In partnership with Uniqlo (opens in a new tab)
Located a stone’s throw from Savile Row in London, the tailoring center where garments are made to last for decades, and returns multiple times to their designers for repairs, repairs and alterations, Re.Uniqlo Studio’s mission is to keep Uniqlo clothes in circulation longer. , maximizing their countless possibilities.
A space dedicated to pursuing a new future for clothing, the first Re.Uniqlo studio has opened on the ground floor of the brand’s Regent Street store, London; a second space launched when it opened its new Battersea Power Station store in October 2022. The initiative aims to help customers enjoy Uniqlo LifeWear fully, freely and for longer by offering specialist repair services.
Re.Uniqlo: between recycling, upcycling and repair
Re.Uniqlo repair shop, Regent Street, London
(Image credit: Courtesy of Uniqlo)
Giving customers a place to bring all the Uniqlo items they love that need repairing or altering, the studio’s trained staff will take care of everything from hemming pants and sewing on buttons to repairing stitching holes and tears. Prices start from just £3.
The brand has always offered free alterations on select trouser bottoms, and now the Remake service is taking things a step further, offering alterations, minor resizing and specialist tailoring services on a wider range of items. Re.Uniqlo Studio (in a former gentleman’s barber shop with original Grade I listed art deco features) also includes a high creative department transforming existing Uniqlo garments into new items through a host of repair and customization options , including Japanese Sashiko stitching. technique, which celebrates visible mending as embellishment.
Re.Uniqlo repair shop, Regent Street, London
(Image credit: Uniqlo)
This ancient tailoring tradition, dating back to 17th century Japan, encourages Uniqlo customers to repair, decorate and recycle clothes, keeping them wearable and in use longer. Tools such as Shozaburo scissors and Misuya Bari needles for Kyoto and Sashiko yarns will be available for purchase for customers, encouraging crafts, repairs and techniques to repeat at home. In partnership with London-based Studio Masachuka and pattern maker Zeena Shah, prices for Sashiko stitching start from £10.
In addition to the bespoke service for customers who bring their existing items to attract attention, Uniqlo also presents and sells an exclusive range of unique garments ready to be reinvented using these techniques. Prices start from £20.
Recycled and repaired ‘Remake’ clothing
(Image credit: Uniqlo)
To support the whole project, the brand also offers a line of repair and maintenance products, including books to inspire and tips to extend the life of your wardrobe; a service that collects unwanted clothes from customers; recycling bins on the ground floor of the store, with all clothing collected being donated to communities in need.
Any product collected but deemed unsuitable for reuse is recycled into materials for new clothing or energy sources. Uniqlo even recycles its down and feathers into new clothes.
Committed to taking responsibility for the apparel it makes and sells, Uniqlo has been collecting pre-worn items from customers for over 20 years for reuse or recycling. Today, bringing its traditional Japanese values of simplicity, quality and longevity to the fore, the Re.Uniqlo initiative gives new life and value to pre-worn garments, and encourages longer use. Uniqlo plans to expand the Re.Uniqlo Studio offering across its UK and European stores over the next year.
uniqlo.com (opens in a new tab)
Recycled and repaired ‘Remake’ clothing
(Image credit: Uniqlo)
