Invoice templates for tailors covering bespoke suits, made-to-measure garments, fittings, and alterations for private clients and trade.
A tailor invoice records the cost of creating, altering, or restoring garments for private or trade clients. UK tailors range from Savile Row bespoke houses offering full canvas hand-cut suits at premium prices to local tailoring shops providing alterations and made-to-measure services. Invoices should clearly describe the garment, the work involved, and any fabric or notions costs. Bespoke tailoring typically involves multiple fittings across a production timeline of several weeks or months. Invoices may be issued at each fitting stage or as a single balance invoice on completion. Fabric supplied by the client should be noted on the invoice so there is no confusion about who owns the material. Trade tailors working for other garment businesses or costume houses should invoice on standard Net 14–30 terms and may need to handle larger volumes with a simpler unit rate structure.
| Service | Typical Rate | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Bespoke suit (two-piece, made-to-measure) | 2200 | garment |
| Bespoke trouser (single pair) | 450 | garment |
| Made-to-measure shirt | 180 | garment |
| Suit alteration (take in/let out jacket + trousers) | 85 | job |
| Wedding dress fitting and alteration | 250 | job |
| Fabric (woven wool suiting, per metre) | 65 | metre |
| Additional fitting session | 75 | fitting |
Alterations are priced a la carte per garment and per operation ($15-$150 for common jobs), bridal and formalwear by fabric and number of layers ($150-$800+), and true bespoke as a flat commission (made-to-measure from ~$823, full bespoke $3,000-$6,500+). Big-city tailors (NYC, California) charge notably more than small-town shops.
Alterations are commonly paid in full on pickup when the finished garment is collected; bespoke and bridal work take roughly a 50% deposit up front with the balance due at the final fitting or delivery.
In many US states alteration labor is a taxable service and any materials (zippers, fabric, cups) are taxable goods, though rules vary by state and by whether the garment is new or used. Charge and remit state/local sales tax where required and list it as a separate line.
This is general guidance, not tax advice. Tax rules vary by country, state, and situation, so confirm with a qualified accountant before relying on it.
For bespoke garments, take a 50% deposit at the first fitting appointment, covering fabric and initial labour. Issue the balance invoice on completion, before the garment is handed over. If the client requires more fittings than originally agreed, charge any additional sessions at your standard fitting rate and note this clearly on the balance invoice. For alterations, it is common to collect full payment on collection. For larger alteration orders (wedding parties, school uniforms), take a 50% deposit and the balance on collection. Always agree the price before starting alterations — unexpected complications should be communicated and agreed before proceeding, not added to the invoice after the fact. Retain clear records of fabric quantities used, as clients sometimes challenge material costs. For trade customers (costume houses, theatre companies), issue an itemised invoice with unit rates and quantity clearly shown, and operate on agreed account terms.