December 2019

Consider repairing and upcycling fashion items to give them a second chance, prolong their lifespan and prevent additional textile waste generation.

REPAIRING

If you notice any rips or holes in your clothes, give them a second chance by repairing them.
- A repair service is a professional, albeit more costly way to fix your clothes. Find your local repair point on the internet – dry cleaners sometimes offer this service too.
- Cobblers can restore shoes and usually leather items like belts and handbags too.
Learn to mend clothes yourself:
- Take a course at your local sewing shop or other venue that offers them.
- Websites like iFixit provide DIY guides. The internet is full of articles and videos that can teach you tips and tricks on repairing clothes.
- Volunteers at a repair café can help you fix your clothes. Do your research to see if there is one in your area.
Some fashion brands like Patagonia or Vaude have a repair policy, where they offer an in-house or cooperative service. To find out whether you favorite fashion brand provide this service, search on the internet or ask directly in the physical store.

UPCYCLING

Upcycling is a sustainable way to prolong the fabrics of unwanted clothing. It is a form of recycling where unwanted garments are transformed into new items, as opposed to throwing them away. For instance, an old blanket can become a new bag.
Having a browse on Pinterest can give you some ideas of how to revamp your old garments. Get inspired by various YouTube channels, such as ‘coolirpa’, which is dedicated to fashion DIY and upscaling.