Why Mending Clothes Is Trendy Again

The Rise of Mending as a Fashion Trend

In today’s world, where fashion trends often revolve around new purchases and fast fashion, one of the most exciting developments this summer is not an item but an activity: mending. Repairing your own clothes has become more than just a practical choice—it's a statement of values, a creative expression, and a way to connect with your wardrobe on a deeper level.

Mending is increasingly seen as a smart decision, both financially and environmentally. It combines the satisfaction of craftsmanship with the benefits of saving money and reducing waste. As more people embrace this idea, it’s no surprise that a growing number of stylish individuals—men and women alike—are taking their clothing care into their own hands.

While many of us can sew on a button or fix a loose hem, tackling more complex repairs can feel daunting. However, the landscape is changing. Workshops are becoming more common, and online platforms like YouTube and TikTok offer countless tutorials. What’s more, expectations around what a repair should look like have evolved. Perfection is no longer the goal.

Invisible mending, which requires advanced skill, is still essential for preserving high-end or delicate garments. But visible mending is gaining popularity as a bold and creative approach. Using colorful stitches to cover moth holes or rips in beloved jeans turns flaws into unique features. These imperfections become part of a garment’s story, transforming it into a wearable piece of art.

Skye Pennant, founder of the Slow Stitch Club, has been offering workshops in visible mending since 2020. She emphasizes the empowering nature of these techniques, noting that investing time and care into repairing something makes it feel more valuable. “I always say, think about your clothes as a wearable scrapbook of your memories,” she explains. For her, each rip in a mended jacket tells a story, reminding her of the moments that shaped it.

Andrea Cheong, author of Why Don’t I Have Anything To Wear?, has long advocated for learning to sew as a way to connect with clothing and shop more mindfully. When her own repair content gained traction, she began hosting mending classes for her followers. She believes visible mending satisfies a desire for personalization in an era dominated by mass-produced fashion. “We’re always trying to express who we are through our clothes,” she says. “What better way to say, ‘this is who I am’ than by mending something yourself?”

The emotional benefits of mending are also evident. Emily Zak, a consultant and journalist, used to be a shopping addict. In 2024, she took a break from buying new items and focused on repairing her existing wardrobe. Many of her pieces needed professional help, but she also learned to sew at her local dry cleaners. “The biggest surprise was how I felt about it,” she recalls. “I thought it would be difficult, but instead, it was incredibly rewarding.”

Six months later, she continues to shop less while still enjoying fashion. Her experience shows that mending can provide the same dopamine rush as buying something new—without the environmental cost.

Getting Started with Mending

If you're interested in trying mending, there are several steps you can take to begin:

• Practice on old items: Start with a tea towel or a holey sock to get comfortable with the techniques.
• Choose the right tools: A regular needle works, but a tapestry darning needle is ideal for knits, while a sashiko needle suits denim and cotton.
• Use affordable materials: Look for embroidery thread in charity shops, where there’s usually a good selection.
• Experiment with thread: Embroidery thread consists of six strands. Depending on the fabric, you can separate them to make the thread last longer.

Mending is more than just fixing something—it’s a way to reconnect with your clothes, express your individuality, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Whether you're a seasoned sewer or a complete beginner, there’s never been a better time to pick up a needle and thread. After all, those moths might just be helping us rediscover the beauty of repair.