Ari Tailoring Available

Ari Tailoring operates out of a dedicated workshop on Mather Field Road, focusing on the mechanical deconstruction, re-proportioning, and structural finishing of tailored garments. Led by master seamstress Shahnaz Ben Selma, who brings more than three decades of specialized bench experience to the trade, the workshop handles structural modifications spanning bespoke menswear, bridal gowns, vintage restorations, and utility apparel such as military uniforms. Rather than applying surface-level shortcuts or single-seam tucks that disrupt garment drape, the bench methodology emphasizes complete disassembly along factory construction lines to maintain the original garment geometry.

Every alteration begins with a mechanical assessment of garment balance, grainline orientation, and material behavior. Handling materials like fine silk, suede, structured wool, and multi-layered formal wear requires dedicated technical interventions. When resetting suit jacket sleeves or reshaping shoulders, Ben Selma releases the armscye stitching, adjusts the shoulder pad orientation, and recalculates the sleeve cap pitch before reattaching the sleeve to prevent unsightly puckering or restricted movement. On formal gowns with interior boning and embellished lace, the process involves hand-releasing delicate lace appliques, altering underlying stabilizing panels, and securing seams with concealed stitching so finished modifications leave zero visible footprints.

For bespoke suiting and custom commissions, the technical workflow incorporates multi-stage baste fittings using unfinished components. Garments are drafted to client-specific anatomical measurements, giving cutters and seamstresses the opportunity to evaluate shoulder slope, torso hollows, and posture deviations before final assembly and buttonhole stitching. Heavy textiles like leather and dense outerwear receive tailored tension adjustments on heavy-duty industrial machinery to prevent stitch skipping and thread tension failures. Similarly, zipper replacements and lining renewals are executed using color-matched topstitching and reinforced bar-tacks to match or exceed the durability of original manufacturer specifications.

Standard alterations, including trouser hemming, waistband adjustments, and basic jacket taperings, generally move through the Rancho Cordova bench within a standard turnaround cycle of five to seven business days, with rush accommodation evaluated based on seam complexity. For initial fitting evaluations, clients must bring the exact footwear and foundation garments planned for wear with the altered piece, as heel height dictates the precise hem break and undergarment structures alter bodice tension. Garments presented for fitting should also be freshly cleaned or laundered to ensure dimensional stability and accurate chalk markings before cutting begins.