From minimising textile waste to encouraging thoughtful consumption, here's why SOJO advocates for alterations to play a larger role in the industry.
Kaja Grujic
August 23, 2023
Amidst the growing push for a more sustainable fashion industry, noteworthy strides have been made in material choices and recycling technologies. Yet, in a world urging us to consume relentlessly, there's value in acknowledging what we already possess. Enter the art of clothing alterations – a practice that not only breathes fresh life into cherished garments but also plays a pivotal role in combating textile waste.
Here's why SOJO stands firm in advocating for a larger spotlight on alterations within the industry:
1. Tackling textile waste
Got a broken zipper, a popped button, or a torn lining? Fear not, for all these issues can be skillfully repaired! Altering clothes provides an alternative to discarding items or relinquishing them to second-hand stores, where they often end up in landfill – much like the infamous site in Chile's Atacama desert. By revamping slightly damaged, ill-fitting, or outdated pieces, alterations allow you to recreate them according to your present tastes and body contours. This simple act diminishes the need for constant new purchases, effectively stemming the tide of fast fashion demand.
2. Fostering mindful consumption
Clothing alterations actively encourage a shift from thoughtless consumerism to deliberate contemplation. When you invest in altering a garment, you forge a deeper connection to that piece. This shift in perspective prompts individuals to meticulously consider their clothing choices, opt for higher-quality items, and think about the endurance of their wardrobe selections.
3. Personalisation and adaptation
The adage "one size fits all" couldn't be further from the truth. Customising your clothing to harmonise with your distinct body shape and style preferences is a sustainable choice. By reshaping your existing wardrobe, you craft pieces that resonate with your personality and can serve versatile purposes. This approach curbs the necessity of acquiring new attire for specific occasions, further curbing the demand for fast fashion goods.
4. Safeguarding craftsmanship
Clothing alterations embody an invaluable skill handed down through generations. Embracing alterations extends support to these skilled artisans and actively contributes to preserving this time-honoured craft. Fostering the growth of alteration enterprises guarantees that these talents persist, preventing them from fading into obscurity and concurrently nurturing local economies.
In a world grappling with the imperatives of waste reduction and sustainability, clothing alterations emerge as a formidable catalyst for change. By elongating the lifecycle of garments, instilling thoughtful consumption, mitigating textile waste, and upholding artisan skills, alterations propose a comprehensive strategy for revolutionising the fashion landscape. The next time you contemplate parting ways with a clothing item, pause and ponder the potential for alteration. Your choice not only reduces waste but also enriches a greener, more conscientious fashion environment.
