Sales Of Sewing Machines Soar As Fashion Goes Ethical

2 months ago 22nd Apr 09:05

Sales of sewing machines have soared over the last year as increased awareness of social and environmental issues and the desire to stand out from the crowd drives consumers to make and customise their own fashion

Year on year sales of selected models have shown around 50% growth, with the entry-level Brother sewing machine (£69.99) showing an increase of over 500%, reports Argos.

Machine sales have rocketed at a time when concern over the ethical impacts of cheap disposable clothes and images of the high-street clone have sparked a backlash against fast throwaway fashion.

The figures have been released ahead of Alternative Fashion Week, taking place in East London from 21 April. Aspiring young designers will show their work to the press and public daily, with recycled textiles a major feature of the shows.

Maggie Pinhorn, Director of Alternative Fashion Week says: “The increasing use of recycled materials and the desire for one-off designer made garments and specially customised clothing means that the sewing machine is really back in business with our designers.”

Richard Webster, Sewing Machine Buyer at Argos says: “We have been stocking sewing machines since our first Argos catalogue in 1973. Following a period when they were seen as unfashionable, we’re now seeing them return to favour, particularly the lower price models, popular with those embarking on home sewing for the first time. It’s a modern take on the ‘Make do and Mend’ attitude of previous generations and looks set to continue, especially with the challenging economic environment.”

Up to 2 million tonnes of clothes and textiles are thrown away per annum in the UK and British consumers spend £780 per head on clothes and textiles each year*. An increasing number of celebrities have been associated with sustainable fashion, including Natalie Portman, Cameron Diaz, Alicia Silverstone, Jennifer Aniston and Salma Hayek.

Josie Nicholson, Founder Member and Project Manager of The Ethical Fashion Forum says: “Fast fashion has meant consumers have lost some of their individuality but customising your own clothes means that you can create your own unique style. You don’t have to be a professional on the sewing machine to get great results either. Charity shops are a great commodity for pieces to customise and sustainable designers like Noki, Debbi Little and Junky Styling show how clothes can be transformed into fabulous catwalk fashion.”