Your Debs, Your Way: Debs dress alterations and custom design in Ireland

Every August, our studio in Cork, Ireland, fills with beautiful and colourful deb’s dresses.

Some are off-the-rack alterations, others are customised one-of-a-kind creations.

For every dress, our task is to make sure it fits perfectly on the night. From more affordable alterations to unique show-stoppers costing close to a thousand euros, each dress is equally important to us.

Here’s what you need to know ensuring the perfect fit for your formal dress.

Can my Deb’s dress be altered?

Whether you want to call it a deb’s dress, prom dress, or graduation dress, most good-quality dresses can be altered for a perfect look and fit. Here’s what to remember when you’re browsing your off-the-rack options.

• It’s better to buy slightly larger than too small. Narrowing a dress is always cheaper than widening it.
• Try to get as close to your size as possible. If you’re purchasing in a store, don’t just look at the label – it’s essential to try it on.
• Leave yourself plenty of time. If you’re buying a formal dress online, order well in advance. That way, if the size is off, you have the time to exchange it for another one.

Check in with your dressmaker to secure your alteration appointment as early as possible. They can advise on how long it will take and how much it will cost to get the look you want.

The most common Deb’s dress alterations – length, width and cost

The length of a deb’s dress is crucial to the look and comfort on the night. Formal dresses are usually sold very long and usually need to be shortened.

Shortening debs dresses is a common alteration we do, and every dress is different. The price of shortening a dress depends on the finishing of the dress’s hem (lace, beads, sequins, tapes etc) and the number of layers in the debs dress.

It’s not just the dress that can be too long – we often shorten or change the shoulder straps.

Another common fix is the width – we can narrow prom dresses around the bust and waist and it’s also usually possible to widen the dress in the bust or waist area.

How much will a deb’s dress alteration cost? It depends on the level of difficulty and the time needed to achieve the desired effect. Altering dresses adorned with beads, diamonds, sequins, or lace etc is more expensive than plain ones.

One-of-a-kind elegance: Custom deb’s dresses for unique style

If you don’t want to trudge around the shops or risk ordering online, you can design your dream Deb’s dress with an experienced dressmaker.

A custom-made dress eliminates any risk – you know it will fit and flatter your figure. Our dressmakers will take your ideas from a sketch to a stunner!

Should you wear a ruby red mermaid dress or an off-the-shoulder dress in emerald green? We can advise on flattering fabrics and help you pick out the colours that will complement your natural beauty. From plus-size options to your ideal neckline, we know the cuts and silhouettes that will suit every figure.

Whatever option you choose, remember that you wear the dress and it doesn’t wear you! You are already beautiful; your deb’s dress is just an accessory.

Need Deb’s dress inspiration?

Some ideas from Irish stores and boutiques:

• Dani’s Showroom
• Elliott Chambers
• RSVP looks at Brown Thomas
• Redesign and re-wear – thinking of reusing a dress? Here are some ideas for finding and adapting sustainable Deb’s dresses from The Irish Times.

Make a Deb’s Dress appointment online

Want to book in for an alteration or a custom-made dress? We are in Glanmire, 10 minutes drive from Cork city. You can bring friends or family to your appointment, and our studio offers a stylish and private area to try out your ideas.

Phone us or choose a time and book online.