From workshops to the catwalk - why mended clothes are going mainstream

Alice Brown, a 27-year-old forest ranger from Lincolnshire, is a champion for the growing trend of visible mending - decorating clothes with visible repairs. She uses needle-felting to cover holes and stains, creating cute animals and insects that draw attention to the mended areas. This unique approach has gained her a large online following.

Visible mending isn't just about saving money and extending the life of garments, though; it's about embracing the choices we make and celebrating our individuality. The trend has gained momentum over the past six years, with fast-fashion brands like Ralph Lauren and Shein incorporating stitched and patched garments into their collections, and even high-street retailers like Uniqlo and Primark offering repair services.

These brands see mending as a way to combat the throwaway culture of fast fashion, reducing pollution, carbon emissions, water usage, and poor labor conditions. Retailers are recognizing the appeal of mended garments, as they offer a unique character that sets them apart from mass-produced items. For example, Toast, a premium artisan clothing store, reports that around a third of their customers choose to have their garments repaired in a way that makes them stand out.

This trend is not just limited to mending; it's about taking ownership of our clothing and making it reflect our personal style. Younger generations, in particular, are embracing this mindset, seeing mending as a demonstration of humanity and a way to express themselves. With workshops and tutorials readily available, more people are learning the traditional skills needed to mend their clothes, ensuring that this valuable practice continues for generations to come.