Last Thursday, as part of Winchester Green Week, The Well Worn hosted a joyful sashiko workshop and talk at Winchester School of Art. So many of you came that we spilled into two rooms — a beautiful reminder of the appetite for craft, community, and conscious style.
The day was a celebration of visible mending, sustainable fashion, and the quiet beauty of giving fabrics a new life.
Sashiko Workshop Highlights
Our sashiko stitching workshop introduced the centuries-old Japanese embroidery technique that repairs and strengthens cloth while adding character. Every stitch became a small act of sustainability — turning worn fabrics into unique heirlooms.
At the same time, our Behind the Seams talk shared the journey of The Well Worn: from corporate fashion to founding a brand crafted in the UK with care from sustainable, reclaimed, heritage fabrics. Together, we explored how visible mending, reworking, and upcycling can extend the life of clothing and reduce waste.
Why Secondhand September Matters
The statistics are sobering. In the UK, around 350,000 tonnes of still-wearable clothing (worth roughly £140 million) is sent to landfill every year (WRAP). If all the jeans owned by UK adults were bought new, their production would emit as much CO₂ as a coal-fired power station running for 18 months (Oxfam).
This is why Secondhand September and movements like Fashion Revolution matter so much. They remind us that slowing down fashion and embracing slow fashion practices — rewearing, repairing, reimagining — are powerful ways to cut waste and emissions.
Sustainable Fashion Made in the UK
At The Well Worn, we’re proud to be a contemporary British womenswear label that proves beauty without compromise is always possible. Each piece is made locally at our Winchester microfactory, using deadstock fabric clothing and upcycled clothing to create timeless designs.
Some of our latest arrivals include:
-
The Dune Skirt - flowing and versatile, crafted from deadstock cotton with soft pleats and a flattering fit.
-
Reversible Quilt Jackets - one-of-a-kind outerwear made from vintage patchwork quilts, blending comfort and heritage.
-
Snoopy Sweatshirts - nostalgic vintage finds, reimagined with sashiko detailing and a playful spirit.
How to Play Your Part: Small Steps for a More Conscious Wardrobe
Not everyone can overhaul their wardrobe overnight — but small, thoughtful actions really do add up. Here are a few easy ways to make a difference:
-
Check the label. When buying new, look at the fabric content. Natural fibres like cotton, linen, and wool will biodegrade, whereas polyester and other synthetics can linger in landfill for up to 500 years.
-
Choose natural & reclaimed fabrics. Prioritise clothing made from reclaimed, deadstock, or natural textiles. They’re gentler on the planet and often more breathable to wear.
-
Swap, don’t shop. Host or join a clothes swap. It’s fun, free, and keeps garments in circulation rather than buying new.
-
Mend with pride. Visible mending, such as sashiko stitching, doesn’t just extend a garment’s life — it turns flaws into features. Repair adds story and individuality.
-
Sell, then give. If you’re having a clear out, try selling unwanted items on eBay, Vinted, or Depop. You can then donate the proceeds to charity. This way, you know someone really wants your clothes, and they stay in use.
-
Support local makers. From independent designers to repair cafés, choosing local strengthens your community and keeps heritage skills alive.
-
Buy less, choose well. When you do buy, look for timeless pieces crafted to last.
Secondhand September and Winchester Green Week reminded us that sustainability isn’t just about clothes — it’s about community, creativity, and care. At The Well Worn, we’ll continue weaving these threads together, showing that for women who value individuality, longevity, and style, beauty without compromise is always possible.
