Transforming fashion excess into social impact: Empowering communities through clothing with Thread Together.
In a world where fast fashion is both a trend and a challenge, Thread Together is leading a quiet revolution.
This groundbreaking not-for-profit organisation has pioneered a global-first initiative: diverting brand-new clothing, otherwise destined for landfill, and redistributing it to those who need it most. This simple yet powerful idea is transforming lives across Australia by restoring dignity, hope, and the freedom of choice to thousands of disadvantaged individuals.
In this article, we want to share a spotlight on the incredible work of Thread Together and explore how our merchants can get involved in supporting this fantastic organisation. By understanding the impact of Thread Together's mission, we hope to inspire you to join us in making a difference, whether through donations, partnerships, or volunteering opportunities.
At its core, Thread Together addresses two of Australia's most pressing issues: fashion excess and clothing insecurity.
Shockingly, one-third of new clothing ends up in landfills, while one in eight adults and one in six children struggle to access essential clothing.
Thread Together's mission is to bridge this gap by repurposing excess inventory from the fashion industry to support individuals and families facing hardship.
With a network of over 2,000 fashion partners—including well-known brands like Bec + Bridge, P.E Nation, Calvin Klein Jeans, David Jones, Havaianas, RM Williams, and Retail Apparel Group—Thread Together has redefined what corporate social responsibility looks like in the fashion industry. By partnering with more than 3,000 charity organisations and social service agencies, they ensure that approximately 2,500 people receive brand-new clothing each week.
But the impact of Thread Together goes beyond the numbers. Each recipient's story reflects the profound difference that access to new clothing can make. It’s not just about meeting a basic need; it’s about restoring dignity, enabling self-expression, and providing the confidence needed to move forward in life. Clothing is more than fabric; it's a source of identity, self-worth, and empowerment.
Meet some of the individuals who have been supported by Thread Together.
Take, for example, the story of a single mother who escaped domestic violence with nothing but the clothes on her back. Receiving new clothes from Thread Together was the first step in her journey to rebuild her life.
“Being able to dress myself and my children in new clothes marked a new beginning. For the first time in a long time, I thought, we are all going to be okay.”
For this recipient, and many others like her, Thread Together is not just providing clothing—it’s offering a lifeline.
Similarly, a refugee who arrived in Australia with nothing found solace in the brand-new clothing provided by Thread Together. “To be able to receive brand-new clothing helped us to fit in and not stand out. It also helped us to put the trauma of our past behind us and start afresh—new threads for a new beginning,” they recount. For this family, clothing symbolised a fresh start in a new country, allowing them to begin their new life with dignity.
Another recipient who had been struggling with homelessness, claimed that ‘if not for Thread Together, I would still be wearing someone else’s underwear’.
These stories illustrate how Thread Together’s initiatives go far beyond providing clothing; they empower individuals and communities to overcome challenges and rebuild their lives. The organisation’s work highlights the transformative power of clothing, not just as a basic human need, but as a catalyst for change.
Beyond clothing.
Thread Together’s mission is not just about redistribution; it’s about fostering resilience and inclusivity. The organisation’s approach encourages the fashion industry to take responsibility for its excess, while also addressing the social inequalities that exist in Australia. This dual impact—environmental and social—makes Thread Together a unique and vital force for good.
One such focus of more recent work has been their project to assist women and children fleeing domestic violence by providing them with immediate access to brand new clothing via a wardrobe and capsule service in over 100 women's refuges across the country. Afterpay alongside Boody, have been proud supporters of this initiative since 2020. Trigger warning, this video discusses domestic violence, which may be distressing or triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised.
@afterpayaunz Trigger Warning: This video discusses domestic violence, which may be distressing or triggering for some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised. In Australia, 1 in 4 women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner since the age of 15 *. Ethical clothing brand @@Boodyclothing charity @@Thread Together ♬ original sound - Afterpay AuNZ
Looking forward.
As Thread Together continues to expand, their vision remains steadfast: to rescue brand-new clothing from becoming waste and instead, use it to support individuals in need, ensuring they receive not only the clothing they require but also the dignity they deserve. By bridging the gap between surplus and scarcity, Thread Together not only reduces waste but also nurtures a culture of compassion and shared responsibility within communities.
How can you get involved?
If you’re a retailer with any aged stock please consider donating to Thread Together, visit here.
Organisations interested in partnering with Thread Together to expand their impact can find more information here.
For those inspired to volunteer and make a direct difference in their community, get involved here.
Together, we can transform fashion excess into social impact, empowering communities and changing lives. Join us in supporting Thread Together to make a difference.
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