Young Chinese women sew own underwear, clothes, amid frustration with fast fashion

Frustrated by low-quality materials, careless craftsmanship, and escalating prices, some young women in China are taking matters into their own hands by learning to sew their own underwear, accessories, and handbags.This summer, a surge of sewing enthusiasts flocked to RedNote to showcase their handmade creations.Many beginners embarked on their journey with underwear, assuming it would be a straightforward first project due to its minimal fabric requirements.However, they quickly encountered the complexities of working with stretchy materials that are challenging to cut and tend to curl at the edges.One user had been sewing for only three days when she decided to tackle a pair of underwear.Many beginners started with underwear, assuming the minimal fabric made it an easy first project – only for the results to turn out hilariously wrong. Photo: QQ.comAfter breaking needles and running out of fabric, she crafted an imperfect yet heartfelt piece she humorously dubbed “affair-proof underwear,” joking that its awkward appearance might prevent anyone from wanting to take it off for someone else.Her creation resonated with many users, prompting others to share their own sewing blunders, like sewing sleeves backwards.For many, the journey of learning to sew also revealed the problems long accepted in fast fashion – poor fits, inferior fabrics, and monotonous designs.Some people added linings to uncomfortable pyjamas, while others replaced bra materials with fabrics offering enhanced breathability and coverage.After teaching herself to sew for three months, folk singer Xie Chunhua fashioned a pair of cargo pants with pockets spacious enough to accommodate a tablet, an umbrella, and even packets of instant noodles.Many beginners find sewing deeply fulfilling, even when the final results do not turn out perfectly. Photo: QQ.comHer post garnered over 100,000 likes, with numerous commenters voicing their frustrations about the state of women’s fashion in China.One shopper noted that after buying a dress, she checked the label only to discover it contained minimal high-quality fabric. The stitching details were also lacking, despite the dress’s price tag of more than 1,000 yuan (US$150).Another consumer received an empire dress ordered online, only to find the fabric was thinner than her household bedsheets upon delivery. Other widespread complaints include the removal of pockets for aesthetic purposes and the use of rough inner seams that irritate the skin.Industry reports indicate that online women’s clothing return rates in China can exceed 70 per cent on certain platforms.Meanwhile, the rapid rise of fast fashion has intensified clothing turnover, contributing to millions of tonnes of textile waste each year, with many garments discarded within a year of their purchase.One online observer remarked that after a full day of work, all they want is to go home and sew because those moments of focus restore the energy that work drains. Photo: QQ.comMany female consumers express nostalgia for the durable garments of earlier times.Today, manufacturers often eliminate essential features like dress linings and pockets to reduce costs, prompting some women to buy additional safety shorts or turn to men’s clothing for practicality. Others are taking up sewing to gain greater control over their wardrobe choices.One online observer remarked: “After a full day of work, all I want is to go home and sew. Those moments of focus restore the part of me that work has drained.”“In a world dominated by mass production, handmade items hold greater significance. The true value lies in taking responsibility for what I wear,” another user commented.Further Reading