Why Does It Cost More to Repair Than Replace? Introducing Britain Mends
For many people in the UK, repairing clothes and shoes can cost more than replacing them. When the price of repair becomes a barrier, perfectly wearable items can end up discarded, while skilled tailors, cobblers and local repair businesses miss out on work.
What is Britain Mends?
Britain Mends is a petition calling for a British Repair Bonus: a discount on clothing and footwear repairs, deducted directly from the customer's repair bill.
The petition also proposes including textiles within the UK's Right to Repair framework.
The aim is to address some of the financial barriers that can make repairing everyday clothing and footwear difficult to choose.
What would a British Repair Bonus mean?
- Reduce repair costs: Apply a discount directly to eligible clothing and footwear repair bills.
- Support local businesses: Help independent tailors, cobblers and repair specialists attract more customers.
- Keep clothes in use: Make it easier to repair and continue wearing items rather than replacing them.
- Reduce textile waste: Help prevent repairable clothing and footwear from being discarded unnecessarily.
Why does affordable repair matter?
Repair is an important part of making better use of the clothes and footwear we already own. But encouraging people to repair also means making the service accessible and affordable.
Save Your Wardrobe works with brands and repair partners to make aftersales services, including repair and care, easier to access. We know that a connected repair experience matters, but affordability is another important part of the picture.
About the Britain Mends petition
The petition, titled Fund direct discounts on repair bills for clothing & footwear, is open until 22 January 2027.
Its milestones are:
- 10,000 signatures: The UK Government will provide a response.
- 100,000 signatures: The petition will be considered for debate in Parliament.
How you can get involved
The petition is free to sign for all UK residents and citizens through the official UK Parliament petitions website. Explore the Britain Mends petition and use your network to advocate for a future where repairing clothes is more affordable and accessible.
