At Earth Warrior, we’ve spent years turning discarded textiles into beautiful, useful items. We believe that waste is not waste, it's a resource waiting to be reimagined. That’s why when we come across other businesses in our community doing the same, we get super excited and feel inspired to shine a spotlight on them.
Today we are highlighting Unbelts’ Denim Rescue Studio in Edmonton’s charming French Quarter, a space that embodies intention, inclusivity, practicality, and purpose. We’re excited to share how their denim repair work contributes to a more sustainable future, and why supporting businesses like theirs matters now more than ever.
Denim Waste Is a Global Problem and a Local Opportunity
Each year, millions of pairs of jeans are thrown away, often before they’ve reached the end of their usable life. The fast fashion industry churns out clothing at an unsustainable rate, encouraging us to buy more, use less, and replace instead of repair. But jeans, those tough, iconic staples we all wear, deserve better. They’re built to last, yet many end up in landfills due to minor damage or changes in body size or style.
Here’s a staggering fact: it takes more than 3,700 litres of water to make just one pair of jeans. That’s enough drinking water for one person for over three years. So when we talk about keeping denim in use longer, we’re not just preserving fabric, we’re preserving vital resources like clean water, cotton, and energy.
What Makes Unbelts’ Studio Stand Out
Unbelts is known across Canada for their stretchy, ethically made belts designed with comfort and body inclusivity in mind. But their Denim Rescue Studio in Edmonton is a lesser-known gem.
Located at 8815 92 Street NW, the studio is warm, welcoming, and filled with expert energy. From the moment you walk in, you can tell this space is not about chasing trends, it’s about making your clothes work for you again.
With over 40 years of combined sewing experience, this is not your average tailoring service. This is intentional, respectful garment care. Services include:
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Hemming (including chain-stitch and Euro-style)
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Waistband adjustments
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Leg tapering
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Crotch/thigh reinforcement
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Pocket bag replacements
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Visible & invisible mending (your choice!)
Most repairs are done using upcycled or reclaimed materials, reinforcing their full-circle sustainability mission.
Unbelts’ Journey into the Circular Economy
Unbelts didn’t start out in the denim repair world. Founded in 2011 by Claire Theaker-Brown, the brand launched with a focus on ethical belt production Revolutionary belts that stretched, flexed, and fit every body comfortably. What began as a solution to an everyday problem quickly evolved into a broader mission for inclusivity, sustainability, and ethical fashion practices.
As the brand grew, so did their understanding of the fashion industry’s environmental impact. Like many conscious brands, they faced a question: How do we go beyond just reducing harm to actually creating regenerative change?
That question led them deeper into the world of circular design. Rather than expand production or add to the saturated market of new garments, Unbelts decided to look at how they could extend the life of what already exists — specifically, denim.
Denim was a natural fit. It’s universally worn, emotionally significant, and environmentally costly to produce. And yet, most jeans are discarded because of damage that could easily be repaired. That disconnect between value and waste became Unbelts’ entry point into hands-on textile reuse.
The Denim Rescue Studio was born out of that commitment. A physical space where community members could access expert repairs, thoughtful tailoring, and a sense of pride in preserving their garments.
This evolution didn’t happen overnight. It took deep reflection, conversations with customers, and a willingness to adapt their business model. It also required building a team with deep sewing knowledge, compassion, and a shared passion for slow fashion.
Today, Unbelts is not just producing products, they’re facilitating a culture shift, from throwaway fashion to long-term wardrobe stewardship.
How Long Can Jeans Last with Proper Care & Repair?
Denim is one of the most durable fabrics on the planet. High-quality denim, especially made from 100% cotton or selvage denim, can last 10 to 20 years or more with proper care.
Vintage denim from the 1940s to 1980s is still being worn and loved today. Raw denim enthusiasts often go years before their first wash, allowing natural wear to develop while maintaining structure. Even after damage, a pair of jeans can be repaired multiple times and still retain value.
According to Fashion Revolution, extending the life of clothes by even nine months can reduce their carbon, water, and waste footprints by 20-30%. Jeans, specifically, can survive dozens of repairs over their lifetime, especially when reinforced properly in high-wear areas.
Unbelts' approach honors this reality, giving jeans new life while retaining their stories.
The Environmental Impact of Repairing vs. Replacing Jeans
Repairing your jeans isn’t just smart, it’s climate action:
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Water saved: Over 3,700 litres per pair of jeans kept in use
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CO2 saved: Reduces emissions by up to 33.4 kg per pair
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Waste avoided: Diverts textiles from landfills and incinerators
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Energy saved: Reduces the need for raw material extraction and production
If everyone extended the life of their clothing by just one year, it would save 24 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually (WRAP UK).
By supporting businesses like Unbelts, you’re helping close the loop and build a fashion system that values repair over replacement.
A Studio That Centers People, Not Perfection
Unbelts champions inclusivity. Their studio is a body-neutral and gender-affirming space where all sizes, shapes, and identities are welcome.
They reject judgmental language like "flattering" or "ideal fit."
Instead, they ask: How can this garment support your life right now?
Their custom adjustments ensure you leave with clothing that fits who you are today, comfortably, confidently, and without shame.
This deeply aligns with Earth Warrior’s belief that sustainability should be accessible and empowering. No one should have to compromise their identity or comfort to live more sustainably.
Repair as a Ritual
There’s something powerful about repair. It’s not just practical, it’s emotional.
Whether it’s a favorite pair of jeans worn on countless hikes or a gift from someone you love, clothing holds memory. Repair becomes a ritual of care, connection, and respect.
At Unbelts, every stitch tells a story. They see repair as an opportunity to reflect, reimagine, and reconnect with the things we take for granted. It’s slow fashion in action.
How to Wash and Care for Your Jeans
One of the best ways to extend the life of your denim is to wash and care for it properly. Here are some easy tips:
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Wash sparingly: Every 10-15 wears is usually enough. Spot clean when you can.
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Cold water only: Preserves fibers and dye, and saves energy.
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Air dry: Avoid the dryer! Heat can weaken denim fibers and cause shrinkage.
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Wash inside-out: Protects the outer dye and reduces fading.
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Use mild detergent: Harsh chemicals wear out fabric faster.
Bonus tip: Add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to lock in color naturally.
Local, Circular, and Community-Driven
As a fellow Edmonton-based business, Earth Warrior is proud to uplift Unbelts as part of a growing local movement of circular economy leaders.
Their studio isn’t just about denim repair., it’s about creating a more regenerative, inclusive, and resilient fashion system.
We need more spaces like this. Places where care, creativity, and community come together to mend what’s broken and keep good things going.
Planning Your Visit
Unbelts’ Denim Rescue Studio is open Fridays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Walk-ins welcome! Book ahead and get a small thank-you gift.
Location: Unbelts Denim Rescue 8815 92 St. NW, Unit 203 Edmonton, Alberta
Final Thoughts: Redefining the Value of Clothing
At Earth Warrior, we’re always asking: How can we build a better future through circular systems?
Unbelts reminds us that repair is one of the simplest, most effective answers. Repairing our clothes is a climate action, a creative act, and a cultural shift.
When we choose to repair rather than replace, we’re investing in more than fabric. We’re investing in people, planet, and possibility.
Let’s reimagine the future of fashion. One pair of jeans at a time.
If you’re looking to pair your freshly repaired denim with a zero-waste tote, Earth Warrior has your back.
Let’s keep textiles in use, out of landfills, and full of life.
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Keep the Change in Motion
Inspired by denim rescue and textile repair? Explore more ways to rethink fashion:
A Green Revolution in Textiles: Your Guide to the Most Eco-Friendly Fabrics
– Discover how the fashion industry can move toward circular solutions and what you can do to help reduce textile waste.
A Bag That Carries More Than Groceries: The Story of Earth Warrior’s Upcycled Denim Totes
– Learn how we turn discarded denim into durable, stylish totes that keep textiles in use for years to come.
Stay Connected, Stay Informed
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