Granted, your closet might use some updating, but you know what really needs to be redone?
The world’s fashion industry.
The direct (and brief) path from creation to disposal in today’s linear fashion procedures is extremely harmful to the environment.
results in 2.1 billion tons of carbon emissions each year and 92 million tons of textile trash.
The favorable tidings?
An increasing number of zero waste fashion designers and firms are adopting the circularity concept in an effort to steer clear of rapid fashion and its detrimental effects.
We also hear the term “Upcycled Clothing” a lot in such circles.
However, what exactly is upcycled apparel, and what are the advantages of doing so for the environment and our closets?
As we delve into this newest sustainable fashion trend and discover how we may begin (up)cycling our way to a greener future, we’ll address these and other questions.
1. WHAT DOES UPCYCLED CLOTHING MEAN?
To begin with, what precisely is upcycled fashion?
Garments that are Upcycled Clothing are created from discarded materials that would have ended up in landfills.
This could include excess apparel or fabrics, unwanted textiles, clothing scraps from textile mills, or deadstock, which is another term for rejected Upcycled Clothing.
There are many different kinds of fabrics that can be recycled into apparel, and new things are frequently made from a variety of materials in a “mix-and-match” method.
Your creativity is the only restriction on this inventive repurpose.
Consider the plastic film from recycled USB cables and used cassette tapes as examples of unusual materials utilized in fashion upcycling.
2. UPCYCLED CLOTHING VS RECYCLED CLOTHING
Upcycling vs Recycling
These terms are frequently used erroneously because they are used interchangeably. But, it’s critical to comprehend the differences between upcycling and recycling because they are substantial.
Recycling is a process used in industry that takes a substance, breaks it down, and then produces a new material that can be used to make other products.
This can be accomplished chemically (by melting down PET plastic bottles or fishing nets and respunting the melted fibers into polyester or nylon fibers, respectively) or mechanically (by shredding cotton and reweaving the fibers into a recycled cotton fabric).
In general, the new product doesn’t look anything like the recycled components that made it.
Eco-friendly swimwear crafted from ECONYL® seems completely different from the abandoned fishing nets used to make the fabric.
Upcycling is a very distinct practice. It takes an undesired object and makes it better (more recognized) so that it can be put to better use.
To make a brand-new piece, upcycled furniture may require sanding, repainting, and handle replacements.
The same holds true for attire.
Upcycled Clothing takes an existing item of clothing and makes it better, either by stitching holes and adding ornamental flair or by mixing it with additional items and materials.
One advantage of Upcycled Clothing is that it may be used to fix defects, however upcycling is more than just fixing things. It is possible—and frequently does—to produce something very different from the original.
It is also possible to reuse items for alternative uses. For instance, old curtain materials can be used to make clothes, or the other way around.
The secret is in the “up” (as in upgrade) part of the name: upcycling takes waste material and turns it into something better and more valuable.
Upcycling vs Downcycling
But what about “downcycling,” which is the exact reverse of upcycling?
It is, in essence, the process of transforming an item into something less value.
Reusing cloth nappies as makeshift mop heads or chopping up an old t-shirt into rags for cleaning are two instances of downcycling.
Downcycling is another term for textile recycling that occurs when a material cannot be recycled back into the original form in order to create new textile goods with the same value.
For instance, certain fabrics with mixed fibers can only be “downcycled” into commercial products like insulation or carpeting.
Thus, upcycling typically wins out over downcycling in the realm of sustainable fashion (if possible).
3. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF UPCYCLED CLOTHES?
What does upcycled clothing mean for the environment?
Well, it addresses important concerns in the fashion industry by lessening its influence on the environment and society in addition to sporting a novel and frequently creative new style.
Less reliance on virgin materials:
The cultivation and manufacturing of raw materials have a major influence on the globe due to deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, microplastic pollution, soil degradation, water usage, and water pollution.
Anything that lowers the amount of raw materials required to make clothing is a good idea from a sustainable standpoint, even though the usage of sustainable fabrics can help to some extent with these problems.
Dealing with textile waste:
The fashion sector is the main source of trash in the textile industry.
Most old clothing and shoes wind up in landfills or incinerators since just 1% of garment trash gets recycled globally.
It is not just post-consumer garbage that is to blame.
Despite the fact that at least 50% of the fabric used in the creation of garments might be repurposed into new apparel, it is estimated that 25–40% (!) of it is wasted.
Managing textile waste necessitates a multifaceted, circular-minded strategy that begins with design and considers an item of clothing’s whole lifecycle.
The longer clothes are available, the better.
One way to achieve this is through upcycling, as well as thrift store shopping, online clothes rentals for gently worn items, clothing repair, and adopting a minimalist wardrobe.
A solution for mixed fabrics:
Even while there are more and more ways to recycle your old clothing—some even let you recycle it for cash in the form of store credit—not all clothing can be recycled.
Certain blended materials, such as mixtures of synthetic and natural materials, cannot be recycled; however, they can be given a second chance at life by being Upcycled Clothing into new apparel.
What does Upcycled Clothing fashion mean for people?
Less harmful social practices:
Although the phrase “sweatshop labor” is frequently used to describe manufacturing in various industries, the fashion industry is the one with which most people are most familiar.
And with good cause.
The Rana Plaza garment factory collapse brought to light the hazardous working conditions that many garment workers endure, usually for incomes that are below the poverty line.
Fair trade labor standards are being embraced by a growing number of sustainable clothing businesses, but they are not a perfect answer to all societal problems.
2. Supporting small businesses:
Recycled clothing is produced and sold by a large number of solopreneurs and small teams, so you should feel good about yourself for helping these ethical and tiny enterprises.
What Does Upcycled Fashion Mean For Your Wardrobe?
One-of-a-kind bespoke fashion:
Every piece of repurposed clothing is distinct.
Upcycling is a creative process even though it has a practical purpose.
Since it requires working within the constraints of the available waste materials to come up with a sustainable (and crucially stylish) solution, it appeals to individuals who enjoy a design challenge.
There are countless options!
Wearable keepsakes:
Precious textiles can be Upcycled Clothing to create items you can wear or use in many ways.
Perhaps you have an item of emotional clothing that you no longer wear, such a sweater your grandparents made, a piece of apparel you received from a close friend, or a souvenir shirt from summer camp.
By artistically repurposing them into usable apparel, accessories, or household products (vintage t-shirt quilts, anyone?), you may give beloved items a second chance at life through upcycling.
An affordable wardrobe refresh:
Making your own upcycled clothing at home is an inexpensive method to update your wardrobe right away.
In summary, repurposed clothing benefits the environment, humankind, your closet, and your financial stability.
4. HOW TO UPCYCLE CLOTHES
Now that you’re convinced of the advantages of upcycled clothing, take a closer look at our detailed guide on how to upcycle used clothing in a do-it-yourself way.
Proceed to read the CliffNotes.
Depending on how much involvement you choose to have with the process, there are several alternatives.
DIY Upcycled Clothing
Not sure what to do with your old clothes?
Try to find a way to turn them into brand-new additions to your wardrobe instead of throwing them in the trash.
Your creativity is your only restriction if you know how to sew well, either by hand or with a machine.
Refashioning a t-shirt into a breezy summer item only requires a few strategically placed rips and knots.
If you want to upcycle something, but you don’t have any appropriate clothing, you can get some at your neighborhood thrift store.
Try to obtain in particular from sales areas and discount racks, as these items of clothing are likely near the end of the line and are therefore living rent-free.
Online Repair Services
There are alternative choices available if you lack the sewing ability or just don’t have the time to refashion your own clothing.
Your local tailor might be able to assist you with your upcycling needs. Additionally, a lot of online clothing repair businesses provide antique revival services.
We’re talking more about “make better and upcycle” than “make do and mend.”
Upcycling Clothes Businesses and Brands
Fanfare Label is one of the brands that provides an upcycling service.
You may send them an old pair of jeans, and they will transform them into a custom-made garment. Text and patterns can be painted or embroidered.
You can add a pair of Vibram soles to your favorite shoes and personalize them with the footwear business Vibram, which has repair shops spread throughout multiple nations.
If you’d prefer to support small businesses, Etsy is a great location to look for skilled upcyclers, many of whom can do bespoke upcycling.
5. UPCYCLING BRANDS AND FASHION DESIGNERS
Upcycling is becoming more popular as more firms and fashion designers embrace the imaginative repurposing of diverse materials.
You may wonder, “Who is doing the upcycling?”
Upcycling Brands
By purchasing from one of the numerous upcycled clothing brands, such as:, you can help the upcycling fashion revolution.
Fanfare: For recycled boho apparel and eco-friendly streetwear, check out this London-based clothing boutique.
Patagonia: Through their Worn Wear initiative, clients’ old Patagonia clothing is repurposed for their Patagonia Recrafted Collection.
R-Coat: R-Coat turns non-recyclable fabric into fashionable coats and caps by gathering broken (hopefully) environmentally friendly umbrellas from neighborhood collection locations around Portugal and Italy.
RE/DONE: This retro apparel company collaborates with Levi’s Jeans to produce repurposed denim apparel.
Etsy: Not a brand, but once more, this maker marketplace provides an almost limitless opportunity to discover stores making unique, sustainable items out of repurposed apparel.
Upcycling Fashion Designers
The question “what is Upcycled Clothing fashion?” is being creatively addressed by fashion designers who prioritize sustainability.
They are pushing for the adoption of environmentally friendly products, increasing public awareness of environmental problems, and encouraging people to think creatively about sustainable solutions.
By doing this, they’re exposing sustainable fashion to a global audience and encouraging others to do the same.
Here are some designers who are using repurposed garments on the catwalk to give you ideas for your own upcycling projects:
For her collections, French designer Marine Serre (@marineserre_official) upcycles a range of textiles, including her iconic crescent moon pattern pieces.
Kevin Germanier (@kevingermanier) uses discarded materials and bright beads to create repurposed glamor for celebrities like Lady Gaga and Bjork.
Unconventional materials including fly-tipped garbage and deadstock material from luxury residences are used by London-based designer Matthew Needham (@matthewneedhamstudio).
The plastic film from vintage VHS and audio cassettes is used by French-Israeli fashion and textile designer Benjamin Benmoyal (@benjaminbenmoyal) to create a distinctive woven fabric.
Tega Akinola (@tegaakinola), a UK-based designer, creates her inventive footwear creations using used Nike socks and broken Ethernet connections.
