RE. UNIQLO STUDIO is addressing fast fashion's culture associated with waste and overconsumption. UNIQLO is challenging this idea with its RE. UNIQLO STUDIO initiative. With a strong commitment to sustainability, this program focuses on repairing, remaking, reusing, and recycling clothing to keep garments in circulation for as long as possible.
Image: Vogue Scandinavia
What is RE.UNIQLO STUDIO?
RE.UNIQLO STUDIO is an in-store and global initiative designed to extend the life of UNIQLO garments. Whether a jacket needs a button replaced, a pair of jeans has a hole, or a well-loved sweater has faded, the program offers several solutions:
By encouraging customers to care for their UNIQLO clothes rather than discard them, they are redefining the relationship between fashion and sustainability.
Image: UNIQLO
Repair: Customers can get their clothes mended, from simple fixes like replacing zippers to more intricate repairs such as patching holes with traditional SASHIKO embroidery.
Remake: Old garments can be transformed into fresh new designs, allowing customers to personalize their UNIQLO pieces while reducing waste.
Reuse: Wearable clothes are collected and donated to people in need, ensuring they have a second life instead of ending up in landfills.
Recycle: Unwearable clothing is turned into raw materials for new textiles or repurposed as insulation and fuel sources.
Image: UNIQLO
The RE.UNIQLO STUDIO concept began in Berlin and has since expanded to London, New York, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Japan. In each location, the program offers repair services, workshops, and community engagement events, helping customers rethink their approach to fashion.
Image: UNIQLO
One of the most creative elements is the SASHIKO embroidery service, inspired by a traditional Japanese repair technique. This service allows customers to enhance their garments with decorative stitches while strengthening the fabric.
Why Does it Matter?
The fashion industry is one of the largest polluters in the world, and clothing waste contributes significantly to environmental damage.
By offering repair and upcycling services, RE.UNIQLO STUDIO encourages a shift from disposable fashion to long-term clothing care. This initiative aligns with the circular economy model, which aims to minimize waste and maximize existing resources.
Image: UNIQLO
A New Future for Upcycling
UNIQLO’s RE.UNIQLO STUDIO is more than just a repair service—it’s a movement toward a more sustainable fashion industry.
By encouraging customers to repair, remake, reuse, and recycle, UNIQLO is taking responsibility for its environmental impact while promoting a culture of conscious consumption. With repair studios expanding worldwide, this initiative is proving that fashion can be both practical and sustainable, allowing people to enjoy their favorite clothes for years to come.
What is RE. UNIQLO STUDIO?
RE. UNIQLO STUDIO is a sustainability initiative by UNIQLO that offers repair, remake, reuse, and recycling services to extend the lifespan of clothing. It helps customers maintain and repurpose their UNIQLO garments instead of discarding them.
Where can I find a RE. UNIQLO STUDIO?
RE.UNIQLO STUDIO locations are available in select stores worldwide, including Berlin, London, New York, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Japan. For more details on open locations, visit your local UNIQLO store or visit their website.
Can I bring in any clothing brand for repairs at a RE.UNIQLO STUDIO?
No, RE. UNIQLO STUDIO services are only available for UNIQLO garments. The program is designed to support the longevity of UNIQLO products.
What happens to recycled items and items that cannot be upcycled at RE.UNIQLO STUDIOS??
Unwearable clothes are processed and transformed into raw materials for new textiles, insulation, or energy sources, reducing waste and supporting a circular economy.