Learn to repair your worn and damaged clothes
Lend, mend, then lend again
The Top Lenders we follow have all sorts of horror stories about damaged rentals from wine spills to cigarette burns to ripped chiffon and snagged lace. These things happen. That’s why it makes financial sense to invest in damage cover to insure against mendable damage so you can repair and rent again. There are plenty of amazing repair services available now, but it doesn’t hurt to learn mending skills for other items in your wardrobe too.
Firstly, learn how to repair for yourself. It takes a little practice, but it’s easy enough to learn how to darn from YouTube tutorials. I’ve mended holes in socks and rips in pyjamas… things that don’t really need to see the light of day (although I’m proud of my progress!). For more visible repairs, why not attend a course?
Loom is hosting a free knitwear repair session in Kingston this Saturday 17 August from 11am. Knitwear designer and consultant, Joanna Bray, will teach you to repair a ladder in your knitwear. You’ll also learn how to stop a ladder in its tracks. (BYO item or damaged knits can be provided). This sounds technical but would be a great skill to acquire! Be quick to get tickets.
Finisterre’s Lived and Loved Repair Team offer repair circle workshops in Bristol and Cornwall for around £10 per session. Embroidery and screenprinting classes are coming up soon too. Get your tickets here.
Sustainability legend Andrea Cheong organises The Mindful Monday Mending Club, but you have to be quick. The next session at Hart Shorditch Hotel on Sunday 18 August is a sellout. But you can email her at hello@andreacheong.com to get on the waitlist for cancellations. In the meantime, you can follow her YouTube channel for repair and alteration tips like how to shorten hems and covering holes with applique. Fun.
For pro support, here are some services that can help with repairs. We’ll be adding all of these to our repairs directory soon.
Sojo—go straight to the source for door-to-door service, or book through one of the brands or retailers they support.
Powered by Fixed By Sojo:
GANNI Fitted by Sojo for alterations and repairs
M&S Fixed by Sojo (launching this August although I can’t find it yet)
Image credit: Sojo
The Seam connects you with local specialists who can handle your repair or alteration. They cover all sorts from everyday alterations and knitwear repair, to bridal adjustments, handbag cleaning and leather restoration. There is something deeply soothing about watching a sad old handbag come back to life and did you see what they did with Trinny’s chewed shoes? Magique.
The Seam powered:
COS repairs and tailoring using the code COSCARE
Net-a-Porter Repair and Re-wear. Also, check out their luxury re-sale service.
Shrimps CARE AND REPAIR for alteration, repair, restoration and cleaning services for clothing and accessories. Super handy for a damaged beaded bag.
Timpsons for alterations and repairs for all kinds of items, even damaged leather coats.
Timpsons powered:
John Lewis (powered by Timpsons) is coming soon
Our repair and alterations directory is currently under construction. We’ll add all of these services there soon. In the meantime, did you know we keep track of global rental platforms in the rental directory? Check it out. (So far we’ve got UK, US, Australia and New Zealand—let us know what we’re missing!)
Rental Radar—your roundup of the latest industry news
Ugh. GANNI has closed their London office and moved to Paris. Gutted for the 50 or so people affected. A Drapers exclusive (behind the paywall).
Second hand fashion platform Vinted has reportedly began sounding out investors for a secondary stock offering (also behind the paywall, soz).
ByRotation launched the ultimate rental collab with AirBnB this week.
Two Top Lenders, Kelly and Paula, have reached over £100k in rental income. Outstanding. More to come on this soon.
Nike reportedly slashed 20% of its sustainability staff in June. Also, as per Gemma Metheringham’s recent Instagram post on what to do with old Nikes, they do recycle shoes, just not in the UK.
Until next time, like, subscribe, tell your friends, and book that repair workshop.
This is such a great roundup! Andrea Cheong is incredible - love her series where she rates the quality of a brand's products.