Visible mending is trending: what it means for used kit

What happened

The BBC has looked at a growing trend called "visible mending", where people repair clothes in a way that shows, rather than hiding the fix. Instead of matching the thread colour to the garment, the idea is to make the repair a feature.

The BBC spoke to Alice Brown, a 27-year-old forest ranger from Lincolnshire. When she finds a jumper with a hole in a second-hand shop, she says it will not stop her buying it: "I see it as challenge." She needle-felts small animals and insects over moth holes, stains and other imperfections, and has won a large online following.

At a Saturday workshop in Brighton, teacher Jayne Eagle shows students how to attach a patch of fabric behind a tear so a design peeps through. She also teaches stitching inspired by the traditional Japanese methods Boro and Sashiko, and darning in contrasting colours. She told the BBC the trend took off about six years ago and has boomed since.

According to the BBC, the idea has spread from hobby crafters and community workshops to fast-fashion brands and this year's designer catwalks. Ralph Lauren and Shein are selling stitched and patched garments, though brand new. Other High Street chains offer in-house repairs and workshops. Uniqlo's head of sustainability, Maria Ledous, says: "We want to give customers practical ways to extend the life of the clothes they already love, rather than simply replacing them."

Not everyone feels the same. At a Levi's workshop, Nicholas said he prefers mending not to show, while Bianca said people still see visible mending as a sign of poverty.

What it means for you

If you buy or sell used clothes, the story is a useful reminder that a flaw is not always the end of a garment's life. One student in the BBC piece, Nicola, stitched over sunscreen marks on a T-shirt, and said people then "stop seeing the stains and just see the decoration". Lisa accidentally snipped a second-hand jacket with scissors while opening the parcel, patched it, and says it now "looks intentional".

For buyers, that can mean a worn item may be worth a second look, especially if you like making things. It also means the choice is yours. Some people love a visible patch; others, like Nicholas, would rather not see it.

The key point is honesty. Whether a repair is bold or hidden, a buyer should be told about it before paying. If a listing does not mention a hole, a stain or a mend, ask the seller, and ask for a clear close-up photo. It is a reasonable thing to ask.

For sellers, the same applies. If your garment has a repair, say so and photograph it. A mend that is described clearly is a detail; one that is discovered after the parcel arrives is a disappointment.

Parents can help here too. Looking through the photos together and reading the description for any mention of repairs, marks or wear is a good habit for any online purchase.

Where KitLoop fits

The BBC story is about people choosing to see the character in imperfect clothes. That only works when you know what you are getting. At KitLoop, every item is checked, graded honestly and photographed, then posted from Manchester within 2 working days.

So the photos and the grade are there to show you the condition before you decide, with no pressure to buy. If you like the look of a well-loved shirt, you can judge it from the pictures. If you would rather have something with no visible wear, the grade helps you tell the difference.