The Birmingham Tailor

Amazing, amazing work. I brought in a leather dress because I needed more room and Ali not only did a FANTASTIC job but he also gave me TWO discounts just because!!! I’m a fan for life lol.

I’ve now been at The Birmingham Tailor several times to handle a variety of alterations. Everything from altering suit jackets to fixing stitching on a t-​shirt.
The location is on the second floor of the building that also houses Sweet Earth, the FroYo place. You head up the stairs that you get to by the door just left of the Sweet Earth entrance. They’re on the left hand side once you get upstairs. Sometimes they get busy, but they juggle the people around and the line moves fast.
Ali and team are very nice and welcoming. Like most tailors, the experience is the same. They have 3 changing rooms that you put on the clothes. They look at it, pin and mark the adjustments. Ali is helpful with suggestions on adjustments and what would look okay.
The first time I took in a few suits that required a lot of adjustments, and instead of wanting all of the tailoring business, he told me it wasn’t worth the tailoring since it would not look good. At least he was straight-​forward and honest about it!
There’s not that many tailors around that are as busy in town. He has a steady line up of regulars that are well-​deserved since his service and quality of work is consistent and top-​notch. You can trust them with your best clothes!

Had some pants tailored this time, thank you so much Ali. You are the man. I’m bringing a new suit next time.

I’ve used a couple tailors before to mixed results. One in particular over tapered a pair of jeans for me and insisted that how they looked was what I asked for. I had deemed those jeans pretty much unwearable and put them away in the bottom drawer.
When it came time to go and get 4 pairs of pants I bought tailored, I asked a couple friends and saw Unilocal and decided Ali was the guy to go to. He did an excellent job on all of my pants. I brought the old pair that were ruined by the previous tailor and he was able to work his magic and let out what little bit hadn’t been cut to make them wearable again.
Additionally, one of the 4 new pairs didn’t turn out quite how I was hoping and he said he’d adjust them again free of charge. Great work and great customer service, icing on the cake is that Ali is a really nice guy.

Just came by to agree with everyone. This man is super nice, super accommodating and the woman (sorry I don’t know anyone’s names!) is really pleasant too. Would recommend

This review is long overdue!
My boyfriend and I moved to the area/​state about a year and a half ago, and thanks to his broad shoulders and me being vertically challenged, we were in dire need of a tailor.
It’s hard finding a place that’s not only convenient and reasonably priced, but it’s incredibly hard for me personally, to find someone I feel comfortable with right off the bat (due to being extremely particular and vocal about how my clothes fit)
That said, Ali is amazing! He’s patient, vocal about what he’s going to do to your clothes and why, and overall just a warm hearted individual. Him and his team are craftsmen when it comes to altering clothing, and I fall in love with my clothes all over again when they’re done.
We’ve (the boyfriend and I) taken him everything from work dresses, jeans, pants, dress shirts, and formal wear. So if you’re hesitant about trying out a new tailor, rest assured Ali will take great care of you!

Ali is the best in town! He has done shirts, suits, tuxes, and pants for me and they all turn out perfect! I don’t even try on the clothes when picking them up, that’s how good he is.

Damn happy to have found this place. It’s a destination — it can take time for a commuter to get into downtown Birmingham and park — but it’s worth it for repair needs and alterations.

I’ve been coming to Ali for about two years now. I’ve brought him several suits and countless pairs of pants both dress and jeans. His work is impeccable, he has even fixed mistakes that other tailors have made. I consider myself a discerning customer, and have asked for very specific things (tapered pants, so on). He is always polite, understanding of my needs, and does an incredible job. I would not trust anyone else but Ali with any of my tailoring needs.
After so many years, he has become a part of the family. He remembers me, my mother and brother every time I come in. I absolutely adore going to see him.
Finally, his prices are absolutely the most reasonable around. For the quality of his work, I would be willing to pay 2x the amount. However, for small jobs he will do at no charge, and offers a steep discount on a large amount of work I may bring him (I brought him 5 pairs of pants and a suit today, and he quoted me ¹⁄₃ of what i expected).
Ali is truly a magician and a kind soul.

To paraphrase ’80’s icon Mr. T, I pity the fool who would take his/​her clothes elsewhere for fixing/​alterations/​whatever.
We found Ali many years ago after having had unsatisfactory work done by various Birmingham/​Bloomfield tailors.
His work is top-​notch. Doesn’t matter if it’s a small repair or a complete overhaul of a suit. Prices aren’t the lowest but are very fair. He’s even been known to do small jobs at no charge or give you a bit of a discount. Even when you insist on paying, he’s quick with a smile and a «don’t worry about it.»
He’ll also tell you if it’s not worth it to do work on something. His honesty certainly costs him some $$ in the short term but it’s why he’s seen his business grow over the long term.
Plus he’s one of the nicest, warmest people with whom you’ll ever do business.

If I could give more stars, I would. After moving to the area over a year ago, I’ve struggled to find a good tailor, hairstylist, doctor, nail salon, etc. Anyone who has been through this process understands what a pain it is to start again after having established providers you love/​trust. Well, I came across this place on Unilocal and decided to try it after several bad tailor experiences at another place. OMG, Ali and his staff did not disappoint! I’ve given him some challenging pieces to fix and he has exceeded my expectations each time. The quality of work is excellent, he is very friendly and professional, takes time to explain his work and his recommendations, and is timely in getting it done. His prices have been fair given what I’ve asked of him. The only downside is the challenge of parking… but it is worth it to me because it is always done right the first time.

This place is so amazing it prompted me to write my first review ever on Unilocal.
I am in a wedding later this month. My buddy decided instead of renting tuxes that we would buy the suit he picked out for us and that way we could keep it and have a new suit. Great idea right?
Well…my suit was WAY too small on me and there was absolutely no way of getting a larger size so the hunt for a tailor began.
Ali is a MIRACLE worker!!! I told him my dilemma and he said «no problem, you will look great!» I was skeptical because I literally couldn’t button the pants and the jacket was so small I thought I’d rip it if I took a deep breath.
UNBELIEVABLE RESULTS!!! Seriously, it’s like a brand new suit that fits me great now!
WOW! I was afraid I was going to have to drop out of the wedding but now i can enjoy myself without having to feel like the «fat guy in a little coat» (and pants)
Thank you thank you thank you. I will tell everyone I know about the service and quality work that your shop provides! Affordable and the highest quality work you will find in a tailor. I will be taking all my clothes that need work over to Ali, no hesitation!
Thanks again!

Ali is one of the best. I had him do some complicated alterations on a suit, including opening up the pant seam and hand-​sewing it back. He did it perfectly, on time, and for an honest price. He is super friendly and very knowledgeable about proper fit, fabrics/​materials, etc. Highly recommended.

Ali is honest and amazing at his job. I’ve taken in a blazer and he worked wonders on it. Just today, I took in a blazer from a thrift shop that I thought might work. He taught me how to feel inside the sleeves to tell if there was enough fabric to lengthen, and in my case there wasn’t. Instead of just taking the blazer, he gave me his honest advice that it wasn’t worth tailoring and I should be pickier next time.
One of those people you can’t help but trust, he’s kind and truly wants to get to know you. Well-​rounded tailor that you’ll look forward to seeing every time.

Ali is the best. I’m tall and lanky. He did some magic with a 38R suit when I normally get 38L. He lengthened the sleeves and put in some fabric in the cuff and it looks amazing. Took in a spread collar michael kors dress shirt and he did some wonders with that and removed a ridiculously large pocket. I love it.
I’d take in my boxers to him if I had the funds. He knows what looks good and trust him, he won’t do anything he can’t guarantee or thinks is a bad idea.
I want him to be my best friend :(

The BEST tailor in Michigan. This is the only place to take your finer pieces, or even the not-​so-​fine. Friendly, prompt service and fast turn around on your items if you need it. Professional all the way.

I am the bridesmaid that Jonas P. refers to above. He has no personal experience with this tailor!
Never once have I had a complaint with any alterations or work Ali has done for me. He has tailored many dresses, etc., for both myself, and that of my family and friends, and never failed to do less than an impeccable job.
The real story is that I negatively reviewed the below bridal salon on another site, and made the mistake of mentioning who my tailor was. As a result, they’re negatively reviewing my tailor, who again, they’ve never worked with. This bridal salon ordered a dress size for me so large, I had to physically hold on to it to keep it on. Certainly I was not going to trust my alterations to a bridal salon that couldn’t even come remotely close in ordering me the correct size. Now, in order to protect themselves, they’re placing blame on others. Incredibly unethical and very amateur behavior.
Ali did a beautiful job with the cards we were dealt, and I will continue to bring all of my clothes to him for whatever tailoring I need. I will continue to refer my friends and family to The Birmingham Tailor, however the same certainly cannot be said for the below bridal salon.
Thank you, Le Salon, for further proving to everyone by the way you’ve handled my concerns with your business how terribly unprofessional your business practices are. You’ve made your own bad word of mouth so much easier to pass along.

Ali is the best of the best. I had been searching for an excellent tailor in the Metro Detroit area for months before I found Ali at the Birmingham Tailor. My search is officially over.
I’ve had three pair of dress pants tapered and hemmed here, and they’re perfect. He gets it right the first time.
I also recently took in a Dolce & Gabbana suit that I got on clearance from Nordstrom Rack because it had been previously altered. Whoever altered it the first time did a terrible job. Ali fixed it and I now have a $ 2200 suit for $ 300 total, with tailoring cost.
He does take a little longer than other tailors I have used, but I would rather wait 5 – 6 days for an excellent job than 1 day for a decent one. Not to mention that he is such a nice guy. Every time I go there I end up staying for 20 minutes extra just chatting with him.
Awesome!

Ali is the man! I’ve taken many articles of clothing to him, mainly jeans, and everything comes out perfect. I’ll agree with others in that he’s very honest. He’s not out to take your money if he doesn’t think an article of clothing doesn’t need to be altered or adjusted. You don’t find that too often.
If you’re looking for a tailor, this is your guy. I won’t go to anyone else.

Ali (pronouced Ollie) is simply the best. He is the sweetest guy, in the know about style and fit. I have taken everything to him (pants, coats, dresses, skirts, you name it) and have never been unhappy. He remembers how you like pants to fit, how tall your heels usually are… he’s just great all around.
And, now he takes credit! He used to be cash or check only, so this is a big perk.
Parking in Birmingham can sometimes be a bitch, but going to Ali is totally worth it for the excellent work he does.