Care Repair
Global clothing production has more than doubled over the past twenty years. At the same time, the average lifespan of garments has decreased significantly. Extending that lifespan is an effective way to reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry. However, policy measures—such as upcoming EU legislation—mainly focus on technical quality standards, with limited attention to how clothing is actually used.
The Care Repair project explores how maintenance and repair can contribute to longer garment use. The focus lies on four strategies from the R-ladder: repair, refurbish, redesign, and rethink. Using a design-led and systems-oriented approach, the project develops practices that align with the realities of users, brands and designers.
Whether or not people repair their clothing depends on more than technical feasibility. Factors such as emotional attachment, cultural norms, cost, skills and knowledge all play a significant role. Design strategies like design for longevity and design for repair often assume that users will act when repair is possible, but this is not always the case.
The project brings together perspectives from users, local tailors, designers and fashion brands. By combining practical insights with design approaches, the team develops solutions and systems that encourage care and repair, contributing to longer garment lifespans.
