The fashion industry is going through a huge transformation as sustainability becomes not just a buzzword but a business practice. At the forefront of this movement is The Seam, a UK-based start-up that is changing how we think about clothing care and repair services.
By making specialist garment maintenance accessible and scalable, this London-based platform is challenging the throwaway culture of fast fashion while empowering local artisans and extending the lifespan of our favorite garments.
From Grandmother’s Wisdom to Tech Innovation
The Seam’s origin story is deeply personal and rooted in traditional values. Founded by Layla Sargent, the company was inspired by her grandmother, a seasoned dressmaker of 65 years.
As Sargent said, “I grew up in Birmingham, UK, watching my nan, a seasoned dressmaker of 65 years, sew and care for clothes. It was from her that I learned the value of taking care of our belongings.”
Sargent shares: “We’d reuse everything, I’d have dresses made out of my grandpa’s shirts and, you know, it was a real deep hit to me of responsible consumerism I’d say.”
What began as a weekend project distributing flyers asking “can you sew?” around East London quickly evolved into something much larger. Within months, Sargent had “300 people signed up to a website that didn’t yet exist!” as she said.
This overwhelming response reveals the significant demand for accessible repair services that the traditional fashion industry had overlooked.
Technology Meets Traditional Craftsmanship
The Seam operates as a sophisticated two-sided marketplace that bridges the gap between consumers seeking repair services and skilled local makers.
Sargent explains, “Over the last five years, we have built a smart, AI-driven technology platform that allows you as a customer to connect with makers nearby who have the skills that you need. Makers are tailors, cobblers, dressmakers, embroidery artists, and so much more.”
The platform’s smart matchmaking technology ensures that customers are connected with specialists who have the exact skills needed for their specific garment requirements. Whether it’s invisible mending for a fine-knit sweater or suede restoration, The Seam’s network of over 700 makers across Greater London provides expertise that was previously difficult to access.
Building a Circular Fashion Economy
The Seam’s mission goes far beyond simple repairs. The company is actively working to create a more circular fashion economy where garments are maintained to the highest standards rather than discarded.
Sargent emphasizes, “The Seam are changing the way that people think about and access clothing repairs. We are creating a culture of care where for each of us it becomes easier to really extend the life of things that we love the most.”
This approach directly addresses the environmental crisis in fashion. By making repair services mainstream and accessible, The Seam is helping to reshape consumer behavior toward more sustainable practices.
Strategic Partnerships and Industry Recognition
The Seam’s innovative approach has attracted collaborations with prominent fashion retailers and platforms. For example, luxury e-commerce leaders like Net-A-Porter, Mr Porter, and The Outnet have partnered with The Seam to offer repair and alteration services to their customers, integrating garment care into the mainstream shopping experience. Net-A-Porter’s official announcement details how The Seam powers their repairs-and-alterations service, allowing UK customers to access repairs for clothes, shoes, and accessories.
The Outnet, alongside its sister brands, has also launched a repair and alteration service in partnership with The Seam, reflecting the growing trend of integrating care and repair into luxury retail. This growing recognition demonstrates how care and repair are becoming valued components of modern fashion retail.
Scaling Traditional Skills for Modern Needs
One of The Seam’s most significant challenges is meeting the overwhelming demand for specialized skills. The company currently provides work for around 140 makers but maintains “a waitlist of about 3,000” potential service providers. To address this gap, The Seam has developed its own training courses, particularly for in-demand services like invisible mending.
The platform’s success is a clear indicator of how traditional skills can thrive alongside modern technology. By connecting consumers with local specialists and eliminating cross-country logistics, The Seam creates a more sustainable and personal approach to garment care that benefits both customers and artisans.
So far, The Seam offers a promising model for how technology can help revive traditional skills and address environmental concerns. In fact, its not just fixing clothing, it’s helping to repair our relationship with fashion itself.
