At a Brazilian Tailor: Ask for Clothing Alterations in Portuguese
Clear phrases help you describe an alteration, ask when it will be ready, and confirm the cost before work begins.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
A tailor is a costureiro or costureira. Use ajustar when you want something altered, fazer a bainha for hemming, and encurtar to make a piece shorter. Point to the garment and name the sleeve, waist, or trouser leg so the request is specific.
Describe the part of the garment to change
Try on the garment if the tailor asks, then explain where it feels loose or long. Ask the professional to mark the change and confirm that you agree before any work begins.
Queria ajustar esta calça na cintura.
I’d like to have these trousers adjusted at the waist.
Pode fazer a bainha desta saia?
Could you hem this skirt?
As mangas ficaram compridas.
The sleeves turned out too long.
Confirm the price and pickup time
Before leaving the garment, ask how much the alteration will cost and when it should be ready. Prazo means the expected time frame. If the tailor gives you a collection date, repeat it back to confirm.
Fit preferences can be personal, so describe the result you want rather than relying on a single adjective. For example, ask for a slightly shorter hem or a looser fit, then confirm the measurement with the tailor.
Quanto fica o ajuste?
How much is the alteration?
Quando posso buscar a roupa?
When can I pick up the clothing?
Pode deixar um pouco mais comprida?
Could you leave it a little longer?
Put it into practice
Name the garment and alteration, agree on how it should fit, and confirm the price and collection date before leaving it.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “I’d like to have these trousers adjusted at the waist”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
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