Levi Strauss and Company announced on 14 January the launch of the Levi’s Wear Longer Project, a community initiative designed to teach high school students clothing repair and customization skills to combat textile waste.
The program, developed in partnership with educational technology firm Discovery Education, aims to address a widening skills gap. Company research conducted in 2025 found that 41 percent of Gen Z participants report having no basic repair knowledge, such as sewing a button or fixing a tear, despite a high interest in sustainable fashion and thrifting.
By providing free digital resources and in-person workshops, the initiative seeks to empower younger consumers to extend the life of their garments. Initial workshops will begin at the Levi’s Eureka Lab in San Francisco before a planned global expansion later this year.
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“Every year, millions of wearable garments end up in landfills, many taking centuries to decompose,” said Alexis Bechtol, director of community affairs at Levi Strauss and Company. She added that the project is intended to interrupt the waste cycle by fostering a culture of durability and quality.
The curriculum is aligned with national K-12 education standards and includes instructions on altering hems and applying custom patches. Discovery Education will host the resources on its digital platform, making the program accessible to teachers and students across the United States.
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Industry analysts note that such moves by major apparel brands reflect a growing shift toward circular economy principles as consumers demand more accountability regarding the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
The project builds upon the brand’s long-term sustainability strategy, which includes previous efforts to reduce water consumption and carbon emissions within its global supply chain. Levi Strauss executives stated that equipping the next generation with practical repair skills is a critical step in reducing the estimated 2,100 pounds of textile waste that enter U.S. landfills every second.
