When to replace rather than repair

Short answer: Replace an item when the fabric is thin in several places, when the elastic has gone, or when the repair costs more than half the price of a new one. Otherwise, repairing is usually the cheaper option.

The half rule

If a repair costs more than half the price of a new item, it is rarely worth paying for. The repaired item is still old, and other parts of it are on their way to wearing out. A new item starts over with its full lifespan. So always compare the repair price with a bamboo tank top for men or similar.

Thin patches in several places

Two or three thin patches mean the whole fabric is going, and a fourth will follow soon. Hold the item up to the light and you can see where the fibres are giving way. One thin spot can be patched, but several at once is a sign the item is worn out. The same applies to socks for men.

When the elastic has gone

Elastic in a waistband or sock cuff loses its stretch over time. Once it no longer pulls back, the item sits loosely and slips. Elastic can be replaced, but it means unpicking the seam, and the result is rarely as neat as before. For underwear and socks, buying new is almost always the better choice.

Count your time

An hour's repair on an item costing two hundred kroner is expensive if you count your own time. If you enjoy sewing, that is different. But be honest about how long it takes and whether you will actually wear the item afterwards. Compare with the price of new in men's clothing.

What is worth repairing

A missing button, a split seam or a small hole in one spot are quick fixes. They take a few minutes and extend the item's life noticeably. If the fabric is otherwise in good condition and the fit is still right, there is every reason to do it. Repairs make the most sense when the rest of the item holds up.

What is not worth repairing

Socks with a hole in the heel, underwear with a slack waistband and base layers that have turned see-through are worn close to the skin and wear quickly. Once they start to go, the rest follows soon. Here it makes more sense to replace them and spend your time where a repair will last.

Ask three questions first

Is the fabric thin in several places? Does the elastic still work? Does the repair cost more than half a new item? If you answer yes to even one, it is often time to replace. If the answer is no to all three, a repair is probably the best solution for both your budget and the item.

Pass on what is still usable

An item that no longer fits you but is still whole can get a new life with someone else. If it is only slightly worn, a quick repair can make it ready to pass on. It is a good middle ground when something is too good to throw away but no longer gets worn.

Frequently asked questions

What does a repair at a tailor cost

From about a hundred kroner for a seam, and more for proper alterations. Ask for the price first so you can compare it with a new item.

When is an item worn out

When the fabric is thin, the elastic has gone and the colour has faded. By then there is little left to repair.

Can you repair and then pass it on

Yes, a repaired item can easily be worn by someone else, as long as the fabric is still in good condition.