As September rolls around, many of us are reflecting on how we can make more sustainable choices in our everyday lives. One of the best places to start is with our wardrobes. Fast fashion is a major contributor to environmental damage, but there’s a growing movement that offers a solution: Second Hand September. This initiative encourages us to avoid buying new clothes for the entire month and instead turn to second-hand options.
But buying second-hand is only one part of the equation. What if, instead of discarding clothes with minor damage, we learned to mend them? That’s where our mending workshops come in. In this blog, we’ll explore how Second Hand September and mending can work hand in hand to help you build a wardrobe that’s kinder to the planet.
What is Second Hand September?
Second Hand September is a campaign started by Oxfam to encourage people to pledge not to buy any new clothes for the month. The fashion industry is responsible for around 10% of global carbon emissions and vast amounts of textile waste, so taking a break from buying new clothes can significantly reduce your personal impact.
Second Hand September isn’t just about saving money; it’s about changing our habits and thinking more consciously about where our clothes come from. By opting for vintage, charity shop finds, or even swapping with friends, we can all play a part in reducing the demand for new garments.
Why Second Hand Fashion Matters
Fast fashion, characterised by cheap, rapidly produced garments, is built on a cycle of overconsumption. Clothes are made quickly and often from low-quality materials, leading to short lifespans and more waste.
Did you know that in the UK, around 350,000 tonnes of used clothing ends up in landfills every year? The water and energy needed to make new garments are substantial too, making this a pressing environmental concern.
When you buy second-hand, you’re extending the life of an existing garment rather than contributing to the demand for new ones. Each second-hand purchase is a small step towards reducing the massive waste created by the fashion industry. And when paired with mending, second-hand fashion becomes an even more powerful tool for change.
Extend the Life of Your Clothes with Mending
It’s easy to overlook a small tear or a missing button and think your favourite shirt or dress is beyond saving. However, mending provides a sustainable alternative that allows you to keep enjoying the clothes you love. Rather than replacing worn-out pieces with new ones, mending helps you extend the life of your wardrobe while reducing waste.
Mending can be as simple as sewing up a seam or darning a small hole, but it’s about more than just fixing a garment. Mending is a way to reconnect with your clothing, appreciating the craftsmanship and effort that went into making it. In a world where everything seems disposable, mending reminds us that our belongings, including clothes, can have value beyond their initial wear.
Have you read our 10 fantastic different types of mending clothes blog?
The Art of Hand Mending: Reviving Old Garments
Hand mending is an art form that transforms damaged clothing into something new and unique. Through techniques like visible mending, repairs are highlighted instead of hidden, turning them into a design feature. Patches, stitches, and embroidery can all be used to add personality and charm to garments that might otherwise have been discarded.
By learning traditional mending techniques such as darning, patching, or even sashiko (a Japanese form of visible mending), you can make your clothes one-of-a-kind. Mending not only helps you save money and resources but also gives you a sense of satisfaction knowing you’ve repaired something yourself.
Join Our Second Hand September Mending Workshops
This Second Hand September, why not take your sustainable fashion journey a step further by joining one of our mending classes? Here, you’ll learn the essential skills needed to maintain, repair and upcycle your clothes. Whether it’s fixing a rip, sewing on a new button, or patching up a pair of jeans, we’ve got you covered.
Our workshops are designed for all skill levels. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to expand your mending repertoire, you’ll leave with practical skills you can use again and again. B
ring in a few items from your wardrobe that need a little TLC, and we’ll guide you through the process of repairing them.
By the end of the session, you’ll feel empowered to take control of your wardrobe and keep your clothes out of the landfill.
Sustainable Fashion is Accessible to Everyone
Sustainable fashion isn’t just for the wealthy or the eco-elite. Buying second-hand and learning to mend your clothes are both affordable and accessible ways to participate in the movement. A second-hand wardrobe can be just as stylish, if not more so, than one filled with new pieces, and mending adds personal flair that you won’t find in off-the-rack fashion.
At our workshops, we make sure that everyone can participate in sustainable fashion, regardless of their budget or sewing experience. With just a few simple tools and some guidance, anyone can learn how to mend their clothes and keep them in circulation longer.
How to Get Started: Tips for Second Hand Shopping and Mending
Ready to dive into Second Hand September? Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Look for quality: When shopping second-hand, check for natural fabrics like cotton, wool, and linen, which are easier to mend and last longer.
- Examine the seams: A quick check of the seams can tell you a lot about how long a garment will last. Strong, well-stitched seams are key.
- Start simple: If you’re new to mending, begin with easy fixes like sewing on buttons or hemming trousers. You can build up to more complex repairs as your confidence grows.
Ready to mend your way to a more sustainable wardrobe?
This Second Hand September, let’s take a stand against fast fashion together. Join one of our mending workshops and learn how to repair your clothes while supporting a more sustainable future. Together, we can keep our wardrobes out of landfills and celebrate the creativity and beauty in making our clothes last.
