Levi’s, Uniqlo, Even Zara and H&M Are Talking Repairs

So apparently, big fashion retailers have discovered that you can sew a ripped shirt back up instead of declaring that it needs a replacement. *Wow, shocking.*

In the last few months, news pieces have looked at how names like Levi's, Uniqlo, Primark, Zara and H&M are getting involved in in-store repairs and keeping clothes in use for longer, as brands try to appeal to Gen Z shoppers.

But the math isn't mathing!

Yes, repairing clothes is absolutely a sustainable move, and we love seeing fashion giants encouraging it, but does it address the elephant in the room?

Ahem! Shouldn't they maybe be concentrating on stopping the production of so many clothes too? We're just asking.

Uniqlo and Zara Want Your Old Clothes Back Too

Uniqlo has its RE.UNIQLO Studio, where customers can bring Uniqlo pieces for repair or remaking.

Zara has gone down a similar road with Zara Pre-Owned, which offers repair and resale options. One of the biggest trend driven retailers is now telling customers that the clothes they already own still have some life left in them.

H&M Has Tried It Too

H&M has experimented with mending and redesign studios in European cities, although AP reports that its in-store repair service is currently limited to its Paris flagship.

But when brands keep pumping out endless collections and, on the other hand, talk about repair... you can see why it feels a little ironic.

How About Repair More, Produce Less, Anyone?

These repairs are happening on top of growing clothing production, not instead of it.

Will a giant fashion company ever say, "Good news, everyone, we are going to make fewer clothes this year, slow down the constant stream of trends and not convince you that you need another wardrobe every few weeks"?

Well, that one never seems to make the campaign.

Levi's is teaching students and teenagers to sew, which is fantastic because mending and fixing clothes should be taught young as a basic skill.

But if brands really want clothes to stay in wardrobes for longer, then repair needs to come with much less glamorous ideas of producing thoughtfully, using mindful materials that can actually be repaired with transparent supply chains and stopping the flood of more clothes than we could possibly wear.