In a time when sustainability is more important than ever, it’s better to fix your clothes than to throw them away and buy them again. Here are our tips for fixing your clothes and accessories…

Superglue is well known for being useful when fixing tools and items in the home. Just dab on some glue, let it set and see it work its magic. It also has a range of other uses such as fixing fashion accessories and clothing.

In fact, superglue is arguably perfect for fixing clothes and accessories as it can be applied discreetly. This gives it advantages over a needle and thread and patching. It’s much better for the environment and saves you buying new items when something breaks.

Let’s take a closer look as to how superglue can save your favourites.

Choose the Right Glue

It is a good idea to keep superglue of one kind or another in the home. When choosing the right glue, try and get one from a leading brand such as Loctite and get either a multipurpose one for general repairs or one that is dedicated to a specific purpose.

There is a good range available such as water-resistant designs so choose the right one for your repair. As we are looking at accessories and clothes, a water-resistant glue is a good choice. Depending on the material, you may want to look at one that is good with plastics.

Applying Glue

Some glues come with their own applicators such as a pen. If it doesn’t, and you do not want to get glue on your fingers, wear gloves. Old toothbrushes can help apply the glue as well.

Fraying or Split Material

Accessories and clothes often start to fray through wear and tear. Eventually, the material will fray, and if left it will split. To prevent or fix a tear clean the affected area to remove debris. Apply the glue sparingly over the fraying material to seal it. Wipe off any excess and leave overnight. In the morning your accessory or clothing will feel more sturdy, and you can wear it.

If a tear has occurred, clean then join the material together applying the superglue to hold it in place. Again, leave overnight, and you should find the clothing or accessory ready to wear once more.

This can be applied to any material, including leather or suede.

Shoes

Repairing shoes is broadly the same principle, but often the split between materials occurs before we notice there is something wrong. We can prolong the life of our favourite pair of shoes by merely ensuring the affected area is clean and dry. Then, apply the glue thinly over the affected area and holding the two surfaces together firmly.

Ideally, once bonding occurs, leave overnight. Any excess can be removed using superglue remover. Once the process is complete, you should be able to slip them on your feet, and away you go.

Handbags

Handbags are notorious for the handles becoming worn and breaking. You can use your superglue to apply a thin layer to the clean areas. For best results leave overnight and remove excess with superglue remover.

With a good superglue, you can fix most of your clothes and accessories fuss free. This includes watch straps, headphones, glasses, and nearly everything you can think of.

Keep superglue handy and keep your favourite clothes and accessories wearable for longer.