Sustainable Fashion Week 2024: Celebrating the Power of Repair
Sustainable Fashion Week (SFW) is back for its fourth year, uniting communities across the UK (and beyond!) with its 2024 slogan: “Uniting the community nationally through the power of taking action locally.” This year, the event celebrates the #PowerOfRepair, highlighting the importance of repairing clothes as a way to fight against the wasteful culture of fast fashion.
SFW 2024 is all about community-led action. With a packed programme, the event brings together a diverse range of grassroots initiatives designed by inspiring people in local areas. SFW's flagship event takes place between 23-29 September in a series of regional Hubs, each offering a range of activities to inspire and empower attendees to take small but impactful actions for sustainable fashion.
But that's not all – the excitement of the Community Fringe extends for a whole month, running from 12 September to 12 October. This Fringe is a dynamic, nationwide collection of one-off events and activities led by local groups, offering a rich array of opportunities for people to get involved.
The power of repair: A sustainable solution
In a world dominated by fast fashion, it's all too common to throw away clothes at the first sign of wear and tear. Whether it's a rip, stain, moth hole, or missing button, many garments are discarded and end up in landfills or worse – polluting deserts, waterways, and the open sea. Fashion waste is a growing crisis that affects the soil, air, and water we all rely on.
Consider this: most of us wear less than 30% of the clothing in our wardrobes, with many items left untouched simply because they need a small mend. Repairing these garments is an effective and powerful way to reduce fashion waste. A staggering one-third of people in the UK were never taught how to sew, yet a simple repair can extend the life of a garment by 1.3 years, reducing its environmental impact by up to 30%.
SFW 2024 urges everyone to embrace the #PowerOfRepair – a subtle yet meaningful form of resistance to fast fashion. By mending clothes instead of discarding them, we reduce waste and environmental harm while preserving resources.
Discover the hubs: local action with global impact
SFW’s regional Hubs offer a vibrant programme of activities from Bath to Birmingham, Leeds to Shoreditch, and even as far afield as Ontario and Chicago. Each Hub showcases workshops, talks, and hands-on events designed to inspire people to take action for a more sustainable future. Visitors can explore everything from upcycling old clothes to learning the art of darning, all while connecting with like-minded individuals who share a passion for sustainable fashion.
Local Hubs provide a platform for people to dive into repair culture and see first-hand the difference they can make. The flagship Hub in Bath will be buzzing with activities, alongside other key locations such as Brighton, Frome, Leek, and Belfast, to name a few.
Join the movement
Sustainable Fashion Week 2024 is more than an event – it’s a movement that invites people across the UK to take practical steps towards a more sustainable fashion future. Whether you're a seasoned repair enthusiast or just beginning your journey, there's something for everyone at SFW 2024. By joining the community and learning the power of repair, you’re not only saving your favourite clothes but also contributing to a greener, more responsible fashion industry.
To get involved, simply click on your nearest Hub and explore what's on offer. Let’s unite, repair, and make a difference – one stitch at a time.
For more information, visit the Sustainable Fashion Week website and discover the events taking place in your local area. Whether you’re in Bath, Huddersfield, or even Chicago, there’s a world of sustainable fashion waiting for you!