Mend, Don’t End: Why Repairing Our Clothes is the Coolest Act of Self-Care This International Repair Day
On Saturday 18 October, the world celebrates International Repair Day — a global movement dedicated to keeping things in use, valuing craftsmanship, and empowering people to mend rather than discard. In a culture that too often equates newness with worth, repairing a garment is quietly radical — and deeply rewarding.
Why Repair Matters
Repairing our clothes is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce fashion waste. The fashion industry is responsible for around 10% of global carbon emissions and produces 92 million tonnes of textile waste every year. Every time we mend a seam, patch a hole or replace a button, we extend the life of a garment and keep it out of landfill — saving water, energy, and resources in the process.
But there’s more to repair than sustainability stats. Mending can be:
Relaxing: The rhythm of stitching is calming — a mindful, meditative act that slows us down.
Empowering: Learning to repair your own clothes builds confidence and creativity.
Skill-building: Even if you start with no sewing experience, it’s never too late to learn — and learning itself is part of the fun.
Emotional: When you repair something you love, you deepen your connection to it.
Creative: Repairs can add value, style and personality — turning a fix into a feature and a garment you treasure.
Repair as Personal Expression — My Liberty Print Jacket
Take the image above: a jacket I bought at a sample sale that had small flaws — nothing serious, but enough to make it one-of-a-kind. Taking inspiration from the original fabric, I found a beautiful Liberty print that complemented its style and colouring perfectly. The result wasn’t just a “repair” — it added value, character and a personal twist to a garment I’ll now wear for years to come.
That’s the joy of modern mending: it’s not just about making do, but making something better. Repair can elevate clothes beyond their original form — a celebration of individuality and creativity.
Where to Learn and Celebrate Repair in London
If you’re new to sewing or want to sharpen your repair skills, there are plenty of welcoming, low-pressure spaces across London offering workshops and community events — especially around International Repair Day:
Free Visible Mending Workshop, Artizan Street Library & Community Centre — 18 October
Learn simple visible mending techniques to patch and personalise your garments.
Eventbrite linkSt’Itchenham Repair Café, Ickenham Library (UB10) — 18 October
Drop in with your worn items and learn to patch, darn, or stitch alongside friendly volunteers.Chiswick Repair Café, Christ Church Turnham Green (W4 5DT) — 18 October
A lively community repair café helping extend the life of clothes, electronics, and home goods.Islington Repair Café, N4 Library — 27 October
TRAID’s free event focused on clothing repair and textile care.
Beyond these dates, you’ll find recurring Repair Café sessions at St Margaret’s House (E2) and other boroughs throughout the year. You can also explore sewing and mending workshops on Eventbrite London — from beginner classes to creative sashiko stitching.
Where to Get Clothes Professionally Repaired
If DIY isn’t your style (or your repair is a little more advanced), London has excellent professional services:
SOJO — The UK’s leading repair and alterations platform. They collect from your door, mend your items, and return them in a few days.
The Seam — A network of skilled makers and tailors offering high-quality repairs and alterations, from everyday wear to luxury fashion.
Your local dry cleaner or tailor — Many have in-house seamstresses who can handle quick fixes, hems, zips, and small alterations. Don’t hesitate to ask — often they can repair items faster (and more affordably) than expected.
The Takeaway
Repairing isn’t just about sustainability — it’s a lifestyle shift. It’s about care, creativity, and connection: caring for the things we own, finding joy in the process, and reconnecting with the value of craft.
This International Repair Day, pick one item from your “to-mend” pile. Patch it, darn it, embellish it — or take it to someone who can. You might just fall in love with it all over again.
Because sometimes, the most stylish thing you can wear is the story behind your stitches.