Reimagining Fashion: How Repair and Upcycling Can Drive Sustainable Change
As the fashion industry races forward in speed and scale, it leaves behind a growing trail of environmental and ethical concerns — from textile waste to overproduction, fast fashion is proving costly for the planet. In my master’s research at GCU ,I explored a powerful alternative: garment repair and upcycling as a viable, sustainable business model.
Why It Matters
Every year, over 80 billion garments are produced globally, with a huge percentage ending up in landfills. While awareness of fashion’s environmental impact has grown, so has consumer interest in ethical and circular alternatives. My research focused on UK consumer perceptions, investigating how deeply people understand — and engage with — the practices of repairing and creatively reusing clothes.
From Fast Fashion to Circular Thinking
Repairing and upcycling clothes doesn’t just reduce waste — it brings value back to garments. Whether it’s through traditional handcrafting, embroidery, patchwork, or reimagined design, upcycling offers a chance to turn old pieces into something new and meaningful. (Groera Upcycled Jacket with hand painting and embroidery techniques)
These practices are not only eco-conscious, but deeply rooted in culture and creativity. They offer a connection to heritage techniques — such as batik, silk painting, and natural dyeing — while also pushing forward innovative fashion design. (Upcycled Jacket- Emberlace – Groera)
Through interviews with UK consumers and fashion professionals, I found that many are aware of the environmental impact of fast fashion and are eager to support sustainable choices — but they also face challenges:
Limited availability of upcycled garments in the mainstream market
Misconceptions about quality and style
Gaps in knowledge and repair skills
A lack of representation in brand storytelling
Despite these barriers, there’s a growing appreciation for durability, uniqueness, and purpose in fashion — especially among women and younger consumers.
What’s exciting is that repair and upcycling are not just sustainability strategies — they’re business opportunities. Small brands, artisans, and independent designers are leading the way, creating niche products that resonate with today’s conscious consumer. From community repair hubs to social media campaigns, there are endless ways to engage people in this movement.
Incorporating traditional techniques from places like Sri Lanka into UK upcycling practices could also build bridges between cultures, add unique value to products, and support ethical artisanship on a global scale.
Conclusion
we want fashion to be part of a sustainable future, we need to redefine how we create, consume, and connect with clothing. That means: Supporting businesses that champion repair and reuse Preserving and celebrating handcraft traditions Designing with intention and longevity in mind Let’s shift from fast fashion to lasting fashion — one stitch, patch, and reimagined piece at a time
