From broken to good as new: How Patagonia’s Worn wear fixed my old fishing jacket.
From broken to good as new: Patagonia fixed my fishing jacket.
Why I’ll Never Stop Believing in Patagonia’s Worn Wear Program
After nearly two decades and over 400 days on the water, my 2006 Patagonia SST jacket had seen better days. It’s been with me through wind, rain, salt, sun, and everything in between. Most people would’ve tossed it. But instead, I sent it to Worn Wear by Patagonia—and they brought it back to life.
That’s the thing about Patagonia: they don’t just make gear, they make commitments—to people, to planet, and to products that are built to last.
What is Worn Wear?
Worn Wear is Patagonia’s answer to fast fashion and throwaway culture. Instead of encouraging you to buy new, Patagonia wants you to repair, reuse, and reimagine what you already own. Through the Worn Wear program, they fix busted zippers, torn fabric, worn seams, and just about anything else that still has life left in it. My SST jacket is proof.
Worn Wear isn’t just a sustainability initiative—it’s part of Patagonia’s DNA. In fact, the program was co-founded by legendary pro surfer Keith Malloy and his wife Lauren while Keith was working at Patagonia. As someone deeply connected to nature, Keith saw firsthand the importance of preserving gear—and the environment.
Why My SST Jacket Matters
When I bought that jacket in 2006, I didn’t realize it would become a part of so many fishing memories. From early morning casts to soggy afternoon hikes back to the truck, it’s been a quiet companion in every season. After 400+ days of fishing, it deserved a second wind.
And that’s exactly what Worn Wear gave it.
Patagonia repaired it with care, preserving the soul of the jacket while making it ready for the next 400 days. The patches don’t hide the wear—they honor it. Every stitch tells a story.
Why Worn Wear by Patagonia Matters More Than Ever
In a world drowning in disposable goods, Worn Wear stands out. It’s more than a program—it’s a mindset. Buy less. Fix more. Respect what you own. Respect where it came from.
And for brands, Patagonia is leading by example. They’re not just talking about sustainability—they’re building it into every thread, repair, and return.
If you’ve got a well-loved piece of Patagonia gear sitting in a closet or drawer, don’t throw it out. Let Worn Wear take a look. You might just fall in love with your gear all over again.
Thanks to Worn Wear, my old SST jacket isn’t “old” anymore—it’s vintage, battle-tested, and ready for more. Patagonia didn’t just fix a jacket. They reinforced a belief: that well-made things deserve a second shot.
And in a throwaway world, that’s something worth holding on to.