Sustainable Fashion Week returns across the UK from 27 September to 5 October, placing focus on a growing movement toward conscious consumption, repair culture and community-led sustainability. Rather than viewing fashion as disposable, this year’s programme encourages people to rediscover the value of skills, connection and longevity within their wardrobes.
This year’s theme is Reconnection — reconnecting with clothing, with craft, with community, and with a more thoughtful approach to style. From second-hand fashion to visible mending and creative upcycling, the week is designed to inspire practical, accessible steps toward a slower, more responsible fashion ecosystem.
Fashion-Enter Ltd Events
As part of the national programme, Fashion-Enter Ltd (FEL) will host two community-focused events, both supporting the message of repair, reuse and circular fashion. Members of the Apparel & Textile Manufacturers Federation (ATMF), along with designers, garment workers, brands and local residents, are encouraged to attend or support where possible.
Leicester: Repair Café, Swap Shop & Pre-Loved Sale
Date: Wednesday 1 October
Time: 09:30–14:30
Location: Wesley Hall Community Centre, Leicester
Visitors are invited to bring garments for repair, exchange unwanted clothing through a wardrobe swap, or shop pre-loved items at accessible prices. The aim is to extend the life of existing garments while offering a low-impact alternative to new fast-fashion purchases.
North London: Free Repair & Upcycle Drop-In
Date: Tuesday 30 September
Time: 10:00–16:00
Location: FC Designer Collective Shop, 113–115 Fonthill Road, London N4
This free drop-in workshop offers practical mentoring from skilled technicians. Participants can learn stitching, mending or upcycling techniques, or simply bring an item they love and get guidance on repairing it. Registration is recommended via Eventbrite for planning purposes, but attendance is free.
Why It Matters for Industry
Sustainable Fashion Week represents more than a community initiative — it reflects broader shifts that the industry can no longer ignore. Repair culture, reuse systems and circular business models are steadily becoming part of the mainstream retail landscape.
For ATMF and its members, supporting events like these reinforces key values:
- Promoting long-term garment use through repair and reuse reduces waste and environmental pressure.
- Keeping skills such as tailoring, stitching and mending active protects essential manufacturing expertise in the UK.
- Encouraging public engagement in garment construction and care helps build respect for the people and processes behind manufacturing.
With both Leicester and London playing significant roles in UK textile production, participation in this movement represents an opportunity to strengthen regional identity and support the future of ethical, skilled UK manufacturing.
Get Involved
Whether by attending, sharing, volunteering or simply adopting the mindset of slower consumption, everyone across the manufacturing and fashion ecosystem can support Sustainable Fashion Week.
For more details on the national programme and additional local events, visit the official Sustainable Fashion Week platforms.