Visible mending trend takes off with major fashion brands
From catwalks to high street, decorative repairs are becoming a mainstream fashion statement.
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The practice of making clothing repairs intentionally noticeable and decorative, known as visible mending, is transitioning from niche hobby to mainstream fashion. This trend is now appearing on designer catwalks and being adopted by fast-fashion retailers, including Ralph Lauren and Shein, who are selling new garments featuring stitched and patched elements. The movement represents a shift from traditional mending, which aimed to conceal damage, towards celebrating repairs as a design feature.
Retailer adoption of decorative repairs
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Several clothing companies report that a substantial number of their customers are choosing decorative repairs. Finisterre states that approximately one-fifth of the mends it carries out for customers are designed to be eye-catching. Similarly, the premium artisan clothing store Toast indicates that about one-third of its customers opt for decorative repairs. Toast's chief executive, Suzie de Rohan Willner, described the process as allowing customers to choose what their garment 'becomes next'.
While Toast offers its repair services free of charge, its 'renewed' off-the-peg items command higher prices, reflecting their unique character. This approach contrasts with the historical view of mending primarily as a cost-saving measure. The current resurgence of visible mending is seen by some as a reaction against the environmental and ethical concerns associated with the overproduction and disposability of fast fashion.
Workshops and traditional skills
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Beyond selling repaired or embellished clothing, some brands are investing in teaching repair skills. Levi's is introducing a workshop programme this year focused on traditional mending techniques. The company's research suggests that younger customers, in particular, want to repair their clothes more often but lack the necessary knowledge. Initially, Levi's workshops concentrate on fundamental skills like sewing on buttons and hemming, rather than visible mending.
However, Paul Dillinger, Levi's head of global design innovation, anticipates that as consumers gain more skills, creative repairs will become more popular. He suggests that the desire for perfect, 'straight from the shop' items is diminishing, with people craving more personal agency over their clothing. Dillinger views mending as an expression of personal history, where a repair can represent a positive memory rather than a flaw.
The trend is also evident in community workshops, where instructors teach techniques like Boro and Sashiko, using contrasting thread colours and geometric patterns to make repairs a prominent feature. Participants report satisfaction in transforming stained or damaged items into unique pieces, with one student noting that people begin to 'just see the decoration' rather than the original imperfection.
Questions this report answers
+What is visible mending?
Visible mending is a fashion trend where repairs made to clothing are intentionally made decorative rather than hidden. This approach transforms flaws like holes or stains into design features, often using contrasting threads, patches, or embroidery.
+Which fashion brands are embracing visible mending?
Major brands including Ralph Lauren and Shein are selling new garments that incorporate visible stitching and patches. Companies like Finisterre and Toast report a significant proportion of their customers choosing decorative repairs for their existing clothing.
+Are there workshops teaching mending skills?
Yes, Levi's is rolling out a workshop programme this year focused on teaching traditional mending skills, as they found younger customers want to repair clothes but lack the knowledge. Other community workshops also teach decorative repair techniques.
+Why is visible mending becoming popular?
The trend is seen as a backlash against fast fashion's environmental impact and disposability. It allows consumers to extend the life of their clothes, express personal style, and take agency over their garments, turning repairs into a form of self-expression.
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