Brunswick West & Collingwood / Fitzroy

Clothing repairs & mending

Split seams, worn-out denim and little tears don’t mean it’s time to say goodbye. Show us the damage and you may be pleasantly surprised by what’s possible.

What we can do

Jeans and trousers

Worn crotches, knees and pockets can be stitched, reinforced or patched, as long as the fabric around them is still strong.

Shirts, dresses and underarms

A torn seam and a hole in the fabric need different fixes. We’ll choose a repair that suits where the damage is and how much strain it takes.

Jumpers and jackets

Holes, worn elbows, linings and edges can all be mended. We don’t do invisible mending, but we’ll show you how the repair will look before we start.

Buttons, zips and pockets

Fastenings and pocket linings can often be fixed on their own, without touching the rest of the garment. Bring any spare buttons or parts you’d like us to use.

How much does it cost?

The size of the damage, the strength of the fabric, how easy it is to reach and any replacement materials all affect the price.

Indicative clothing repairs & mending prices · AUD, including GST
AlterationIndicative price
Repair a trouser seamA seam repair; weakened fabric or extra patching is quoted separately.$10–$30
Patch a trouser holePer repair; larger worn areas or several holes may cost more.$15–$50
Patch a jeans holeSize, position and condition of the surrounding denim affect the quote.$25–$50
Replace a trouser zipThe zip, waistband and access to the stitching affect the quote.Extras
  • Lined or two layers +$15
$35–$50

These are guides for the named alteration on one garment, not fixed quotes or maximum prices. Listed extras are added to the guide price and can be combined. Fabric, finish, construction and any other extra work can change the price, so we’ll always check your garment and confirm the quote before we start. Express surcharges are extra.

Price guide reviewed 20 October 2026.

Choosing the right repair

Split seams, tears and thin fabric

A seam that’s come open is a different fix from a tear through the fabric or a patch that’s worn thin. We check the damage and the fabric around it, then suggest stitching, reinforcement or a patch. Mending only the hole isn’t enough if the fabric around it is weak. Tell us how you wear the item, and whether looks or strength matter most.

Fastenings, linings and everyday details

Buttons, hooks, elastic, zips, pocket bags and linings can often be fixed one at a time. Bring any pieces that have come off and tell us what’s stopped working. We’ll reuse, repair or replace the part, whichever suits. For a sentimental, vintage or delicate piece, tell us about any original details you want kept.

Your questions

Do you repair leather and suede?

Yes. We patch, reinforce and repair broken stitching and seams on leather and suede. Bring the item in so we can look at the hide and the damage, and see our leather and suede page for more.

Can you add elbow patches?

Yes. Leather or fabric patches can be sewn onto the elbows of a jumper or jacket that’s wearing thin, to strengthen it or simply as a feature.

Will the repair show?

We don’t do invisible mending, but plenty of repairs blend right in, and some look great as a deliberate feature. We’ll show you how yours is likely to look before we start.

Is a repair always worth it?

We’ll give you an honest view of the work, the garment’s condition and the likely result, so you can decide. A favourite piece can be worth saving for more than its price tag, but very worn fabric can limit how long a repair lasts.

Can you repair something that’s already been patched?

Bring it in and we’ll look at the old repair and the fabric underneath. More stitching isn’t always the answer, and a different approach might work better.

How long will the work take, and is express available?

Most simple jobs are ready in 3–5 days, and more complex work in 1–2 weeks. In a rush? Express options are available for an extra fee. Just tell us your deadline. Express rates are 30% for same-day, 20% for next-day and 10% for two-day work, or 40% for same-day and 30% for next-day on Saturdays. Express depends on how busy we are, so we’ll confirm it and your pickup time before we start.

Visit your local Alter Ego

Two shops, no appointment needed. Bring it in and talk it through with the team.

Find your local Alter Ego