Fast fashion might be quick, but it leaves behind a mountain of waste. Slow fashion is different - it’s about caring for what we already own and giving each piece a longer life. Whether you’re mending a well loved garment or transforming something that no longer fits, small changes can have a big impact on both your wardrobe and the planet.

1. REPAIR THE LITTLE THINGS

A missing button or a stubborn zipper doesn’t need to end a garment’s life. A simple fix, done at home or by a local alterations studio, can keep a favorite piece in rotation for years. I once replaced the buttons on a customer’s heirloom coat, and that single repair let three generations keep wearing it through the winters.

2. RESIZE FOR A BETTER FIT

Our bodies and style preferences change. Instead of giving up on a beloved piece, consider a subtle resize. A new hem or a slightly taken in waist can make something “unwearable” feel like it was made for you.

3. REINVENT WITH VISIBLE MENDING

Visible mending, turning repairs into a design feature, is a great technique. A bold patch over a frayed knee or contrasting stitches on a worn elbow can add personality and charm while extending the life of the garment.

4. ADD A TOUCH OF PERSONAL STYLE

Small updates often spark the biggest transformations. Swapping out plain buttons for vintage ones, adding lace trim, or turning a long dress into a breezy top can give your wardrobe a fresh new look without buying anything new.

5. UPCYCLE INTO SOMETHING NEW

When a piece has truly reached the end of its life in its current form, upcycling gives it another chance. Old jeans can become a market tote, a worn shirt can transform into a patchwork scarf, creative projects that keep textiles out of the landfill.

WHY LOCAL MATTERS

Every time you choose alterations, custom work, or upcycling here in Nanaimo, you reduce waste and support small businesses that keep the slow fashion movement alive. These choices strengthen community ties and keep good textiles in circulation.  Take a slow look through your closet before shopping for something new. There might be a story waiting to be retold, one stitch at a time.  

Happy stitching until next Sunday,