Stitching Dreams: Nancy Tailoring Celebrates 20 Years of Craftsmanship in the Hamptons

For two decades, Nancy Tailoring has been a trusted name in Sag Harbor, known for meticulous alterations, custom designs, and an unwavering dedication to excellence. Founded by Peruvian immigrant Nancy, the shop began as a one-woman operation fueled by talent, grit, and heart. From bridal emergencies to historical recreations, Nancy and her team have transformed garments—and lives—through expert craftsmanship and personalized care. Her legacy is not just in the stitches but in the relationships built, the young designers mentored, and the East End community she’s helped dress with integrity, style, and a signature standard that never compromises on quality.

Can you tell us the story behind Nancy Tailoring — how and when did it all begin?

This is Nancy’s 20th year! As a proud Peruvian immigrant, she came to this country with a dream of making a name for herself. She began sewing and making clothing before the age of 15. She arrived in New York City in 1991 and was able to train with high-fashion designers over time that invested in her. They saw her talent and taught her all she knows today. Her younger brother had moved out to the East End of Long Island and began working in Sag Harbor in 1999. For years he asked her to move out here, but she loved her life in the city. After the tragedy of 9/11 and the fall of the Twin Towers she worried greatly about her family’s safety, so she made the move to Sag Harbor. She quickly saw the need for tailoring services out here, thus Nancy opened up her own business. Without speaking much English, her skills and hard work spoke for themselves and she built her reputation to what it is today.

What sets Nancy Tailoring apart from other tailoring services in the Hamptons and beyond?

Nancy’s experience and honesty. She’s been working in this field for more than 40 years, therefore she is not shy when it comes to tackling difficult projects or telling someone an item doesn’t look good. As a young apprentice, Nancy saw many things within the industry that upset her. For that reason, we care for everyone’s items as if it were our own.

You specialize in both alterations and custom design — how do you approach each service differently?

Our main focus is alteration. Custom design takes time and time, especially during the summer is hard to come by. When we can make custom items, we have to work closely with our clients during the off-season (November to March).

What types of garments or projects are you most passionate about working on?

Nancy loves working on all types of garments. She’s a big fan of dressing people, so when her clients come in for her advice she loves it. Gowns and bridal gowns are the most satisfying to see altered. While it can be a tedious and meticulous process, the results and seeing a client happy makes it all worth the time and effort.

How do you ensure a perfect fit for every client, especially when working on bridal or formalwear?

Multiple fittings for brides! As many as needed to help brides feel their best on their day. Formal wear is a little easier, it usually only requires one to two fittings. Taking our time is the best way to ensure this.

What are some of the most memorable or challenging tailoring projects you’ve taken on?

We’ve had a couple of next-day bridal alterations that have left their mark where the brides had alterations done elsewhere they did not like. We do what we can to make sure they have the dress they want. As of late, we are doing a lot of alterations for people who are losing weight and want to revive their closets. The memorable pieces come from those who bring in clothing in bulk. We have a client who is wonderful and gets custom-made jackets done abroad. He called us worried he would never be able to wear his jackets again due to his weight loss. Last summer, he brought us 25 to 30 jackets to work on. They fit him like brand new again. Another memorable project we did this year was recreating Annie Cooper Boyd’s Victorian vintage wedding dress for the Sag Harbor Historical Museum’s exhibition on wedding dresses. That was worked on through the winter, the exhibition is open for all to see until October 2025!

Your website emphasizes craftsmanship and detail — how do you maintain such high standards in every piece?

Nancy has mentored the seamstresses that are part of her team: Lorena, Ramona, Elsa, and Gemma. They have been a part of Nancy’s Tailoring for years, and are why she has been able to expand the business. We make sure our team feels valued. This in turn allows trickles down to the work produced. Nancy also is known for her “eye,” if it’s not to her standard then it will get done until she considers it perfect. Nancy reviews every piece carefully throughout the entire process from pinning, to proper measuring, choosing proper threads, to the finished product and proper packaging. You can find Nancy sewing whenever she has the time.

What advice do you have for someone looking for tailoring services for their wedding or special event?

Good quality work takes time! Please know that these emergency cases are done because no one should be unhappy on their big day. We do what we can. With that being said, the more time we have to work on an item then the better the results. This means ensuring a proper timeline to work on your desired items for weddings and special events. Just as important, our clients are reminded to keep up with their regular activities and eating habits!

How has your business evolved over the years, and what do you see for the future of Nancy Tailoring?

Nancy has been in the same location now for 20 years. She began with one room and has slowly expanded her operation over the years to accommodate the influx of clients and items. We’ve been able to take on more alterations due to word of mouth and the quality of our work. For the upcoming years, Nancy hopes to remain as a small, reliable business within our community.

How do you collaborate with local designers, stylists, or wedding professionals in the Hamptons?

In the last couple years, we have had the honor of assisting new local designers find their passion. Mary Jane Marsciano has kindly connected us to Pierson High School so we can help the next generation of future designers. Their pieces are entirely drawn up by them, we provide the knowledge of how to create their vision through workshops and they bring their designs to life. Tailoring is becoming a rare talent, so Nancy strives to carry this knowledge forward to the young people who find an interest in sewing. Nancy has also been working with stylists within retail shops locally throughout the East End. She’s made herself available to the local shops for alterations, and also showing how to properly dress someone through honesty, a kind smile and maybe a Hershey Kiss or two.

Nancy Tailoring & Alteration is located at 3334 Noyack Road, Sag Harbor. It can be reached at 631-725-1517, tailoring.alterations@gmail.com or nancytailoring.com

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