Make fashion more sustainable by upcycling clothing

Why upcycle clothing?

1. Throwing clothes away is also throwing away the resources that went into making them.

2. Upcycling reduces energy used in waste management.

3. Processes used in producing clothing have an environmental cost as these processes pollute water, soil, and air.

4. Wearing a garment 50 times rather than 5 reduces carbon emissions for it by 400% annually.

Upcycling clothes mean they can be creatively reused. From growing crops, to dyeing fabrics and making synthetic fibres, clothing manufacturers use pesticides, acids, and toxic chemicals to produce the garments we wear. The fashion industry is the second biggest polluter on Earth after oil, and textile waste may eventually rival plastic for pollution in our oceans.

Did you know: Americans alone throw away almost 13 million tons of clothes each year – more than 36kg for every person in the country. Through upcycling, others get the benefits of wearing clothes that would otherwise be thrown away. Keeping those clothes out of the landfill – or from being burned – is good for the environment, and has benefits for everybody.

With some creativity, extend the life of clothing. Add a contrasting trim, adjust the sleeve length or sew on bright buttons to give the outfits you have a fresh look.

Donating:

Many charities take used clothing to give to the needy or sell it to raise money for projects such as education and housing in poor communities.

Find a charity that upcycles clothing. Before you donate, check that:

• The garment is clean and smells fresh.

• Any stains or odours have been dealt with.

• The item is in good condition and ready to wear.

• Any holes or tears have been repaired.

• Belts and any removable parts such as hoods are attached.

• Missing buttons or broken zips are replaced.

• All pockets are empty.

• Ironing is done where necessary.

• There are bags or accessories that you can add.

Re-use is better than recycling, but if you have garments that are not fit to be worn, either repurpose them as rags for cleaning at home or donate them to a textile recycler.

Buying upcycled fashion 

This is a very sustainable and ethical choice. High-quality used clothes or designer wear can be classed as vintage, but with the rise of ‘fast fashion’ and online retail, consumers are buying increasing amounts of cheap garments – Americans purchase more than five times the amount of clothing they bought in 1980. Globally, an item of fast fashion is only worn on average 5 times.  

When buying used clothing:

• Look for stains or odours, especially on cuffs, underarms, and on the front.

• Check all buttons are in place and zips work.

• Examine wear, particularly of stitching, cuffs, and neckline.

• Inspect the tag to ensure the garment is made of a fabric you like.

• Check labels for size, but also try the garment on. Wear a tight layer you can slip clothing over.

• Investigate for holes, signs of moths, and other damage.

• Talk to staff to find out when new deliveries arrive and the best times for shopping.

• Be patient - that great find may require a few visits.

When you get home, wash the garment according to the care instructions. If in doubt, machine wash on a cold, delicate cycle, or hand wash.

DIY wardrobe overhaul

Get creative and have fun with restyling to give the clothes you have an exciting update and more longevity in your wardrobe. Experiment with:

• Buttons: Change the colour and material for a different look.

• Sleeves:  Cut them at ¾ length, the elbow or shoulder – then hem – for a fresh silhouette. You can also add sleeves in contrasting fabrics for an individual result.

• Trims: Add lace to sleeves or hems, or edge fabric with velvet ribbon or faux fur. Beads, faux pearls, or rhinestones can add sparkle to a neckline.

• Collars and cuffs: Attach contrasting fabric, sequins, or beads.

• T-shirts: Cut off sleeves or rework necklines to update their appearance. Cut along seams to insert panels in a different fabric.

• Patches: Cut up a garment you no longer wear and make patches that can be sewn onto jeans, jumpers, or shirts.

• Fringing: Glue or sew to a dress or a jacket for added movement and flare.

• Jeans and tracksuit bottoms:  Adjust leg lengths at the calf, knee, or thigh.

• Skirts: Change the length or add straps to make a slip dress.

• Appliqué: Use this technique of embroidering fabric onto clothing for a range of effects.

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