Frequently Asked
If your question isn't answered here, feel free to send us an email!
HOW MUCH DOES APPAREL COST?
Break down of apparel pricing can be found here! Fabric prices can vary greatly per yard depending on fabric content, and fabric maker, so we've organized our fabric options by price range to help you navigate within your budget more easily. We carry an array of options to have something with in everyones price range- but it is important to keep in mind that lower quality fabrics with a more affordable price tag, often have a shorter lifespan or make alterations more difficult.
For an adult hunt coat, roughly 4 yards will be needed, and for an adult day coat, 6 yards.
HOW LONG DOES APPAREL TAKE TO BE MADE?
Estimated time of completion is roughly (6) six weeks. When ordering a custom or imported fabric, shipping times may delay construction and this time frame is to be an approximation, not a guarantee.
WHAT PAYMENT METHODS DO YOU ACCEPT?
Invoices are sent via Paypal, and they can process all major debit and credit cards. We also accept checks to made out to Alden Customs. Venmo is also accepted @aldencustoms. A 4% Paypal and Venmo surcharge is applied to buyers who pay with these companies. The fee covers the PayPal and Venmo fees deducted, and does not need to be applied should a check be mailed. Due to being a registered business you cannot send via Friends & Family.
For in person purchases we can run payment with our point of sale terminal processing magstripe cards and, for added fraud protection, chip cards and will also include the 4% surcharge credit card processing fee.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO PAY?
A deposit of half, is required before starting construction of garments. Remaining balance is due prior to delivery.
Deposits are non-refundable, as materials are purchased on the customers behalf and cannot be returned. Should client abandon items after deposit is paid, or not pay remaining balance within (6) weeks of completion, Alden Customs shall resell the item to recoup remaining costs and labor and custom apparel agreement is considered void due to lack of payment.
DO YOU OFFER PAYMENT PLANS/CAN I PAY IN INSTALLMENTS?
For apparel or balances over $300 absolutely! Just let us know in advance you would like to do this so we can adjust your invoice! Once you have reached the half way mark, we will begin construction. Once you have paid in full we will mail! Our invoicing software will allow you to chip away at the remainder in whatever you're able to pay at the time until paid in full. From date of first payment, client will have 3 months or (90 days) to pay remaining balance in full.
We will do our best to work with you should you need extra time- and will communicate your time frame for remaining balance. Client who have not paid remaining balance after 3 months, and have not expressly stated a need for extra time or communicated with us the seller- Alden Customs shall resell the item to recoup remaining costs and labor and custom apparel agreement is considered void due to lack of payment.
Balances of $300 and under must be paid in full.
DO YOU OFFER ALTERATION SERVICES?
We offer alteration services on a case by case basis only. Due to the inherent custom nature of show clothes, physically being able to pin on the body, and see fit in person can make this very difficult when altering remotely. Accepted alterations are priced are at $30/hour.
We work really hard with our measuring guide, our trainer questionnaire, and our measurement forms including photos to get the fit right the first time. We strongly recommend visiting a local tailor or seamstress to assist you in filling out our forms to assure the most accuracy, as improper measurements taken by yourself or others would result in an improperly fitting jacket- which potentially couldn’t be fixed. Alterations needed due to improper measurements provided would be the client's responsibility.
We always look over measurements before starting for any eyebrow raising numbers- and do a final check once complete to make sure all measurements are as notated. Any measurements we feel need to be remeasured will be discussed with client prior to construction and edits to client initial notations will be agreed upon by both parties. We’re also always happy to assist virtually by sending pictures back and forth as you’re measuring yourself, or scheduling a Facetime appointment.
We’re always more than happy to find a tailor recommended and affordable in your area to do minor or preferential alterations. The main reason we don't take in alterations regularly is because we’re a two woman team, and we do our best to keep our timeframes on customs a reasonable 6 weeks or so- and taking in alterations would really hinder this time frame.
However- in the very rare event that we made an error, we would absolutely take it back to be rectified.
CAN I SEE SWATCHES IN PERSON?
For physical swatch books I have in office, absolutely! If you're able to narrow it down to a few, I can mail you swatch books or cuttings on trial. We do have a $15 deposit on fabric books, plus shipping which will either be returned minus shipping when books are returned to us, or applied towards the cost of your apparel! We ask that you return the swatch books within (1) one week from date of delivery, we will include the return label for your ease.
If it's a custom order fabric, or one I don't have a fabric book of, I can inquire from the manufacturer directly to get you a swatch. Each manufacturer has their own swatch pricing but all are around $15 or so. Swatches coming from manufacturers can take up to a month to be delivered as I have suppliers all over the globe, and international shipping is a bit delayed right now- so just keep that in mind.
I'm also always happy to provide additional photos and videos in different lighting, indoors/outdoors, as well as videos in motion to show sheen, and higher resolution scans.
HOW DO I MEASURE?
We have created a detailed measuring guide walking you through how we take our measurements for you to follow. We will also provide you with our measurement forms for the exact measurements we need, and ask for you to supply pictures standing against a flat wall from the front, back, and side- in relatively form fitted clothing. It is important to note that you should be wearing the same bra you will wear in competition. We will supply you with these links in initial consultation.
We strongly recommend visiting a local tailor or seamstress to assist you in filling out our forms to assure the most accuracy, as improper measurements taken by yourself or others could result in poor fit. We’re also always happy to assist virtually by sending pictures back and forth as you’re measuring yourself, or scheduling a Facetime appointment.
CLIENT-SOURCED FABRICS
Alden Customs occasionally accepts client-sourced fabrics for custom garments, provided they meet our quality and suitability standards. All fabrics must pass permanent press testing and be an appropriate weight (GSM) and drape for a structured, tailored garment such as a hunt coat. Fabric samples may be submitted to Alden Customs for evaluation before approval.
A non-refundable $300 handling fee applies to all client-sourced fabrics to account for additional testing, handling, and potential adjustments required for non-standard materials.
Additionally, Alden Customs reserves the right to designate garments made from client-sourced fabrics as "off-label" if the materials do not align with our quality standards or brand aesthetic. Off-label garments will not feature Alden Customs branding, nor will they be included in our marketing materials, social media, or other promotional channels.
For inquiries regarding client-sourced fabrics, please contact us prior to fabric purchase to ensure feasibility.