We live in a world drowning in fast fashion waste. Our throwaway culture has us discarding clothes almost as quickly as we buy them.
Jeans have a hole? In the bin. Shirt fraying at the hem? Donate to the op-shop where it’s destined for landfill.
The fashion industry is a major contributor to global waste, with estimates suggesting that around 85% of all textiles are sent to landfill each year, equating to a whopping 21 billion tonnes of textile waste.
A popup at this year’s Splendour in the Grass highlighted the fashion waste issue in Australia with a fashion graveyard. The headstones depicting the average garment’s lifecycle were alarming.
According to War On Waste’s Craig Reucassel, we’ve moved to an ultra-fast fashion era, with around 30% of clothing in the average wardrobe not worn, and we’re throwing out nearly 10kg of fashion per person each year.
But what if the solution was as simple as buying less and looking after what we already own? Fortunately, this is becoming easier, especially for those of us who can’t sew a stitch.
These ten slow fashion brands are challenging the norm by offering repair services to help extend the life of our favourite clothes.
Nobody
Nobody Denim makes jeans you’ll want to live in. With a transparent manufacturing process, they take pride in making high-quality denim pieces built to last. If you experience a denim emergency, they offer repair services to ensure your favourite jeans stick around for the long haul. Just take your jeans to their Melbourne factory, and they’ll do the rest.
Bassike
Known for their organic cotton basics and relaxed tailoring, Bassike is another brand that believes in the longevity of clothes. They make pieces you won’t just wear; you’ll live in them. And if life takes a toll on your Bassike garments, their repair services are ready to step in. Drop off your items at their Sydney store to have them returned close to their original splendour.
Jillian Boustred
This Sydney-based brand offers contemporary designs that mix casual and chic effortlessly. Beyond the timeless aesthetic, Jillian Boustred is committed to sustainability. Should your clothes need a little TLC, they offer repairs to extend their life, making sure you get to enjoy your beloved pieces for longer.
Citizen Wolf
Tailoring more than just custom t-shirts, Sydney-based Citizen Wolf has carved a niche in sustainable fashion. The brand’s ethos of tangible sustainability isn’t just talk; it’s stitched into the very fabric of their business. Beyond providing you with the perfect fitting tee, the label offers free repairs for life to ensure that your favourite tee ages as gracefully as you do.
Kuwaii
A Melbourne darling, Kuwaii doesn’t just sell clothes; it offers heirlooms. Each piece is crafted with such attention to detail that you’ll want to pass it down through generations. Fortunately, they offer repairs on all their clothes to ensure each piece endures as a lasting keepsake. Return your well-loved pieces to their Brunswick atelier, where they’ll restore them to near-original condition.
Standard Issue
Standard Issue is all about the staples. They focus on quality, durability, and timeless designs, allowing for fewer, better things in your wardrobe. The best bit? The brand offers repairs on all of its garments. No need to toss that jumper because of a little wear and tear; Standard Issue can sort it out for you. Drop your worn items at their flagship store, and they’ll mend them back to their former glory. There’s also a great discount code for them here.
Kate Sylvester
Kate Sylvester offers more than just beautiful dresses and elegant suits. They commit to the long haul with your wardrobe. They stand behind the quality of their products, providing repair services that ensure your much-loved clothes continue to bring you joy long after your first wear.
Elk
Another Melbourne favourite, Elk pairs artisan craftsmanship with a strong ethical backbone. Their leather goods and clothing are made with care and intention, and that care extends well beyond the checkout. Elk offers a dedicated repair service for their leather range, ensuring well-worn bags, wallets, and accessories can be restored and enjoyed for years to come.
