--- title: "Visible Mending Trend Gains Momentum Among Fashion Enthusiasts" url: https://noti.group/visible-mending-trend-gains-momentum-among-fashion-enthusiasts/ language: en publisher: "Noti Group" section: "Business" published: 2026-10-30T00:00:35.000Z updated: 2026-10-30T23:33:31.976Z id: 8cdd785d-fb86-4e1e-a8aa-6a574acd6827 source: "BBC News Business https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cmwy9qe5r1z3o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss" attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/visible-mending-trend-gains-momentum-among-fashion-enthusiasts/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Visible Mending Trend Gains Momentum Among Fashion Enthusiasts A growing number of fashion enthusiasts are embracing visible mending as a way to celebrate imperfections in clothing, transforming flaws into unique decorative elements. A growing number of fashion enthusiasts are embracing a unique trend where clothes are intentionally repaired to create eye-catching designs. For Alice Brown, a 27-year-old forest ranger from Lincolnshire, a jumper with a hole is not a reason to reject it but rather an opportunity to get creative. She has developed her own distinctive style by needle-felting cute animals and insects onto damaged areas of clothing, attracting a significant following online in the process. The trend, often referred to as "visible mending, encourages individuals to celebrate imperfections rather than trying to conceal them. By doing so, they can transform what would otherwise be seen as flaws into unique decorative elements that add character to an item of clothing. The trend of visible mending has gained significant momentum in recent years, with people proudly showcasing their handiwork on garments. This shift is a departure from the past, where mends were often concealed to maintain a pristine appearance. Lisa's experience with her second-hand jacket online highlights the growing acceptance of intentional patches and repairs. She deliberately stitched the damaged area, even drawing attention to it when speaking with others. Her approach reflects the current attitude towards visible mending, which celebrates resourcefulness over fast fashion. The revival of interest in mending is closely tied to concerns about the environmental impact of the fashion industry. Overproduction, pollution, carbon emissions, and poor labour conditions have all contributed to a growing backlash against throwaway culture. As the trend gains traction among consumers, retailers are also embracing the idea of visible mending. Brands like Ralph Lauren and Shein are now selling garments with intentional stitches and patches, often as part of their new collections. This shift towards celebrating mends is not limited to high-end labels; more affordable High Street chains are also offering in-house repair services. In addition to these initiatives, some retailers are taking a step further by hosting workshops where customers can learn the skills necessary for effective mending and repair. These hands-on sessions aim to equip consumers with the knowledge required to breathe new life into worn garments, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Uniqlo's approach to sustainability is centered around giving customers practical ways to extend the life of their clothes rather than simply replacing them. The brand's head of sustainability, Maria Ledous, emphasizes this goal in her efforts to promote sustainable fashion practices. Primark has also joined the trend of promoting mended and repaired clothing as a viable alternative to fast fashion. According to Vicki Swain, the brand's longevity lead, affordability and durability should not be mutually exclusive, suggesting that Primark is committed to offering high-quality clothing at affordable prices. Some brands are taking their repair services to the next level by incorporating eye-catching designs into the mending process. Finisterre reports that around a fifth of its customer repairs include visible mends, while premium artisan clothing store Toast says about a third of customers opt for this approach. Toast's chief executive, Suzie de Rohan Willner, notes that one of the key benefits of repair services is allowing customers to choose what they'd like their garment to become next. This personalization is a major draw for customers who value unique and distinctive clothing items. In East London, young people are challenging traditional notions of fashion and repair. For 16-year-old Bianca, mended clothes are not just about patching up tears - they're also a way to defy stereotypes about poverty. Some young people see the value in learning repair skills that don't leave visible signs. Theo, 19, wants to sell clothes at car boot sales but thinks traditional repair techniques would make them more marketable. His friend Nicholas, also 19, believes most customers prefer to look fresh" rather than patched up. Despite this, some industry experts think creative repairs will eventually win over consumers as they become more skilled and confident in their ability to mend clothes. According to Paul Dillinger, Levi's head of global design innovation, people are increasingly seeking agency and authenticity in the things they buy - and mending is a key part of that. --- Source: [BBC News Business](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cmwy9qe5r1z3o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/visible-mending-trend-gains-momentum-among-fashion-enthusiasts/