54. The Seam – finding local tailors and reducing clothing waste

Founder: Layla Sargent
Year founded: 2020
Website: theseam.uk

Growing up, founder Layla Sargent relied on her grandmother – a professional seamstress and dressmaker – to alter and fix her clothes if they became damaged or worn.

But after moving from Birmingham to London in 2019, Sargent discovered that there were few options for clothing repairs. Moreover, they mainly operated offline, so there was no easy way to find or book services that could help fix her favourite pieces.

It was from there that Sargent designed The Seam – a matchmaking tech platform that connects people to nearby tailors, cobblers, menders and more. Customers simply have to provide details about their items and their specific repair needs, allowing the app to match them with the best local artisans for the job.

The Seam’s mission to change the culture of disposable fashion was well-received by the judges. With 13 million items of used clothing being disposed of every week in the UK, the platform’s focus on promoting repair and sustainability chimes with the growing awareness of environmental issues.

The Seam's mission is to change the culture of disposable fashion.

The Seam has also been cutting new paths with major clothing brands, in particular a UK-wide partnership with Adidas. Loyalty members of Adidas were offered to test the partnership, allowing them to purchase clothing repairs with their points instead of usual discounts or offers for new items.

In the future, Sargent sees The Seam’s partnership evolving into a subscription-based business model, where customers can buy a product and consistently maintain its lifetime. Additionally, she predicts the business will hit £10 million gross merchandise value (GMV) in the next five years, as well as expanding to new markets across Europe and North America.

The Seam not only aims to extend the life of our favourite garments but also to tackle the growing problem of clothing waste. With ambitious plans for growth and a clear vision for the future, The Seam is set to rock the fashion industry in years to come.