Research project - The Care and Repair Guide
Reducing Environmental Impact and Addressing Skills Gaps Through Responsible Wardrobe Management
This project looked at the relationship between consumers, brands and the charity retail sector in relation to clothing care, repair and second-hand use.
It aimed to promote more responsible ways of managing wardrobes.
In partnership with St Oswald’s Hospice and the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT), the project helped people develop basic skills to support sustainable habits and extend the life of clothing.
Key outputs included the development of a Care and Repair Guide and workshops.
Training tools provided practical ways to learn about caring for, repairing and reusing clothes, both at home and in the community. This included advice on washing, mending and getting more use out of second-hand garments.
Project Lead: Prof Anne Peirson-Smith (Northumbria University) and Dr Alana James (Northumbria University).
February 2025 – January 2026
The project aimed to explore the critical relationship between consumers, brands and the charity retail sector regarding garment care, repair and second-life ownership to encourage responsible wardrobe management.
The project empowered stakeholders with foundational skills to facilitate sustainable clothing behaviours intended to extend the lifetime of clothing.
Key outputs included the development of a Care and Repair guide and workshops to activate critical intervention points.
Publication coming soon.