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The Cost of Fast Fashion: How Repair Culture Saves More Than Just Clothes

WORDS BY Sophia Al-khayat
7 Feb 2025
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Fast fashion has fueled a cycle of overconsumption, churning our trend-driven, cheap clothing at lightning speed. But behind the allure of low prices lies a hidden cost, one that’s devastating for the planet, people, and our future. The rise of repair culture offers a sustainable alternative, proving that fixing what we already own can save more than just clothes, it can contribute to saving the planet.

The Hidden Cost of Fast Fashion

Fast fashion’s environmental and social impact is staggering. Here’s what the industry is responsible for:

  • 10% of global carbon emissions (Ellen MacArthur Foundation).
  • Generating 92 million tons of textile waste annually (Shared Impact).
  • Consuming 93 billion cubic meters of water every year—enough to meet the needs of 5 million people (UN).
  • SHEIN is responsible for 6.3 million tons of CO2emissions yearly (Green Match).

These alarming statistics highlight the urgent need for change. The good news? A global shift toward sustainable practices within fashion, like repair and care, is gaining momentum. By extending the life of our garments, we can significantly reduce waste and support a circular economy.

What Is Repair Culture?

Repair and care services prioritises fixing over discarding, encouraging consumers and brands to:

  • Extend the lifecycle of clothing.
  • Reduce the demand for new production.
  • Support circularity by keeping textiles out of landfills.

It’s an antidote to the throwaway mindset, championing durability and thoughtful consumption.

The Impact of Repair Culture

Environmental Benefits

Repairing clothing reduces the demand for virgin materials like cotton and polyester, which:

  • Use extensive natural resources.
  • Contribute to pollution during production, transportation and disposal.

For instance, extending the life of a garment by nine months can reduce its carbon, water, and waste footprint by 20-30% (Ellen MacArthur Foundation).

Economic Value

Brands that embrace repair services benefit from increased consumer trust and loyalty. According to the Business of Fashion, 65% of consumers prioritize brands aligned with sustainability goals. Repair services also create new revenue streams through:

  • Subscription models for care packages.
  • Pay-per-use repair services.

Social Impact

Fast fashion exploits labor in low-wage countries, perpetuating inequality. Promoting repair culture shifts focus to:

  • Creating skilled jobs in garment care and repair.
  • Educating consumers on mindful consumption.

The Role of Save Your Wardrobe in Scaling Repair and Care

At Save Your Wardrobe (SYW), we believe that scalability and adaptability are key to increasing repair adoption. Here’s how we enable brands to embrace repair and care:

  • Modular Aftersales Solutions: Seamlessly integrate repair services into existing ERP systems, warranty processes, and loyalty programs.
  • Global Reach: Our end-to-end platform supports brands in managing repairs worldwide.
  • Consumer Engagement: Educate and empower consumers through care tips and repair guides.


Collaborations with leading brands like Hugo Boss, SMCP, Bicester Village and LVMH showcase our ability to optimise existing processes and enhance customer satisfaction.


Why Repair Culture Matters for Brands

Brands that ignore repair culture risk falling behind in an increasingly sustainability-driven market. According to the Harvard Business Review, brands with strong circularity initiatives outperform competitors by 24% in consumer loyalty metrics.

Repair Culture—A Win-Win for Fashion and the Planet

The shift toward repair culture is not just an ethical imperative but also a business opportunity. By embracing repair services, brands can:

  • Reduce waste and environmental impact.
  • Build stronger relationships with eco-conscious consumers.
  • Align with global sustainability goals like the UN’s SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Key Takeaways

  • Repair culture extends garment life, reducing carbon and waste footprints by up to 30%.
  • Brands adopting repair initiatives see increased loyalty and new revenue streams.
  • Save Your Wardrobe’s modular platform empowers brands to scale repair services seamlessly.

Ready to drive fashion circularity and customer loyalty? Save Your Wardrobe’s scalable solutions are designed to integrate effortlessly into your existing operations, helping your brand lead the way in circular fashion. Contact us to learn about how we can support your circularity goals.