Why It’s So Important That Zara Has Introduced A Repair And Resell Service

Hands up who taps on the Zara app as often as Instagram and TikTok nowadays? There’s no denying, it’s one of those one-stop-shops for everything from a new winter coat to a party dress or a shoe that’ll rival that of some of the best designers. With that being said, though, we all know high street pieces with lower price points may not last as long. There’s nothing worse than your favourite knit you’ve worn for multiple seasons suddenly getting a hole in it, or the zip on your trusty leather jacket finally succumbing to the years of use. Often, you can also get tired of your own wardrobe, and with the average item being worn only 10 times before it’s discarded, the UK now has over 1.7 million tonnes of clothes that end up in landfill each and every year. Crazy, isn’t it? Which is why we’re chuffed to see Zara taking action to make sure its pieces can last as long as possible, enter: Zara Pre-Owned.

The new in-app, online and in-store platform allows you to resell and repair any Zara item and donate clothes, shoes and accessories (from any brand) using the donate service. Not only this, the UK site is also the first to have a 'buy' section which allows you to shop second-hand Zara pieces other people have listed. The Grazia fashion editors believe this is the perfect spot to be able to find ‘the ones that got away’ – you know, those items that were so good, they became 'It' pieces and sold out at record speed.

For us, Zara recognising the fact it needs to make its clothes last longer and provide a more circular life cycle for each item it creates is a step towards sustainability that we fully support. Of course, we all buy what’s affordable to us – more so now than ever – so it’s important for it to be easier to mend, sell and donate our unwanted items to avoid adding to fashion waste. So how does it all work? Don’t worry, each feature is so simple to use.

Zara Resell

Online and on the app, you'll find the Zara 'resell' tab. Here, you can sell your unwanted items (Zara only) and make money on your old clothes. You just need to upload the details of the item (including images) – this can be done by scanning the barcode or QR code on the label, searching for it (if the item is reasonably new) or manually entering details such as condition, description and price you would like for it. Then your item will appear in the 'buy' tab where anyone can shop it on the Zara site.

This is where you'll find all the second-hand pieces up for grabs. There's tops, blazers and jumpers from £5, coats from £10 and some items are still brand new with tags still on. Once you find something you like (trust us, you will) then you just shop it as you normally would by adding to your basket. The seller will then post it out to you – Zara recommends for this to be within three working days.

Zara Repair

If you've got a Zara item that needs a little love to look great again, then repair is the answer. Use the 'repair' tab to request the repair service online, then enter some details on the product, its condition, upload some images and choose what you need doing. Button repair is £3, tears and small holes cost £10 and you can even get trouser hems adjusted (£12) and dress hems (£15) at a click of a button. Then, all you have to do is pay at the checkout, pack your item up and take it to your loyal Royal Mail drop-off. They'll be able to print out the label you'll have emailed to you after you've booked in the repair.

So how long does it take? Depending on what you need, the repair can take up to 14 days to be complete. Then you can either simply collect from a store of your choice for free, or get it posted back to you for £5.50.

Zara Donate

Whether you have a regular clear-out or just have items stuffed at the back of your wardrobe that you no longer wear, what better time to give them a new home? In-store, you'll find clothing collection programme bins where you can drop off what you no longer need, and it can be clothes, shoes and accessories from any brand. Now, Zara has made this into an online service so you can book in an at-home collection for £1.95 using the 'donate' tab. Simply enter your name and address, book a collection and pack up your donation (Zara recommends it's best to use a box). These will then be donated to the British Red Cross who will recycle, reuse or resell them in one of the many charity shops across the UK.

Now you're up to date on the latest steps Zara are making to be more eco-conscious, here's our round-up of some of our favourite second-hand pieces you can now shop online.