A stitch in time

One area of fashion quietly stitching away profitably is the alterations business. Many are located in upstairs rooms off side streets, choc-a-block with rails of shortened trousers, jackets with altered sleeves, or dresses with hem changes.

A stylish new arrival, however, is Fitz, on Drury Street in Dublin 2, which has resident dressmakers and tailors and a one-hour express service option. The business has been set up by friends Jeff Deehan and Glenn McMahon. It has upmarket changing rooms, a 48-hour alterations turnaround and opening hours that match those of the retail trade.

Many members of the team are trained seamstresses, dressmakers and tailors from countries such as Lithuania, Latvia and the Czech Republic, who have long-honed traditional skills. One is a master tailor and a whiz with zips, another is brilliant with denim, while the head dressmaker is an expert with wedding dresses.

Prices start from around €6 to hem trousers, €10 for zip replacement and up to €18 for inserting concealed zips. Fitz, 24 Drury Street, Dublin 2, 01-6751818.