Would you buy secondhand clothes that I've mended? It's a question that polarises opinions and leaves me wondering whether mending my clothes extends their life or condemns them to landfill...
All of the above! Its also why im passionate about repair & remaking clothes too. To ReLove our garments or treasured finds! To bring back to life is Love on every level! Very hippy philosophy but isnt it divine that groovy & original hippy chic is back from the 1970s!
That jumper! Your neighbour is lucky. I tried darning my old socks last year (it was a favourite) and it was a mess, so I’m in awe of what you’ve done. But I’ll keep trying!
I rarely see visible mending on vintage/secondhand pieces but I personally wouldn’t mind… I’ve bought damaged pieces that needed repair anyway. But I suppose visible mending isn’t to everyone’s taste.
Such an interesting subject Gemma and one I've also been thinking about. Personally I think we should continue mending because what would happen to the damaged garment otherwise? As you've pointed out, used clothing retailers won't sell them and even if you found another way to recirculate it, whoever it went to would probably mend it. Also as you mention in the WRAP research, mending makes us keep things for longer. I'd be perfectly happy with someone else's mended garment, it's all part of that garment's rich story!
This is so interesting! At first I thought, why would I discard my own mended clothes? But you know, weight fluctuates, children grow, life changes.
What you might like about mends is so personal. I don’t like raw edges for instance and I do like a mend that adds a story or a smile. I might buy that, but might also worry about wear and tear.
So far I have bought preloved clothes for my child and discovered a repair. I was delighted because it felt like finding a repairing/mending buddy.
I would if it was an item I wanted. I have always worn secondhand and mended clothes. I mended the clothes of my three kids and mended for others. I do know how to use a sewing machine. Most of my mending was as invisible as I could make it. I am 72 and would happily teach someone to mend or mend for them if they would trade chores with me. I think many older individuals would.
I sometimes think mending clothes, especially visible mending, is the ultimate subversive act. Maybe ultimate is too strong a word.....but it represents so much for me including being a good antidote to fast fashion.......
All of the above! Its also why im passionate about repair & remaking clothes too. To ReLove our garments or treasured finds! To bring back to life is Love on every level! Very hippy philosophy but isnt it divine that groovy & original hippy chic is back from the 1970s!
Katie x
That jumper! Your neighbour is lucky. I tried darning my old socks last year (it was a favourite) and it was a mess, so I’m in awe of what you’ve done. But I’ll keep trying!
I rarely see visible mending on vintage/secondhand pieces but I personally wouldn’t mind… I’ve bought damaged pieces that needed repair anyway. But I suppose visible mending isn’t to everyone’s taste.
Such an interesting subject Gemma and one I've also been thinking about. Personally I think we should continue mending because what would happen to the damaged garment otherwise? As you've pointed out, used clothing retailers won't sell them and even if you found another way to recirculate it, whoever it went to would probably mend it. Also as you mention in the WRAP research, mending makes us keep things for longer. I'd be perfectly happy with someone else's mended garment, it's all part of that garment's rich story!
This is so interesting! At first I thought, why would I discard my own mended clothes? But you know, weight fluctuates, children grow, life changes.
What you might like about mends is so personal. I don’t like raw edges for instance and I do like a mend that adds a story or a smile. I might buy that, but might also worry about wear and tear.
So far I have bought preloved clothes for my child and discovered a repair. I was delighted because it felt like finding a repairing/mending buddy.
I would if it was an item I wanted. I have always worn secondhand and mended clothes. I mended the clothes of my three kids and mended for others. I do know how to use a sewing machine. Most of my mending was as invisible as I could make it. I am 72 and would happily teach someone to mend or mend for them if they would trade chores with me. I think many older individuals would.
I sometimes think mending clothes, especially visible mending, is the ultimate subversive act. Maybe ultimate is too strong a word.....but it represents so much for me including being a good antidote to fast fashion.......