Is the CHANEL Boutique the Best for Jacket Alterations and Repairs? Reasons Why Even Authentic Items May Be Rejected

We are a trusted online shop that has specialized in Chanel clothing for 14 years. In this post, we’re answering some of the most frequently asked questions about alterations!

"I want to get my Chanel piece altered for the first time, but should I go to a Chanel boutique or a local tailor?"

Many of you have asked this question, so we’re sharing our experience with you!

▶︎ Alterations at the Chanel Boutique in Tokyo, Ginza

The item I took to the boutique wasn’t originally purchased from a Chanel boutique in Japan. However, as long as the item is authentic, they will treat you with the utmost care and professionalism. (If the item is fake, they will politely decline to take it.)

When I took my Chanel dress to the boutique in Ginza, an atelier staff member was on-site. The sales staff took my requests to the back room and checked all the details to see if it was possible. They provided immediate feedback on what could be done and offered alternatives if something wasn’t possible, which made the experience very smooth.

One of the great things about Chanel boutiques is that they know the original design inside and out, so you can trust that the alterations will maintain the garment’s overall vibe. Plus, the service is always so polite that you learn something new just by visiting.

▶︎ Chanel Boutique Alteration Costs

The cost? When I had a small reinforcement done on a dress, it only cost about 5,000 yen! 😱 (So affordable… Thank you! 🙏🏻)

For larger adjustments, like resizing a jacket or a suit, the cost can be a bit higher—sometimes a few tens of thousands of yen. This is because they take extra care to ensure that the design isn’t compromised, often reworking embellishments or gathering details to maintain the integrity of the piece.

▶︎ What About Alterations Outside of the Chanel Boutique?

You can also take your items to a department store or a local tailor. It’s often more affordable than going to the boutique, and lately, there are many skilled tailors who can do a fantastic job.

Personally, I have a trusted tailor near me, and I frequently adjust the length of my Chanel pieces as I like. 😊 (They’re much more flexible than the boutique! Since they’re not as focused on preserving the design, this often works out better for me.) (⁠◍⁠•⁠ᴗ⁠•⁠◍⁠)

For any brand, boutiques tend to prioritize the original design. So, if you have a strong preference for how you want your piece to look, you might need the courage to push for your vision. In such cases, a non-boutique tailor might be easier to talk to.

One tip is to try out a few tailors with less expensive items first. Once you find the right one, they can become a powerful ally in expanding your fashion options. 😊👍

Both options have a lot to offer, so if you have the time, I recommend giving both a try. Having a go-to place for alterations can really expand your fashion life and make things super convenient! 👍

▶︎ Things to Keep in Mind with Chanel Boutique Alterations①

Even with authentic Chanel pieces, there are times when a boutique might say, "Sorry, we can’t do that."

One common example is when you’re trying to make major size adjustments—like going up or down three sizes. In these cases, Chanel boutiques might not be able to accommodate your request.

But what about adjusting just two sizes? Well, it depends on the boutique’s tailoring skills and how much seam allowance the garment has. Especially for size increases, the amount of extra fabric in the seams plays a big role.

That’s why savvy Chanel collectors often grab rare pieces even if they aren’t the perfect size. They’ll purchase first and then ask us questions like, “How much seam allowance is there?” before heading to alterations.

Whether you plan to bring it to a Chanel boutique or a local tailor, asking us about the seam allowance is a common practice for experienced shoppers.

At our shop, we don’t just check the seam allowance; we also count the number of seams to give you the most accurate information possible.

Keep in mind that even with the same size, everyone’s body measurements vary. So, we can’t guarantee that a certain amount of fabric will be enough for a specific size adjustment.

If you’re considering alterations, feel free to reach out to us with any questions!

Note: For thick coats or velvet fabrics, sometimes the seam allowance isn’t easily visible, so adjustments might be trickier.

▶︎ Things to Keep in Mind with Chanel Boutique Alterations②

Heads up! Here's something important to understand…

Most of our customers totally get this right away, but once in a blue moon, we do run into a bit of a tricky situation with someone. It’s rare, but it happens.

Here’s a story about one such instance:

A customer bought an item from us, and two months later, they contacted us wanting to return it. The reason?

“I didn’t like the white lace, so I asked the boutique to change it to black lace. They told me it’s difficult. I know it’s authentic since they offered to do a size adjustment, but I bought this item because your page mentioned alterations were possible. Since I can’t change it to my liking, I’d like to return it.” 😱

Yikes… two months after the purchase, and this request really put us in a tough spot.

So, let me add a bit more clarification here.

When we say our items can be altered at a Chanel boutique, we mean that, as long as it’s authentic, they’ll take it in for alterations. It does not guarantee that you can customize the design, change the buttons, or make any alteration you want.

Plus, with vintage or older pieces, we can’t promise that you’ll be able to find identical buttons, matching tweed, or that your exact vision can be 100% realized through alterations. Different boutiques around the world may also have different policies. So, it’s always a good idea to reach out to the specific boutique you plan to visit, send them photos, and explain the details before you go.

There are various reasons why a Chanel boutique might decline an alteration request. For example, we’ve had customers from Hong Kong and France ask if the size tag was still intact, as their local boutique won’t do alterations if the tag is cut off. So, it’s not just about authenticity—there are many factors at play.

(Side note: Even if a Chanel boutique can’t do your alteration, I’ve had plenty of success with talented local tailors who can get the job done to your satisfaction.)

When it comes to getting pricing or timelines for alterations, your best bet is to visit the Chanel boutique in person. Not only will you get the most accurate info, but you might also pick up some other useful tips while you're there!

( Click for spring summer jacket)