Ever wondered what happens to fabric offcuts at Mandatory? 

All garments are cut in tight lay plans with minimal waste in the cutting process. Bigger scrap pieces of cloth are stashed in the workroom to use for repairs, patches and piece replacements or waistband extensions for customers.

Bigger ends and sample lengths we decide not to use are donated to sewing classes for young mums in the Hutt Valley through friends of Mandatory.

Smaller pieces where we have too many cuff / collar bits of a fabric are bagged and sent on to kids art projects in holiday programmes run by renowned sculptor Gabby O’Connor. Kids in her classes have been heard to exclaim “my Dad has pants in this”!! (see pictures above)

Unusable offcuts from cut runs are sent for rag up-cycle at the tip.

Reduce, Re-use, Recycle. It’s #Mandatory