Europe’s clothing and footwear repair sector is gaining real commercial momentum, with new data pointing to steady growth, rising brand participation, and shifting consumer attitudes toward garment longevity. According to The State of Clothing Repair & Care H1/2026 — a report compiling industry data, academic research, company launches, funding announcements, and policy developments tracked in the first half of 2026 — the European clothing repair market was valued at €2.8 billion (approximately $3.1 billion) in 2025 and is projected to grow at an annual rate of 5.5%, potentially reaching €3.7 billion by 2030. The figures are drawn from data published by the Fédération de la Mode Circulaire and KPMG.
Despite this upward trend, the report is clear that the repair sector still represents a relatively modest share of the broader apparel industry. The cost of repairs continues to be a persistent barrier for many consumers, a theme that runs throughout the report’s findings.
Rising Brand Involvement in Garment Repair
Brand engagement within the clothing repair market is notably increasing. Circular Fashion News tracked nine new or expanded repair initiatives launched by high-street names in the first six months of 2026 alone. Retailers including Next, Kiabi, Salomon, and Primark have either introduced or extended repair programmes, frequently through partnerships with dedicated repair service providers. This growing participation reflects a broader industry shift — moving beyond conventional take-back and recycling schemes toward a more direct focus on extending the life of garments already in circulation.
Consumer Interest and the Quality Conversation
On the consumer side, interest in garment care and the clothing repair market is being shaped by wider conversations around quality and sustainability. Google Trends data referenced in the report shows a consistent rise in searches related to clothing care and repair since 2025. Social media has also played a role in amplifying these conversations, with hashtags such as #fabrictok and #naturalfibertok gaining traction as consumers seek guidance on durable fabrics and how to maintain them.
Expectations around how long clothing should last are also shifting. Citing a Samsara Eco study, the report notes that 89% of shoppers now expect their garments to withstand at least 30 wears, placing increased responsibility on both brands and buyers to prioritise clothing longevity.
The Rise of Visible Mending and Repair Aesthetics
Aesthetics are becoming a more prominent part of the garment repair movement. According to Pinterest’s Hobbies Trend Report 2026, searches for decorative repair methods such as “sashiko ideas” surged by over 1,500%. The broader “repair aesthetic” trend also registered significant growth, and repair patches from brands like Arc’teryx have become recognisable design features in their own right, blurring the line between repair and style.
Price Sensitivity and Barriers to Repair
While interest in sustainable fashion and garment repair is growing, price continues to be the deciding factor for most consumers. A study conducted by RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, covering more than 3,000 participants across Denmark, Poland, and Sweden, found that saving money was the primary motivation for choosing repair — with environmental concerns ranking as a secondary driver.
While many respondents indicated a willingness to pay up to half the price of new jeans for a repair job, uncertainty over final costs and turnaround times emerged as the leading deterrent. The continued rise of fast fashion and ultra-fast fashion — offering new clothing at low price points — further erodes the perceived value of repairing cheaper garments, making it harder for the repair economy to compete at the lower end of the market.
Commercial Case for Repair in the Resale Market
Despite these challenges, the report points to clear commercial opportunities, particularly for higher-quality items repaired and then resold. Data from United Repair Centre, based on 1,131 branded items, showed an average repair cost of €22.73 per item and an average resale price of €73.93. This translates to an average resale value 3.3 times the cost of repair, with 97.7% of items selling for more than what was spent on mending them.
Policy Measures Shaping the Repair Economy
Government policy is increasingly being viewed as a critical driver for scaling the clothing repair market. France’s repair bonus scheme is cited in the report as the most established example of public intervention supporting the repair economy. In the first half of 2026, Ireland announced plans to pilot a similar repair voucher programme from 2027.
In May, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, alongside 69 partner organisations, formally called for reductions in VAT and labour taxes applied to repair and resale services. The report identifies these policy levers — alongside durable product design and commercially viable repair business models — as necessary conditions for broader sector growth.
What the Report Covers
The State of Clothing Repair & Care H1/2026 is structured across three core sections: an overview of the repair market and first-half 2026 trends; a review of established repair and care services from brands including Patagonia, Nudie Jeans, Barbour, and Arc’teryx; and an analysis of the consumer behaviour, design principles, commercial structures, and policy frameworks required to support further expansion of the circular fashion and garment repair sector.
