The State of Clothing Repair & Care H1/2026 brings together industry reports, academic research, company launches, funding announcements and policy developments tracked in the first half of 2026.
The report estimates that Europe’s clothing and footwear repair sector was worth €2.8bn ($3.1bn) in 2025, with an annual projected growth rate of 5.5%. Market value could reach €3.7bn by 2030, according to data from the Fédération de la Mode Circulaire and KPMG.
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Despite this positive trajectory, the market remains limited in comparison to the wider apparel sector, with the expense of repairs standing as a consistent obstacle.
Brand involvement is rising, with Circular Fashion News tracking nine new or expanded repair initiatives launched by high-street names in the first half of 2026.
Companies such as Next, Kiabi, Salomon, and Primark have added or extended repair programmes, often through partnerships with specialist repair providers. This reflects growing industry attention to garment longevity and a shift beyond take-back schemes and recycling.
On the consumer side, interest in garment care and repair is being shaped by broader trends in quality and sustainability. The report points to Google Trends data, which shows a steady increase in searches related to clothing care and repair since 2025.
Meanwhile, social media conversations around quality materials have gained ground. Hashtags like #fabrictok and #naturalfibertok are spreading, as consumers seek information about durable fabrics and maintenance.
Expectations around clothing durability are also changing. Referencing a Samsara Eco study, the report notes that 89% of shoppers now expect their garments to last at least 30 wears, putting pressure on both brands and consumers to focus on extending clothing lifespans.
Aesthetics are playing an increasing role in the repair movement, with visible mending gaining popularity. According to Pinterest’s Hobbies Trend Report 2026, searches for decorative repair techniques such as “sashiko ideas” increased by over 1,500%.
The “repair aesthetic” trend also saw significant growth, and repair patches from brands like Arc’teryx have become recognised features in their own right.
However, price remains a decisive factor in consumer behaviour regarding repairs. A study by RISE Research Institutes of Sweden found saving money was the primary incentive for repair among over 3,000 surveyed participants in Denmark, Poland and Sweden; environmental reasons were secondary.
Although many respondents were willing to pay up to half the price of new jeans for a repair, uncertainty around the eventual cost and turnaround time was identified as the main deterrent.
The continued growth of fast and ultra-fast fashion, offering new clothing at minimal prices, further undermines the perceived value of repair for less expensive garments.
Despite these barriers, the report highlights cases where repair has yielded commercial benefits, especially for higher-quality products resold after mending.
Data from United Repair Centre covering 1,131 branded items showed an average repair cost of €22.73 per item, while the average resale price was €73.93. The items therefore generated an average resale value 3.3 times the repair cost, and 97.7% sold for more than the cost of repair.
Government intervention is emerging as a key lever for scaling the repair market. France’s repair bonus remains the clearest example cited in the report, while Ireland announced plans during the first half of 2026 to pilot a similar repair voucher scheme from 2027.
In May, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and 69 organisations called for lower VAT and labour taxes on repair and resale. The report identifies such measures, alongside durable product design and viable business models, as potential conditions for scaling the sector.
The publication is divided into three sections covering the repair market and H1 trends, established repair and care services from brands including Patagonia, Nudie Jeans, Barbour and Arc’teryx, and the consumer, design, commercial and policy changes needed for further expansion.
