Frequently Asked Questions

Timeline for Custom Garments

  • Each Duchess order is entirely unique, so overall timelines can vary slightly.

    Our timeline from Consultation/Initial Deposit to Pick-Up usually varies from 15-20 weeks - depending on your specific needs.  We need 15 weeks or more for completion of orders in our "standard" timeline. 
    Typically we estimate about 6-8 weeks until your first fitting!
    We also accept "rush* orders” on a case-by case basis. This requires an additional fee. *(an order is considered rush if it is needed less than 12 weeks from Initial Consultation & Deposit)

    Please inquire if you need your garments completed for a specific occasion, or would like a "rush" order. We would be happy to talk you through the particulars!

  • Once the details are finalized (either at your consultation or after we receive all the necessary decisions from you) our tailors will begin production on your order.
    We estimate 6 to 8 weeks for construction time. If your garments are done sooner, we'll let you know!

  • Once your new garments have been made, we will contact you to schedule a first fitting in our Portland Showroom.
    Each round of alterations takes 4 weeks to complete which means the fitting process will add anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks to your total timeline depending on how many rounds your garments need.
    We ask all clients to plan for 1 to 3 fittings so that our alterations team can make the adjustments that are necessary to achieve the ideal fit in your custom garments.
    Rest assured, we will be with you every step of the way until you are completely satisfied with the fit of your garments. Please know that the more expediently you are able to schedule fittings, the faster this process will be!

  • We request an 80% deposit to begin production, with the remaining 20% due at the first fitting. When your garments are complete, we request that you pay any remaining balance and pick up or coordinate shipping within 14 days. We must charge for alterations that are needed after this date.

Consultations for New Garments

  • You can book conveniently online at www.duchessclothier.com/appointments
    Give us a call/text/email if you’d like some assistance!
    email: duchess@duchessclothier.com call/text: (503) 281-6648

  • Book your appointment at least 12 weeks prior to the date you need your garments by.
    We can accommodate shorter timelines on a case-by-case basis, but you may incur a rush fee and we may not be able to provide alterations prior to your event.
    Give us a call, email, or text to discuss your options!

  • When you book online, you will be charged a $100 consultation fee, which will be applied to the cost of your garments once you’re ready to order them. This fee is non-refundable.
    If you’re unsure about ordering with us, we invite you to schedule a FREE 30 minute “mini-meet” prior to your new garment consultation.

  • Nope! We know wedding planning involves a number of deposits up-front, so we are happy to be flexible with our payment structure if needed.
    Generally, we ask for an 80% deposit at the end of the consultation.
    If this is a barrier for you, let us know, and we can discuss a different deposit amount or a payment plan that works for you. We don’t want cost to stop you from looking and feeling your very best!

  • Generally speaking, it takes about 90 minutes to cover all the bases -- the external design, internal design, measurements, paperwork, and payment.
    It can help to have a snack before your appointment - there are a number of great places nearby to grab a quick bite!

  • Since we will be measuring you, please avoid wearing any dresses/skirts/bulky items that will prohibit us from taking accurate body measurements.
    Please be sure to wear any undergarments similar to those you plan on wearing with your new suiting (i.e. binders, special bras, shapewear, etc.) since these will affect your measurements.
    You are absolutely welcome to wear or bring along suiting from elsewhere to demonstrate the sort of fit you’d like, but it is not necessary.

  • We know it can be helpful to have a trusted loved one at your appointment, especially since you’ll be making lots of choices - however we kindly ask that you limit your party to no more than 2 additional people. This ensures that your preferences & opinions will be heard loud and clear, and you can feel confident in your choices free from pressure.

  • There is a paid parking lot nearby on Division and 10th.
    There is also an abundance of free street parking north of Division & in the Ladd’s Addition neighborhood if you don’t mind a short walk.
    We highly recommend you avoid parking in the Ford Building parking lot, as it is often obstructed by freight trains passing through - which can delay your arrival or departure.

  • There’s nothing specific that you need to do, however, we have found that it’s incredibly helpful for clients to look at different suit styles/colors/fits prior to your consultation.
    Even if it doesn’t help you decide what you DO want, it can be helpful in deciding what you DON’T want. (Even just a quick image search on the internet can help spark ideas)
    If you have a color scheme you need or want to adhere to, you’re welcome to bring color swatches to your appointment.

  • It’s quite common for people to have changes in their body shape or size before their big day. Some may also be planning for top surgery, a transition, or other major medical procedures that will significantly affect their measurements. Please inform your consultant about any anticipated changes so they can plan the measurements accordingly. We can usually accommodate minor body changes through alterations, but significant changes may require a discussion to avoid additional charges for garment remakes. In such cases, it might be better not to plan your suit too far in advance.

  • Since we do not offer ready-to-wear, and we have such an enormous selection of fabrics in our catalog, we cannot guarantee that we will have a sample garment of your exact fabric/size available to try on. We do have a small selection of samples, but if you require lots of visual examples, it may be helpful to do some research online and at other stores prior to your appointment.

  • Not to worry! Schedule an in-person or virtual mini-meet with us.
    It’s free, it only takes about 30 minutes, and can help you understand the types of choices you get to make in a full consultation.
    No matter where you’re at on your style journey, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

  • Generally, your first fitting will take about 45 minutes from start to finish. Subsequent fittings often take less time and can be as fast as 15-20 minutes, depending on how many alterations were needed previously.

  • When you come in for your first fitting, we will have you try your suit on so your consultant can assess the fit and make notes / pin adjustments. At the end of your fitting we will collect the remaining payment on your account (unless you have already set up a payment plan with us).

  • We encourage you to bring any shoes/accessories you’d like to your fitting!
    If you haven’t found the perfect ones just yet, no sweat! Anything similar will do just fine.

  • We know fittings are very exciting, and we want you to share those moments with loved ones. We kindly ask that you bring no more than 2 or 3 guests to your fitting to ensure we have enough time and focus to do what is needed for your alterations.

  • Your first fitting is likely to be the most crucial, since the garments have not yet “met” the body that they were made for. This is normal.
    Most garments need some type of fine tuning to get the fit perfectly tailored to your body.
    You can expect a number of adjustments at your first fitting, such as bringing in the trouser waistband, slimming the jacket torso, adjusting the taper of trouser pant leg, etc.

  • Most people will need a minimum of 1-2 rounds of alterations.
    After the first fitting & initial round of alterations, additional alterations are often fairly minimal, such as shortening the trouser length.

  • We generally require about 4 weeks to complete alterations.
    Make sure to schedule your fitting as soon as you are given the green light to do so. We are a small but mighty team and we may not be able to accommodate rush alterations.
    During particularly busy times of the year, alterations may take longer - we will be sure to let you know if this is the case so you can plan accordingly.

  • We include 3 complimentary rounds of alterations with your garment purchase - to ensure we get the fit just right.
    In the rare instance where subsequent fittings are requested, alterations will be subject to a fee*.
    (*as will any future fittings/alterations beyond the initial 3)

  • It is very common for people to order more garments at their fitting! Just be sure to let us know ahead of time if you plan to do so. We will want to ensure you have plenty of time to do both your fitting and plan new items.

  • If you anticipate a significant body change, let your consultant know at your consultation so they can plan accordingly.
    We consider a body change significant if the area of the garment affected cannot be altered to fit - (i.e. weight changes, top surgery, growth spurts)
    In some cases it will be necessary to entirely remake the garment(s). If a remake is necessary, you will be charged a remake fee (the cost of this is determined by fabric and garment type).
    Unfortunately, any significant body changes not discussed at your consultation may not be accommodated if a remake of an item is required.

First Fitting

Still have Questions?
Contact us!

Call/Text: (503) 281-6648

Email: duchess@duchessclothier.com