Simon Master Tailor

I’d gone through my whole adult life thinking that retail clothing is a hit and miss thing: Certain brands fit you well (usually the pricey ones) and most brands don’t. And forget shopping online… that’s a complete shot in the dark. And even the one’s that fit «perfectly», really honestly don’t.
…until I went to SImon’s Tailor three years ago. Now everything fits perfectly. Believe the hype… maybe Simon’s not the cheapest or the fastest tailor, but I’ve ruined dozens of great pieces at «alterations and dry cleaning» joints all over LA. I miss this place the most when I’m out of town and have to wait months to get clothes I’ve bought altered.
Don’t mess around with your clothes. This place is worth it.

Beware. They told me they could re-​weave two tiny moth holes (pin head size) in a pair of $ 325 dress slacks, for a cost of $ 120. After a month I got the pants back, and the holes were patched with pieces of fabric the size of Band-​Aids. The repair was obvious and hideous, and the pants are unwearable. The tailor’s solution: «Get them dry cleaned and maybe after they are pressed it won’t be as noticeable.» If they had said up front that the job was too difficult to be done properly, I would have kept my $ 120 and replaced the pants entirely (which I now must do anyway). I feel completely cheated and will never use this tailor again.

Bottom line up front: Extremely expensive, mediocre customer service, and certainly not «master» tailoring.
I purchased two nice suits and needed them tailored. My spidey sense tingled when we entered the store and exclusively saw jeans. But my wife said there were plenty of great reviews on Unilocal,and the location was convenient.
We dropped off the suits on a Saturday, and the woman that helped us told us to come back Tuesday for a fitting. We asked for a price but she said she didn’t know-​there is no posted price list, of any shape or form. She promised that her manager would call me Monday with a price. She also assured me that they could tailor fine suits, and not just jeans.
I received no phone call.
Tuesday I went in for a fitting. The suits had had minimal work done to them. After reiterating the work I wanted done (and was supposed to have been done for the fitting) the manager gave me a quote. She told me the price was $ 460, for both suits. One suit did need a fair amount of work, but the other needed minimal work-​hemming and taking in the stomach on the jacket.
I asked why the prices were so expensive, and if I could see a price list, or at least an itemized breakdown. I received chicken scratch on a piece of paper, while the two women in the shop conversed in Russian.
When I explained that I did not think the price was fair, and that I expected to receive a price quote prior to being expected to pay such a fee (especially since they said they would call me) I received a lecture on how my suits only cost $ 20 in China, amongst other insults.
At this point I only had a few more days to get the suits finished, and the manager at Simon’s only conceded to lower her price to $ 400-​which was a steal, she insisted.
I returned to pick up the suits Friday, and saw that the suits either had not been finished, or they had just chosen to only do some of the alterations. My father-​in-​law pointed out the same problems that my wife and I observed on Tuesday, and we left the suits again. We picked them up Saturday (I was starting graduate school and moving, so did not have time to wait). The suits were no different on Saturday.
Again, bottom line: extremely expensive (but don’t expect a price list up front or posted anywhere), terrible customer service, and mediocre tailoring. I would not even return here to get my jeans worked on, especially since I observed the same pricing fiasco with a jeans client on Friday, who paid a $ 60 deposit and $ 160 balance to patch 2 pairs of jeans.

This was my dilemma: I bought a pair of jeans on sale that looked great when I tried them on in the store, but after wearing them for an hour or two, they became what I like to term hammer pants. After doing some research, I thought I’d take them to Simon Master Tailor to have them altered to look more like skinny jeans. I know it’s not something every tailor will do, but Simon Master Tailor specializes in denim, so I thought it’d be awesome.
I walked in on a Saturday and there was just one little old lady working there. She was nice enough, but she didn’t speak much English. Normally the language barrier wouldn’t be an issue, but when you are trying to discuss very specific tailoring details, it’s a bit of a hindrance.
She took my measurements, pinned my jeans and then gave me a quote. When she told me it’d be $ 66 dollars, I thought it was really pricey but I was already there. I figured that if my jeans ended up fitting perfectly, it’d be worth it.
I picked up my jeans today and there were two different ladies there, who were very nice. I tried the jeans on and was really disappointed. They were less Hammer pants, but more Mom jeans. Maybe it just wasn’t meant to be, but for the price they charged I really expected so much more.
They’re cash only and they have a couple of parking spots out in the back.

Now that Denim Doctors next door has closed, Simon can continue his quest for world domination in peace.
I have been going to the little Russian ladies (does Simon even exist anymore?) ever since I stopped buying my jeans at K-​Mart. My brother, a fashion maven who was metrosexual before the word existed, gifted me some Diesel denim 6 years ago to prove the superiority of brand name clothing, which I pooh-​poohed as just so much marketing.
Aside from converting me, that pair of jeans also introduced me to Simon (and his little Russian harem) and the concept of preserving the original hem. These ladies don’t come cheap but I keep going back because they do flawless alterations that make these jeans look tailor-​made for me.
Sadly, those original Diesels bit the dust before I discovered that Simon’s bevy of buxom blondes (not really, but it sounds good, doesn’t it?) will also repair jeans. I had no idea that jeans were like cars that way but guess what? They are! So if you’re like me inasmuch as your denim wears away in certain spots to nothing (how can cloth just vanish into air?), these ladies will work some miracles and fix it so that no one but you will know. And even you might forget it’s a repair because they use a thread that’s soft yet strong (kind of like a Russian woman?)
They would be 5 stars if they were less pricey. Or even if they posted their prices. They quote a price based on the job but I also get the sense that it’s based on an age-​old macroeconomic concept called supply and demand — you supply the job, we demand the price.

These ladies saved my boyfriend’s butt. Something very important and suit-​appropriate had come up, last minute. He bought a new suit at the Beverly Center and then pleaded with the ladies at Simon Master Tailor to rush the alterations. The place was about five minutes from the mall. It was awesome. They clearly new what they were doing, the work was done on time, and the work was very good. I also thought the prices were reasonable. When they were measuring and pinning, I just really got the sense that he was in good hands. And sure enough, everything worked out fantastically. Yay! Thanks, ladies… you are rock stars.

Just got back my second set of jeans from them. Of course Simon is the Master Tailor. It took them about ten days to complete the work for two pairs of jeans I took in. One pair was my own and the second pair belongs to my girlfriend.
I have to mention that the last time I came here, I brought three pairs of jeans and they whipped them into shape within five days. I had a trip to South America and really needed my jeans worked on quick. Two Russian women work the shop for the most part. They are very pleasant to deal with.
I must admit that their open ceiling fitting room with a swinging drape makes me nervous. I get the sense that there’s a peep camera high in the ceiling. These days you never know. Another thing I can’t help but notice is that there’s another denim repair spot next door. They have signage in the window and so does Simon. The signage gives me the impression that there’s bad blood between both shops.
I’ve never stepped into the other place. Frankly, I could care less about any bad blood there. Just get my jeans right. Simon the Master Tailor gets the job done for me at a reasonable price. No more dragging my uneven pant legs because they’re too long. Get yer jeans tailored. It’s an investment.

Well… it appears I’m the first person to review this tailor for suit and sweater repair (can you tell I’m from New England?).
When I first arrived in LA, I noticed that in transnational moving, my sweaters had been terrorized by moths (one of the few things I hate in this world). They repaired the holes in all my sweaters and I can’t even tell where the spots were.
However, the crowning achievement was the DRASTIC alteration done on a pair of suit pants. They masterfully made size 35 pants go to 32, removing fabric and tightening up the entire seat and inseam. When I put them back on, they looked beyond amazing.
I’m not sure where this animosity comes from other people about jeans lying on the floor, dusty floors, not being noticed… I always walk in the back door and say hello to everyone, then get my stuff fixed, talk, and leave. All jeans are neatly displayed in the front of the store. Sounds like a few Unilocalers had a case of the Mondays when they went here…

I just took two pairs of jeans to have them altered, both jeans a very different style and color, and they look and fit amazingly. But, more importantly, I look amazing in them. I will be taking all of my jeans here for now on. The price was reasonable and the staff was very friendly and professional. Why spend hundreds of dollars on jeans that still don’t fit right – and look silly anyway (Yes, you look like a fool in your $ 300 jeans. Don’t kid yourself.) – when you can spend $ 50 bucks on a pair of jeans and have them fitted for another $ 30-​$ 40?

I walked in here thinking they were a different place, the lady at the counter (Dolly) did not correct me, and I didn’t find out until after I had left the place and tried to call to find out if my jeans were ready, that in fact, they were NOT the right place. Turns out I’m not the first customer to make that same mistake. And they don’t mind that they’re getting business by misrepresenting themselves, apparently.
Even worse, the repair job I received was terrible. I asked them to repair two pairs of ripped jeans for me. One pair of jeans, which used to be super soft, turned out really stiff in the areas that I got repaired. VERY stiff. It feels like there’s a piece of cardboard in there. They charged me far too much for the work they did, and whoever repaired it used VIOLET thread for both dark blue and light blue jeans. it does NOT blend in, and looks really tacky. in addition, they repaired them in a way that made the jeans more likely to rip again — this is according to a DIFFERENT tailor I went to to consult them on whether this tacky repair job was the standard or not. According to them, it was a very temporary repair that, if anything, weakened the jeans more than anything in the areas surrounding the place where there had been a rip, because there was a lack of reinforcement in weakened areas around the repair. They offered to reinforce these areas for free after they heard how much this place had charged me.
VIOLET thread for two very different shades of blue. Why? maybe they’re lazy, maybe they just don’t know what they’re doing. I have no idea.

I walked into this store about 3 years ago wanting to get a pair of wide-​legged jeans hemmed. The first thing I noticed were premium jeans thrown around EVERYWHERE. On the floor, left in piles, tossed over sewing machines. It didn’t seem like they had any regard for people’s merchandise.
I wasn’t acknowledged when I came in. I stood in the dusty storefront awkwardly for about 5 minutes. Finally, an older man gruffly shoved me into a makeshift dressing room after I told him I needed some jeans hemmed. I came out with my jeans on, he safety pinned the hem to where I wanted it and asked me,
«You want Original Hem?»
I wasn’t sure what he meant by that, because he pronounced «Original Hem» like it was the Monday night special. I told him,
«Ugh, sure… How much it will cost?»
«Because you have wide-​leg style, I charge $ 30 for Original Hem.»
«That seems high to me. What exactly do you do to Original Hem? Most other places I go to charge only $ 10-​$ 15.»
«It is special secret, here, how we do Original Hem. It is very unique process. No-​one else know. We use special thread and give it nice treatment.»
You mean, like throwing it on the floors to catch dust mites with? When someone gives me a line of blatant BS like that, I am utterly turned off. I know how to sew and believe me, there is no secret special process to hemming a pair of jeans.
So I came out of the dressing room and nicely told the man in so many words ‘Thanks, but no thanks. I don”t want to get anything hemmed here.‘
And what does he do? He reaches into the shopping bag that I was carrying my jeans in and removes the 1 safety pin he’d used to alter the hem length. He then dumps my jeans back into my bag, grunts at me with a «Hmph,» and dismisses me by waving his hand and turning his back.
How very classy.

The owner was very sweet and helpful. They have parking in the back which is accessible through the alley behind the shop.
Dropped off a few pairs of jeans to have them altered. I noticed that it was a little on the pricer side, but they did a flawless job.

They did a nice job with a simple original hem of my 7 for All Mankind jeans. I think it cost around $ 25, which is reasonable for such work. I know that there are plenty of tailors in the garment district Downtown that would do it cheaper, but I don’t like to take a risk on expensive denim. There’s free parking in the alley behind their shop for their patrons, or you can just grab a meter on 3^rd.

Took about a week to get them back, but they cut my jeans nicer than Boss did with their own stuff. Dali/​Dolly/​Dahlee (sp?) and Natasha are quick, pleasant, and even sew on the original hems.

Based on Unilocal ratings I decided to try out Simon Master Tailor. Just moved to LA recently and needed to find a good tailor. I always need my pants altered. I’m very happy with this place and will definitely be a repeat customer. I had jeans hemmed. It was $ 20 and took 1 week. Great!

My brand new blue jeans needed an alteration, but had no idea where to take them. I found this place on Unilocal and decided to try there because it has such great reviews.
Thank you all the Unilocalers. I made the right decision! They did such a great job – original hem, matching the «little-​worn-​out look» at the bottom and being on time. It was $ 24.
The owner was super friendly, too. Very nice lady.
There is a parking lot behind this store where you can park your car for free. Just drive the ally behind the store and their parking lot is right in front of the «purple tree.» (You will see what I’m talking about. The owner explaned it to me exact the same way and I was perfectly able to find their parking lot!)
I’ll definitely be back here whenever I need alteration.

I drove out of my way from Sherman Oaks to drop my jeans off here, thanks to the great reviews from fellow Unilocalers, and again, you didn’t let me down. Dropped off an expensive pair of jeans on Monday afternoon, and was able to pick them up that Friday after noon. They kept the original hem, and did an incredible job, and it was only $ 24.00 Well worth it for a job well done and the fact that they won’t ruin a pair of jeans you paid good money for. Best hem job on jeans I’ve ever had, and it looks like I bought them this way — Simon’s has a new regular customer. Thanks again Unilocalers!

I let NO ONE else touch my fancy jeans. When you’re paying $ 150+ for a pair of denims, you want the hem to match.
Being a mere 5’2″ hemming my pants is a way of life. Simon’s does such a kickass job, you can’t tell I ever had them hemmed! They use the original hem, where possible, so that the fading and sewing match the jean.
I’ve been going here for over 7 years and will keep coming back. I actually have 3 pairs at Simon’s right now! Better hit the ATM before you go, tho. Cash only and pre-​pay (tho you can sometimes just put 50% down).

update: I’m officially a repeat customer and will take any future denim purchases that require alterations here. I’ve had 3 pairs done here and am extremely pleased.
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I purchased a pair of denim that required a good hem. I looked to Unilocal for help and am pleased with the results and in full agreement w/​the first review.
My qualifications:
* affordable — $ 22
* original hem — yup
* a reasonable wait — one week!
* nearby — less than 5 miles for me
* good results — yup
All were met.
I’m willing to give the shop 5 *‘s entirely for workmanship, which is the most crucial for me, but fair warning:
* Since I only had 1 pair to alter, the store wouldn’t accept a credit card, so it’s cash only if you’re cheap like me and do things in one’s and two’s. And, as the first reviewer said, you have to pay in advance.
* the store clerk (owner?) doesn’t have the friendliest demeanor
* the shop is small and reminiscent of a warehouse closet
Btw, it’s a bit tough to spot among the row of small stores, but it’s next door to Denim Revival and not too far from AOC wine bar. The shop says there is parking in rear, but I, fortunately, found street parking.

This is THE place to go to get your jeans hemmed, taken in, let out, patched up and otherwise perfected.
They specialize in jean alterations and can take even your most foul pair circa 1994 and with some tugs and a squinty-​eyed long glare from the crusty but lovable Slav running the shop, and her trusty assistant she will turn out a pair of jeans fit to make you look as hot as you want.
When I lost a bunch of weight really quickly this was where I went to get all my jeans not only taken in, but altered to make my butt look better. That cost about $ 20 per pair. NOT bad, when you think about it. They do a phenomenal job. They just know how to work with fabrics and cuts and your own curves to highlight EXACTLY what you want to highlight, and diminsh exactly what you want to diminish.
AND? If you get a rip the reweaving is not-​to-​be-​believed– AMAZING. And my mom was a dressmaker and tailor. So I know of which I speak. I know when someone’s doing their job WELL.
They didn’t seem cheap at the outset, but after taking a few pairs in to her, last time I came in with two pairs that needed hemming, and a BUNCH of reweaving work she gave me a flat price that was pretty damn cheap… especially since it was slightly less than Alex’s Reweaving quoted me for JUST the weaving work and not the hems.
She’ll take a card, but she prefers cash, and you have to prepay. But there’s a reason LA Magazine wrote this place up as THE place to take your expensive jeans for tailoring and have them come out looking fantastic.
They also custom-​make jeans that look beautiful.