Best in Discipline, Fashion and Textiles, at the 2026 Australian Good Design Awards
On Friday 9 October, the highest award in Fashion and Textiles at the 2026 Australian Good Design Awards went to a rub-on repair patch. FabPatch was named Best in Discipline at the awards ceremony in Sydney, the day after it was announced Best in Class.
The Good Design Awards are one of the country's longest-running design programs, judged on good design, innovation and impact. Here's what the jury said, how the patch works, and where to find it.
What did the Good Design Awards jury say about FabPatch?
"The Jury recognises FabPatch as a brilliantly simple yet high-impact intervention that removes traditional barriers to textile repair through its innovative rub-on application requiring no heat, tools or sewing skills. The solution was commended for addressing the significant challenge of textile waste by making repair accessible, affordable and immediate for diverse users. The Jury was particularly impressed by the intelligent fabrication variations including Merino patches for wool garments... and stretch materials for activewear, demonstrating thoughtful design consideration. The measurable environmental impact of diverting over 1.91 tonnes of textile waste from landfill and preventing more than 15.28 tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2025 demonstrates genuine circular economy outcomes at scale."
The Jury, 2026 Australian Good Design Awards
Those are our Australian numbers for 2025. Behind each one is a jacket, a pair of leggings or a favourite jumper that got worn again the following week.
How does a rub-on repair patch work?
Each patch has a self-adhesive backing that bonds into the fabric when you rub it firmly against a hard surface. There's no iron, no needle and no machine. The repair takes 60 seconds, and once it has had three days to set before its first wash, it holds through washing and everyday wear.
The design comes from Finland, and more than 3.6M patches have been sold worldwide. In Australia it's sold online, at events and through independent stockists.
Pick your patch. Rub it on. Back in action.
Which FabPatch suits which repair?
The jury singled out the range itself: different patches for different fabrics. Here's how they line up.
| Range | Made for |
|---|---|
| Stretch | Activewear, everyday clothing, denim, kids' gear and puffer jacket nylon. Soft and flexible, it moves with the fabric. |
| Extreme | Workwear, jackets, bags, tents and outdoor gear that takes a beating. |
| Merino | Wool jumpers and knitwear. Soft and fine, so it won't stiffen a knit. |
| Shoe Repair | Shoes and sneakers. |
Want to stock FabPatch or cover the story?
Retailers and brand partners: if you'd like FabPatch in your store or alongside your products, tell us a little about your business and we'll be in touch.
Media: for interviews, images or the media release, get in touch here.
You can see the FabPatch entry on the Good Design Australia website, and more about the win on our Good Design Award page.
Frequently asked questions
What award did FabPatch win?
Best in Discipline, Fashion and Textiles, at the 2026 Australian Good Design Awards. It's the highest award in the discipline, announced on 9 October 2026, following a Best in Class award the day before.
How long does a FabPatch repair take?
60 seconds of firm rubbing. Leave it three days before the first wash so the bond can fully set.
Where can I buy FabPatch in Australia?
Online at fabpatch.au, at events, and through stockists around Australia.
