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Sustainability
12 Feb 20265 min read

Hundreds of Thousands of Tonnes of Clothing Discarded Every YearHere's How You Can Help

Hundreds of thousands of tonnes of clothing are discarded in the UK every year — much of which could be repaired or altered. A broken zip. A dress that doesn't quite fit. Trousers that just need hemming. Small fixes with a big impact.

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Did you know?

Hundreds of thousands of tonnes of clothing are discarded in the UK every year — much of which could be repaired or altered. Most ends up in landfill, where synthetic fabrics can take hundreds of years to decompose.

The Problem with Fast Fashion

We live in an era of disposable fashion. Clothes are cheaper than ever, but this comes at a cost. The average person in the UK buys 26.7kg of new clothing each year — and throws away 11kg. Much of this discarded clothing isn't worn out; it simply doesn't fit anymore, has minor damage, or has fallen out of fashion.

But here's the thing: most of these garments could have a second life. A zip can be replaced. Seams can be taken in or let out. Hems can be adjusted. A skilled seamstress can transform a wardrobe castaway into a favourite piece again.

Small Fixes, Big Impact

Instead of replacing clothes, we can repair them. Instead of supporting fast fashion, we can support skilled local professionals who take pride in their craft.

Common repairs that save clothes from landfill:

  • Broken zips — One of the most common reasons clothes get thrown away, yet one of the easiest fixes for a professional.
  • Taking in or letting out — Bodies change. Rather than buying new, resize what you have.
  • Hemming trousers and dresses — A simple alteration that makes clothes look bespoke rather than off-the-rack.
  • Patching and mending — Visible mending is even becoming a fashion statement.

Better for Everyone

💰

Your Wallet

Repairs cost a fraction of replacing entire garments

🏠

Local Businesses

Support skilled professionals in your community

🌍

The Planet

Keep clothes out of landfill and reduce textile waste

How StitchPro is Helping

At StitchPro, we connect customers with experienced tailors and seamstresses in their area — making it easier to repair, alter and reuse the clothes you already own.

Whether you need a zip replaced, a wedding dress taken in, school uniforms hemmed, or bespoke alterations, we have skilled professionals ready to help. No more throwing away clothes that just need a little TLC.

Let's Wear What We Already Have

Just made to fit properly. Find a local specialist today and give your clothes a second life.

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Are You a Sewing Professional?

Join our growing network of skilled seamstresses and tailors. Help reduce fashion waste while earning money doing what you love.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much clothing does the UK discard each year?

Hundreds of thousands of tonnes of clothing are discarded in the UK every year — much of which could be repaired or altered.

Can clothing alterations help reduce fashion waste?

Absolutely. Simple fixes like replacing a broken zip, hemming trousers, or resizing a dress can extend the life of garments by years, keeping them out of landfill.

How can I become a seamstress with StitchPro?

If you're a skilled sewing professional, you can apply to join our network at stitchpro.app/specialists. Work from home, set your own rates, and help reduce fashion waste.