Imperfections are Love Bites

What do you guys think about wearing a garment with minor stains, a small tear, or a recognizable repair? A lot of the garments that we deem as unsalvageable, are the ones that end up in landfills. Many of these garments have small stains, a button missing, a pulled hem, or a tear… all of which, are generally mendable or not noticeable.

I have never been one to shy away from wearing a garment with a stain, or a tear… and I’ve been thinking more about that as of late. Am I a slob? Am I unprofessional, or unkempt? I’m sure I fit the bill for all of these on occasion, but not consistently. Full disclosure, most of my clothing whether new or secondhand, winds up with a stain, or a rip, or a tear… often after the first time I wear it. I am not clumsy, or ill mannered with my dinner… it’s just that - that is what clothing is supposed to do … get used.

I will obviously repair and wash anything that I am able to, and try to bring it back to a better place, however, if I can’t salvage it, I can still wear it… maybe it gets a downgrade from professional attire to “errand shirt”, or becomes a “working in the studio shirt”. If I threw out everything in my closet that had imperfections, I kid you not, that closet would have about three garments in it.

Imperfections in clothing are a sign of love and good use. A seam doesn’t bust open on a shirt that doesn’t get worn. I encourage everyone to learn basic mending techniques to be able to breathe new life into favourite clothes. Over the years, I’ve learned a few “hacks” that can upcycle or alter a piece of clothing in need of repair into a garment I can love again. I’ll be making videos on these techniques in the future.

I guess at this point, I’ve fully embraced the “worn in” look. It has become a part of me and it plays a big role in why I find it so difficult to purchase something new. I know myself, and I know that if I love a garment, that garment is going to show it. I have to be okay with this. I have to repair it, wash it by hand, and show it the proper attention it deserves. I am certainly not saying everyone should feel this way… but I am curious …

How do you feel about garment imperfections?