ask your tailor to remove these for you, too, but this won’t be something that sewists will automatically do for you.

#4 Opening Front Pockets

Do not—we repeat—do not, under any circumstances, open the front pockets of your suit jacket. They are not meant to be opened, and this is for one reason: When you open these pockets, the fabric will start to stretch and sag, eventually compromising the jacket’s silhouette. If you open these pockets, your jacket won’t look as flattering and will not last very long in your wardrobe.

#5 Not Removing Tack Stitching

Tack stitching is not a feature on your suit jacket. Remove it once you buy your suit. A tailor will not automatically remove these unless you specifically ask for them to remove them.

Image via He Spoke Style