Weight-loss drugs are keeping US tailors and cobblers busy, as Europe's repair market grows
Belt-shortening by the hundred, and a clear-eyed look at whether clothing repair is a real industry shift.
Americans on GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro are altering the clothes they have instead of buying new ones, Reuters reports (via Vijesti and The Independent). Cobblers Direct, which has 25 stores in Texas, says it now shortens up to 500 belts a week; Manhattan's Jim's Cobbler Concierge calls the trend "belt-zempic." Rising out-of-pocket drug costs, a Trimi survey finding about 80% of users wear clothes that no longer fit, and University of Cambridge research showing patients regain an average of 60% of lost weight within a year of stopping make many reluctant to buy a new wardrobe.
In Europe, FashionUnited reports brands from Salomon to Next and Primark launched repair programmes in the first half of 2026. The Fédération de la Mode Circulaire and KPMG value the region's clothing and footwear repair market at about €2.8 billion in 2025, projected to reach €3.7 billion by 2030, though repair is labour-intensive and many low-quality garments aren't worth fixing.
-
Sashiko
After exploring Clothing repair is trending – but is it a real industry shift?, for the mending technique behind the repair aesthetic, try Sashiko.
Wikipedia explains the traditional Japanese stitching used to reinforce and decorate cloth, now a popular visible-mending style.
Wikipedia · Wade · 5 min
0 -
Circular fashion
After exploring Clothing repair is trending – but is it a real industry shift?, for the bigger idea, read Circular fashion.
Wikipedia describes applying the circular economy to clothing, extending garments' lives through repair, reuse and recycling.
Wikipedia · Swim · 30 min
0