As part of our sustainability promise to create great products that are loved by generations, we wanted to put a spotlight on the benefits of repairing your favorite Levi’s®. We sat down with Tailor, Bria Cheng on why she’s known as the “Queen of Repairs”, how she can turn your rips into something more special and the overall importance of repairing your garment to lessen your impact on the planet — a free benefit Levi’s® offers to Red Tab™ members.
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE WITH LEVI'S®?
Bria: I am a tailor specializing in repairs and chain stitch embroidery.
BEING KNOWN AS THE "QUEEN OF REPAIRS" IN THE LEVI'S® TAILOR COMMUNITY, WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT TO YOU?
Bria: Considering our climate crisis, it is so important that we all find ways to lessen our impact on the environment. By consuming more responsibly and repairing our garments; we can extend the life cycle of our garments and generate less waste. We have to act responsibly and correct our culture of waste.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON REPAIRS YOU SEE COME INTO YOUR SHOP?
Bria: The most common repairs we receive are crotch and seat repairs. Often, people are surprised that the damage can be fixed. They are also sometimes a little embarrassed—but it’s completely normal!
CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHY REPAIRS ARE PART OF THE DENIM LIFE CYCLE AND NOT MAKE GARMENTS DEFECTIVE?
Bria: Wear and tear of any garment is inevitable. When we think about what causes wear and tear damage in garments, it really comes down to the personal lifestyle of the consumer. For example, those who put sharp items (i.e: keys) in their pockets may need a pocket bag repair down the line. Over time, the keys will poke at the pocket bag lining and will create a tear. Or, if someone frequently bikes to work in their favorite jeans every day, they may need a crotch or seat repair due to the amount of stretching/friction bike riding causes.
What’s great about denim is that it can truly be repaired in a way that can extend its life cycle, while looking great. Despite denim’s amazing durability, it is susceptible to wear and tear like any other fabric. I see repairing a part of the denim life cycle because it strengthens the garment and extends its lifetime. Denim can last for years and will last even longer with a little maintenance.
Considering our climate crisis, it is so important that we all find ways to lessen our impact on the environment.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE REPAIR STORY YOU HAVE ENCOUNTERED RECENTLY?
Bria: I had a client bring in a pair of vintage Levi’s® from the 505 family. The shorts had a lot of sentimental value to her because her mother had bought them for her ten years ago from a thrift shop in Paris. She had said she was never able to find another pair of shorts that fit like these. My client was worried that the shorts were unsalvageable. Both sides of the crotch and seat were completely blown out. There were large holes in the thighs and minimal damage throughout the shorts.
I repaired the shorts by fusing the denim together and adding denim where necessary. We also decided to add fabric behind one of the holes at the thighs, using a white Levi’s® bandana with roses.
My client was so happy to be able to use her Free Repair Red Tab Loyalty benefit to save a garment that means so much to her. She will be picking her shorts up soon and I am looking forward to seeing her reaction. The shorts look great!
NOW THAT U.S. RED TAB MEMBERS GET 2 FREE REPAIRS A YEAR ON THEIR LEVI'S® JEANS, HOW DOES THIS RELATE TO THE BUY BETTER WEAR LONGER CAMPAIGN?
Bria: The Buy Better. Wear Longer. Campaign explores Levi’s® environmental initiatives and the ways in which we all make more responsible and sustainable choices and with our garments. With this benefit, Red Tab members can use their repair credits to extend the lifetime of their garments and reduce their natural resource footprint.
ARE YOU ABLE TO REPAIR ANYTHING?
Bria: Pretty much! In the past two and a half years that I have been a part of the Tailor Shop, I have not had to turn away a client because we were unable to repair their garment.
HOW CAN YOU REPAIR PERSONALIZED?
Bria: You can use the damaged area as an opportunity to personalize your garment. There are a ton of options that you can choose from when repairing. You can add some patchwork with Sashiko or you can stylize your darning repair with contrasting thread.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PAIR OF JEANS?
