Embracing Damaged Clothing: Discover the Beauty in Imperfection

The Art of Wabi-Sabi and Damaged Clothing

Hey Fashion Friends! This week we’ll discuss how imperfections can add character and charm to our outfits, transforming them into unique fashion statements. We spend good money on clothing that brands damage for us and welcome them into our closets with open arms. Yet when we damage them ourselves we throw them out. So today’s article will share how we can change our perspective to embrace the damage in our clothing. To become a part of our style and it’s story.

Embracing Damaged Clothing in our Style

In today's world, we're often bombarded with messages telling us that we need to have the latest and most pristine fashion items to be stylish. As soon as our clothes show a little wear we rush to replace it….but why?

There's beauty in embracing the imperfect and celebrating the life our clothes have lived. There is actually a name for this concept. Known as "Wabi-Sabi," a Japanese aesthetic that values imperfection, simplicity, and the passage of time. And no, it’s not something you put on your sushi, I checked.

Julian Santa Ana on Unsplash

So to help in our journey of Wabi-Sabi, here are some ways we can incorporate damaged clothing into our style and embrace the story our clothes can tell:

Proud patches: I’ve got a favorite pair of jeans I’ve patched at least ten times because I cannot let them go. And to be honest, it just gives them more character. I bring them to the tailor and just tell them to let their work be seen. You can see all the different threading lines and I love it. If your favorite jeans or jackets have tears or holes, consider patching them with interesting fabric, embroidery. I’ve even seen people do amazing things with sequins patching. Patches can add visual interest to your clothes and make them one-of-a-kind pieces.

Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash

Embrace the fray: This is something we actually pay a premium for in some things. What I love about having a frayed hem on jeans, skirts, or jackets, is the little touch of edge it adds to your edges. It adds a little bit of interest and character to your pieces. So don’t fret the fray, enjoy it!

Claim your stains: Some stains are impossible to remove which is unfortunate. Stains happen everyday to everyone and most of the time go completely unnoticed. However, some are loud and proud to be there. But because I’ve decided I’d rather wear my clothes then keep them enclosed in a glass case, I choose to rock some stains like a badge of honor.

Oxana Melis on Unsplash

My favorite cream sweatshirt has big blue stain on the sleeve that I got from resting my arm in my six year old’s paint splatter. This of course happened when I let him change from washable paints to acrylic paints. So there was no washing out. So I’ve decided to embrace the artist’s mark and wear it with honor.

Or get creative and use fabric markers, paints, or dyes to turn the stain into a unique design or pattern. Another approach is covering up with embroidery.

Celebrate wear and tear: This is when Wabi-Sabi truly comes into play. Again there is such beauty in fabric break in and distressing. It’s like a beautiful patina on a home. It tells a story and shows that it’s loved. It shows authenticity and patience. So if you’ve worn and torn your clothing…wear it proudly.

Quick Tips

Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash

-Use your clothing’s imperfections as a conversation starter.

-Don't be afraid to mix and match damaged items with more refined pieces for a balanced look. A sophisticated blazer is a great counterpoint to a pair of torn denim jeans.

-Commit to the damage. If you get paint on your clothing add more paint to make it look intentional. If the knee in your jeans start to tear, rip it wide open and fray the edges.

Favorite Fashion Finds

A few things I am loving this week:

Levi's Anniversary Jean 1950's 701 Women's Jeans

A quality dark indigo jean (or even better, raw denim) Is the best point to start with jeans as it breaks into your body and gets all this yummy distressing over time. Jeans are one of the best things for their "patina" beauty.

Naadam Cashmere Boyfriend Cardigan

Cashmere is one that people are so afraid of. I've realized it actually is quite wearing and easy to spot clean. And if it gets torn or worn even better, adds a bit of edge to it.

Converse Chuck 70 Vintage Canvas High Tops

Canvas shoes are one of my favorite because I loooooove how they break in and the steeze (style with eaze) they give to an outfit. If I buy a new pair I actually hate the beginning when they look all new and pristine.

Something That Inspired Me

"Perfection is shallow, unreal, and fatally uninteresting."

Anne Lamott

Your Weekly Homework

This week, try incorporating at least one damaged clothing item into your outfits. Experiment with different ways to style it, and see how it transforms your look.

Track I Am Enjoying

One of my all time favorite bands. This song, and all the rest, speak to my edgy side. The side that wants to kick down doors and say "Hey! I'm here!" (figuratively speaking).

Shop for Quality

Location for discount codes and upcoming sales.

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Your Thoughts!

Last Week I asked the Question: Which ageless style staple do you consider most essential in your wardrobe?

Well-fitting jeans was the clear winner with 42% of the votes.

This week:

Now I know I made Wabi-Sabi sound super fun, but don’t go damaging all your clothes after this ;-) I can’t believe this is the 8th Newsletter already. Time flies why you’re having fun….right! :-) Hope you enjoyed this weeks newsletter. I’d love to hear from you guys. So comment down below (click “Read Online” in the top right if you are in the email version) with any topics or questions you’d like covered in upcoming articles. Have a fantastic week!!

Stay healthy, stay safe, love and support each other! xx

We’ll be chatting soon,

Emily

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