Repair vs Replace Debate
Gear repairs in 2025: are Americans mending or tossing it?
Ask anyone who’s spent a season outdoors and they’ll tell you: no matter how tough your kit is, things eventually break. A busted zipper, worn-out seam, or jacket that’s lost its waterproofing. Outdoor gear takes a beating.
But what happens when your gear starts to wear out? Is the high-performance outdoor space feeding a throwaway culture that’s quick to replace underperforming gear? Or are people more resourceful and crafty than we give them credit for?
To find out how people actually handle broken or worn-down clothing, we surveyed 500 Americans across the United States. What we found is that while Americans are pretty resourceful, there’s still plenty of room to grow when it comes to extending the life of their gear, often with simple, affordable fixes.
Here are some key takeaways:
83% of Americans have repaired clothing themselves.
54% would try to fix a broken zipper on a favorite jacket.
75% wouldn't reproof a rain jacket that’s stopped repelling water.
Most people aren’t afraid to repair their clothes. At least a little.
Turns out, repair culture isn’t dead. Far from it.
When we asked about clothing repair habits, 83% of people said they’ve fixed something themselves. Over half (58%) had done minor repairs like patching, stitching, or sewing up a tear. Another 25% said they repair their clothes regularly.
That’s one in four Americans who see clothing repair as a habit, not a hassle.
Even more promising? 10% said they haven’t done a repair yet but want to learn. There’s a rising interest in keeping clothing going longer, whether it’s for cost, comfort, or sustainability. These aren’t all outdoor pros or hardcore DIYers, just everyday people trying to get more life out of what they already own.
When a zipper breaks, most people try to fix it.
We all know the feeling: your favorite jacket’s zipper gives out halfway through an outing. What now?
Here’s how people answered:
54% said they’d try to fix the zip themselves.
31% would send it to a repair shop.
15% would give up and replace the jacket.
That means nearly 9 out of 10 people would attempt a fix before looking for a replacement.
Why? Because when a piece of gear fits right and has been through a lot with you, it’s not just something you wear, it’s something you keep. The instinct to repair runs deeper than convenience. For the 15% who give up on a jacket, it’s often because they don’t know where to start. Zipper care and repair might sound simple, but for many, it still feels easier to buy something new.
When waterproofing fails, most people give up on their jacket.
Rain jackets are built for one thing: to keep you dry. So when that stops working, it’s no surprise that many people feel like the jacket has reached the end of the line.
We asked: What would you do if your rain jacket stopped repelling water? Here’s how people responded:
52% said they’d replace the jacket entirely.
25% said they’d reproof it using a spray or wash.
23% said they’d keep wearing it, even if it didn’t work as well.
75% wouldn’t try to bring a waterproof jacket back to life.
The reality is, most shells don’t fail because the waterproof membrane is damaged. It’s usually because the DWR, or durable water repellent finish, has worn off. That coating is what makes water bead and slide off the surface. Over time, it breaks down from abrasion, dirt, and general use. When it’s gone, the fabric starts soaking up moisture and the jacket feels like it’s stopped working.
Reproofing waterproof jackets and pants is a simple and affordable process. A proper wash and reproof clears out built-up grime, boosts breathability, and restores water repellency. But if people don’t know that, or don’t believe it will work, they skip the step and go straight to buying new gear.
That’s the gap. We spend a lot of time talking about performance and materials, but not enough about maintenance. A waterproof jacket isn’t disposable. It’s something you take care of, just like any other piece of gear you rely on.
What this means for the future of gear.
The survey makes one thing clear: Americans aren’t afraid to repair their clothes, but they don’t always know how. And when it comes to high-performance gear, like waterproof shells, even small issues can send people straight to the replacement aisle.
At Rab, we’ve always believed in designing gear worth fixing. It’s why our jackets are made to be trusted in tough conditions, and why we’re investing in better repair services, and care education. We want gear to stay with you for the long haul.
Methodology
This survey was conducted via SurveyMonkey Audience for Rab on March 21, 2025. A total of 505 adults aged 18 and older in the United States completed the survey. The data is unweighted, and the margin of error is approximately ±4.45% at a 95% confidence level.
Gender balancing was set to reflect U.S. census data, and responses were collected from all regions across the country. Participants ranged in age, with 16% aged 18–29, 32% aged 30–44, 23% aged 45–60, and 29% aged 60 or older.