Friargate Alterations

An excellent job in sorting out my partner's bridal dress at short notice, fixing a faulty zip. Highly recommend!!!!

I have never left a bad review before but after the continuing fall out and consequences of the awful service and product we got, I feel I should.After much searching for an outfit for my child for Prom, we decided to support a local small business, rather than online. FA had good online reviews and we trusted them do to this.We reached out via mail and messaging letting them know what sort of outfit we wanted and that our child had special needs due to autism and difficulty communicating. They assured us this would be no problem and that they would work with us to get this right.We let them help guide us on good ideas of fabric, a vintage opera coat was suggested for the main item which was a coat.We were working form a picture my child has found online of what they were hoping for, and we knew that a perfect copy was not likely but a good approximation was possible.We were quoted over £300 for this outfit, but we were told it should of been more but since we were recycling fabric, it would be cheaper.My child went in several times for a fitting with their father.My child says that every time they said anything, the main lady made them feel like every said was wrong and made to feel uncomfortable.As did their father, who was often dismissed.The first time I saw the completed outfit was on the day of collection which was the day of the Prom.First hint that things were very wrong was when my child came down stairs and asked me to help with the corset lacing at the back of the coat which was far to high and really badly designed. The cord used was a nasty looking pleather with no proper endings, just rough cut.Another reason for its bad fitting was the arm hole of the coat which had one hole smaller than the other. Very badly shaped.The inner lining was not properly sewed on, in fact it was basic tacking in some places and the bottom section was not attached at all (this was later rectified after the Prom by FA but only after much denying of failure. The arm hole was also fixed with admittance of mistake).The fabric had me confused as we I was told it was an opera coat, I had imagined a heavier fabric but this seems polyester and rather shabby in looks.You could see the old button holes and it looked like a left over from a charity store.The stitching was horrendous and the angles of the corners was so basic, I could not believe a professional had done it, more like a trainee new to sewing.During the Prom, the shirt dropped a button, when I later complained about this, an insinuation was made that who knows what my child got up to Prom, which is not only disgusting but also wholly inappropriate to say about a 16 year old.The only item which was any good were the trousers but they were lacking belt loops and any detail for a pocket watch which we were told it would and was one of its main features.AS it was we had to safety pin a lot of the outfit to make it work.Much of the detail and embellishment for the outfit was left off and we were later told this was never agreed upon though we had asked for it. We were told we had not.I cannot argue that as we have no proof.What we do have is the proof from a textile specialist that the 'vintage' opera coat is in fact a 1970's rain coat.So much for the opera coat we had thought we were getting.We literally could of done better ourselves.I have now asked several professional seamstresses and tailors to look at the outfit to make sure I am not lying or imagining things and they agree, its bad. Really bad.We had to fight tooth and nail for any money back, were dismissed and spoken to like children., I did loose my temper when the accusation was made about my child and was told I could be asked to leave the store but the pure tone and awfulness, was unbearable.All in all, it was a nasty experience, I feel bad as a parent for trusting them and letting my child end up with an awful experience.I only can hope this was a one off thing and it happens to no one else.

There are some business in Derby that deliver a great service. But, there are some business’s that everytime deliver and surpass your needs. Friargate alterations have been working with me for several years and never fail to deliver exactly what I’m asking for. Time and time again . It’s as if the team are mind readers because no matter what my alteration or made to measure need they just knock it out the park . And let’s not even talk about the immense value for money and the free smile and welcome chat every time I visit. Sometimes you just need a business you can rely on, time and time again. Thanks team

Highly recommend Friargate Alterations, fab service from Leren & Elise. We had custom cosplay outfits that we needed in a relatively short time scale and the girls could not have been more helpful or enthusiastic. Great attention to detail and executed with care and precision. Very happy customer who will definitely be using them again!

Been using these lovely ladies for a few years now and they've never let me down. They go above and beyond to meet even the most obscure of alteration requests (from anything such as jeans to my children's nativity costumes and a coat for my dog) and are always so accommodating to fit within my timeline of when I need my items back. I always enjoy the friendly faces, laughs and chat I have when in the shop, they make me feel comfortable in my clothing and I'm very grateful. I always aim to support my local small businesses and this is one I am loyal to.

Thank you Friargate Alterations and especially Leren for making my Grinch costume come true. Leren made my Grinch bottoms and forearm sleeves with great skill and professionalism. From the very start listening to my needs and being precise in her measurements. Always giving updates on progress and to pop in for extra fitting appointments. Would highly recommend these guys for their great skill set, pricing and professional service.Sorry about the green fur getting all over your shop.MERRY GRINCHMAS

Friargate alterations are incredible! I needed some last minute alterations on my wedding dress and they turned it round so quickly and professionally. They are magicians! Thank you so much!

I was really looking forward to my dress fitting today however, I found Leren who fitted my wedding dress intimidating and scary. It was not made clear that there would be £50 charge for the fitting of the dress and I felt quite pressured into making a decision there and then about having the alterations done. I came away feeling upset about the experience.

Took a blouse in to have the neckline, sleeves and hem altered. Did a great job and was really pleased. Very friendly and helpful!