At Florence Saves Clothes, we're on a daily mission to fix broken zips, unraveled hems, split sideseams, darn holes, re-tailor jackets, suits and dresses, replace linings, alter wedding dresses so they fit like a glove...click to learn more.
Why should we keep clothes alive longer?
Once upon a time, the art of mending, repairing and reinventing clothes was held dear. But in the 1950s a new trend emerged, which saw people increase their buying as well as throwing away. That culture gradually led to fast fashion.
Today in New Zealand about 200,000 tonnes of clothing and textiles go to landfill but we can change that. Think about replacing those zips, consider coats you no longer love being turned into jackets, damaged clothing being donated for ‘parts’, pre-loved wedding dresses transformed through redesign, and vintage men’s suits being fashionably retailored for women. And more!
two pairs of jeans and a sari made this bolero jacket
Buy Less. Choose Well. Make it last.
Vivien Westwood, Fashion Designer
Saving clothes from a Westmere workroom and Florence the mobile mending van
Benefits of saving your clothes
thousand tonnes
At least 180,000 tonnes of clothing and textile waste are discarded in NZ each year
new garments
The average New Zealander consumes more than 50 items of clothing a year.
carbon emissions
Clothing and textile waste is responsible for 4% of carbon emissions in New Zealand.
personal waste
The average New Zealander throws away at least 13kg of clothing and textles each year.
