When 27-year-old Alice Brown finds a second-hand jumper with a hole in it, she does not throw it away. Instead, she sews colourful felt animals and insects over moth holes and stains. This creative repair work is part of a growing trend called "visible mending," where people fix damaged clothes using bright, eye-catching designs rather than trying to hide the tear.
For decades, repairing torn clothing was mostly done in private to save money, and people often felt embarrassed if stitches showed. Today, crafters and teachers like Jayne Eagle in Brighton show students how to use traditional Japanese stitching techniques, such as Sashiko, to turn fabric tears into decorative patterns. Many participants now see visible mending as a proud statement against "fast fashion" and the environmental waste and pollution created by throwing away cheap garments.
The trend has now moved from hobby workshops into mainstream clothing stores and designer catwalks. Brands like Uniqlo and Toast now offer creative in-house repair services to help customers keep their garments longer, while companies like Levi's are launching workshops to teach sewing skills to younger buyers. While some people still prefer invisible fixes, many shoppers now view colourful repairs as a way to make ordinary clothes feel personal and unique.