Invisible mending

The industrialization of the 1800s and 1900s lead to an exacting 'science' of mending that favored invisible mending over visible, as the latter became increasingly seen as amateur and feminine—i.e., in contrast to "men of science."^[7] Advertisements for invisible mending can be found in American, Australian, and Canadian newspapers from 1912 to 1960.^{[8][9][10][11][12][13][14]} Invisible mending has been practiced for over 55 years by Japanese craftsman Takao Matsumoto through the art of kaketsugi—"invisible mending" in Japanese.^[15]

Up until the 1970s, invisible mending was common practice, despite being labour-intensive and time consuming; however, with the advent of cheaper ready-to-wear clothing, post-1960, it became increasingly more economic to replace the garment entirely rather than repair it.^{[citation needed]} Most menders were women, until the craft started to disappear; though uncommon in the present day, invisible mending has now become a fine craft associated with tapestry weaving. Invisible mending still provided by some quality dry cleaners.