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Buy Less. Choose Well. Make it last.

Vivien Westwood, Fashion Designer

Why should we keep clothes alive longer?

Once upon a time, the art of mending, repairing and reinventing clothes was held dear. But because of new manufacturing methods in the 1950s and 60s, shoppers could buy lots of new things, stop mending, and start throwing away. 

Today in New Zealand about 200,000 tonnes of unwanted clothes go to landfill each year. This creates methane gas emissions as well as poisons that leach into land and waterways. 

But there is hope! You can help to keep clothes alive and in use, with Florence Saves Clothes. 

Saved by Florence stitch-in bill of health for all garments we work on

We use a lot of rag trade knowledge and a large dash of flair to transform the garments you're not wearing. We make keeping clothes alive longer easier for you by coming to your home, event or workplace. Learn more.

We hold community mending pop-ups and monthly workshops

Benefits of saving your clothes

01

Money

When you mend, repair, remodel or upcycle what's already in your wardrobe you'll save money.

02

Looks

Saved clothes have a unique look that's made to measure your personality and lifestyle.

03

Fit

Saved or altered clothes usually fit better than they ever have. This comfort is priceless.

04

Footprint

Saving garments means you're keeping them out of landfill and caring for the planet.

A little natural bling on a saved and upcycled Karen Walker party dress

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.

join a movement to keep clothes alive longer

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