Should you fix that garment?
Pick the garment, describe the damage, and find out whether it's worth repairing, what it'll cost, and how to do it yourself.
Describe the damage
Fill in the form to see your repair assessment here.
Step-by-step: Your repair
- Select a damage type above to see repair steps.
My repair history
No repairs saved yet. Assess a garment above and click "Save to my repairs" to start tracking.
Repair vs. replace: cost guide
These are average US prices in 2026. Your local tailor may charge more or less. When repair costs exceed 60% of replacement, buying new usually makes more sense unless the garment has sentimental value.
| Garment | Common repair | DIY cost | Pro cost | New price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-shirt | Small hole patch | $0-2 | $8-15 | $10-25 |
| Jeans | Knee patch | $3-5 | $15-25 | $30-60 |
| Jeans | Zipper replacement | $5-8 | $20-35 | $30-60 |
| Dress shirt | Seam repair | $0-1 | $10-18 | $25-50 |
| Jacket | Zipper replacement | $6-12 | $25-50 | $60-200 |
| Sweater | Darning a hole | $0-3 | $15-25 | $30-80 |
| Dress | Hem adjustment | $0-2 | $15-30 | $40-100 |
| Activewear | Seam tape fix | $2-5 | $12-20 | $30-70 |
| Outerwear | Patch + seam seal | $5-10 | $25-45 | $80-300 |
| Any | Button replacement | $0-1 | $5-10 | Varies |
Build your repair skills
Start with the easiest fixes and work your way up. Each skill builds on the last. Most people can learn basic repairs in a single afternoon.
Beginner
- Sewing on a button
- Basic running stitch for seam rips
- Using a seam ripper
- Removing pilling with a fabric shaver
- Iron-on patches for small holes
Time to learn: 1-2 hours
Intermediate
- Sewing machine straight stitch
- Hemming pants and skirts
- Patching jeans with visible mending
- Replacing elastic in waistbands
- Blind stitch for invisible fixes
Time to learn: 5-10 hours of practice
Advanced
- Zipper replacement
- Darning knitwear
- Taking in or letting out seams
- Repairing lined garments
- Working with stretch and technical fabrics
Time to learn: 20+ hours of practice
Common mistakes to avoid
Wrong thread weight
Heavy thread on thin fabric causes puckering. Use lightweight thread (50wt) for shirts and dresses, medium (40wt) for jeans and jackets. All-purpose thread works for most repairs but isn't ideal for everything.
Wrong needle type
Universal needles work for woven fabrics but skip on knits. Use ballpoint needles for t-shirts and sweaters. Denim needles for heavy fabrics. Using the wrong needle can create more holes than you're fixing.
Skipping the test patch
Always test your stitch and thread on a scrap piece or inside seam first. This is especially important with stretch fabrics and when using iron-on patches that might not bond well to certain materials.
Cutting too much
When trimming frayed edges before patching, leave at least a half inch of fabric around the damage. Cutting too close weakens the area and makes the patch more likely to fail.
Ignoring care labels
Some garments say "dry clean only" for a reason. Heat, water, and agitation can shrink, warp, or discolor certain fabrics. If you're unsure, test your repair method on an inside seam or hidden area first.
Giving up too soon
Your first repair won't look perfect. That's normal. Functional repairs that extend a garment's life by even a few months are worth doing, even if they're not pretty. Skill comes with repetition.
When to visit a professional
Go to a tailor when:
- The garment is expensive (over $75 replacement)
- The fabric is delicate: silk, leather, suede, or technical waterproof materials
- You need a zipper replaced on a jacket or coat
- The damage is in a highly visible area and you want an invisible repair
- The garment has complex construction (lined, tailored, or structured)
- You've tried DIY and made it worse
Skip the tailor when:
- It's a simple seam rip on a casual garment
- You need to replace a button
- The garment is inexpensive and you're okay with a visible repair
- It's activewear or underwear with a small tear
- The item is already well-worn and you're just trying to get a few more months from it
Questions people ask
What basic supplies do I need to start repairing clothes?
A needle, all-purpose thread in a few colors, scissors, a seam ripper, a few spare buttons, and iron-on patches will cover about 80% of common repairs. A basic sewing kit with these items costs $8-15 and fits in a drawer.
Is it worth repairing cheap fast-fashion clothing?
Sometimes. A $12 t-shirt with a small hole is worth a 10-minute patch job. But if the fabric is already thin and piling all over, a repair might not last. Use your judgment. The time you spend on a repair has value too.
How do I find a good tailor?
Ask for recommendations at local dry cleaners or fabric shops. Look at online reviews and check photos of previous work. A good tailor will give you a clear quote before starting and won't pressure you into repairs you don't need.
Can I repair clothes without any sewing?
Yes. Iron-on patches, fabric glue, and hem tape can fix many issues without a needle. These methods are less durable than sewing but work well for quick fixes and for people who truly dislike sewing. Fabric glue is great for small holes and securing loose threads.
What about clothes with sentimental value?
For garments that matter emotionally, a professional repair is usually worth the cost. A tailor can often do invisible mending that preserves the look of the original. This is one area where spending more on repair makes real sense.