Dandy & Dapper

Mr Dandy: How cheap can you get?
Seriously. Go back to Evisu (Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 2506 1931) and get a new pair in your size! OK, I’ll admit it’s a pretty cool brand, so if those denims are one-offs or vintage, then only entrust them to real experts. We e-mailed Los Angeles-based Denim Revival (www.denimrevival.us) and got a quick reply from chief executive Arman Adamyan. He confirmed they can alter the waist and seat (HK$310), taper the whole leg (HK$388), taper from the knee down (HK$295) and hem in various ways (HK$170 to HK$217) with a shipping cost of about HK$186. Since they’re not going to see you in person, also send them your best-fitting jeans and true measurements to use as a guideline. Or you could try Denim Therapy in New York, using the Repair Now form on their website (HK$140 per pair or HK$310 for three pairs; www.denimtherapy.com).
Mr Dapper: I’m wary of long-distance tailoring by someone who has never seen me, so I’d rather take my chance with a local alterations company, giving them clear instructions regarding length, fit and even thread colour.
Both Wonderful Alteration (1/F, Melbourne Plaza, 33 Queen’s Road Central, tel: 2849 3366) and Perfect Dress Alteration Shop (2/F, Melbourne Plaza, tel: 2522 8838) assure me that their machines can handle thick denim.