Tailoring shop and fitting studio
Open a small shop offering bespoke clothing and alterations to walk-in and regular customers.
- £5k-25k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
5,604 UK companies in this field, 37% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 14190 “Manufacture of other wearing apparel and accessories n.e.c.”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A small unit or shop where customers can drop in for alterations and book fittings for made-to-measure clothing. Alterations bring steady footfall while bespoke work builds higher-value orders.
Your first three steps
- Look at rents and footfall for small units near high streets, dry cleaners or wedding venues, and work out your break-even
- Price a clear list of alterations and bespoke garments, and source a few reliable cloth suppliers
- Build relationships with bridal shops, menswear retailers and dry cleaners for referrals
Who pays
Local people needing alterations, professionals, wedding parties, and businesses or schools needing uniform adjustments.
How it makes money
Alterations and repairs at set prices, plus higher-priced made-to-measure garments. Some tailors add wedding and formalwear packages.
Skills that help
- Pattern cutting and sewing
- Fitting and measuring
- Pricing and quoting
- Running a small shop
Watch out for
- Commercial lease terms, business rates and any rent deposit: check these carefully, as small business rate relief may apply
- Public liability insurance, and contents and equipment cover
- Employer's liability insurance if you take on staff or an apprentice
- Check whether the premises need any planning change of use
- Skilled sewing labour can be hard to find, so be realistic about how much you can do alone
🔒 Full research report for UK
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to open a tailoring shop?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on the premises, rent deposit, equipment and fit-out. Check commercial lease terms carefully before committing.
How much can a tailoring shop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on footfall, alterations volume and bespoke orders. The estimated minimum time commitment is around 30 hours a week.
What should I check before opening a tailoring shop?
Check commercial lease terms, business rates and any rent deposit, as small business rate relief may apply. Also check whether the premises need a planning change of use, and insurance such as public liability, contents and employer's liability if you take on staff.
Other ways to run this business
Similar creative ideas
Small animation studio for brands and broadcasters
Build a small team producing animated adverts, films and series work for brands and broadcasters.
- £5k-25k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Small art gallery and dealership
Run a small shop or gallery space selling original art to local collectors and passing visitors.
- £5k-25k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Small advertising agency with a studio
Run a small team from rented studio space, handling campaigns, design and media buying for several regular clients.
- £5k-25k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Small content studio for brands
Run a small team producing video, audio and written content for ongoing brand clients.
- £5k-25k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Band rehearsal studio in a small unit
Rent out a soundproofed room with a PA and backline to local bands by the hour.
- £5k-25k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Ballet school with your own studio
Rent a small studio and run a full timetable of ballet classes, exams and shows for all ages.
- £5k-25k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Photo: Eaktas06 on Pixabay