Buying clothes that are too big and altering?

[Shufflebumnessie]

I found a lovely pair of trousers in the sale but they only had them in a size 16, I'm a size 12.
It's never occurred to me before but after reading a thread on here I'm now wondering if I should have bought them and taken them to a local seamstress to have them altered to fit me. Does anyone do this? Do the items look ok after alterations? Thanks

I suppose it depends on the style? I had some skirts altered after weight loss and they were quite easy as they were simple A-line or straight styles. Anything with pockets will probably require for the pockets to be moved so it's more work.

Thanks, I hadn't actually considered the possible issue with pockets.

I've taken trousers in - you can get away with one size if they have side pockets, I've done two sizes where there's a plain side seam.

I had a tweed blazer taken in from a 16 to a 12. Tailors can work wonders IME

I think the cost may be prohibitive. It depends how much you love something I suppose.

Ask for local recommendations first
I lost a lot of weight and wanted some jaeger coats altered
Tailor 1 did ok job charged £35
Tailor 2 did awful job wanted £25 but I refused to pay as it was so bad
Tailor 3 was amazing and charged £30 but managed to repair the mess made by tailor 2
I then took another 4 coats in and he did them for £20 each!