The most commonly used upcycled garments are t-shirts to mens dress shirt and old jeans, however any type of old clothing can be transformed into brand new clothes that are on trend with current fashion and look stylish with your favorite outfits.
Upcycled clothing is using old clothes, fabric revenants or vintage pieces of garments to make new items. Transform old clothes into trendy clothes and fashionable styles by following these easy diy clothing projects.
Overtime, the fashion industry has been struggling to deal with massive waste and byproducts of manufacturing. Mass production and constant newness is the primary reasons why clothing industry is one of the largest global polluters.
Statistics show nearly three-fifths of all clothing ends up in landfills within a year of being produced. In order to save the environment and stay trendy, upcycle old garments so that you can contribute to sustainable fashion.
The goal of the upcycling process is to take the unwanted clothes out of the waste cycle in order to produce clothing you are excited to wear.
Upcycling is a way of personal expression and learning how trendy clothes are constructed is an enjoyable hobby. In this website, I share the best upcycle clothing ideas featuring downcycling methods using textile from existing clothing as the base material to create new garments.
What does upcycled clothing mean?
Upcycled clothing transforms existing pieces into fashionable, trendy and wearable garments. Once you understand how to upcycle clothes, you can open up an entire horizon of creative possibilities.
The benefits of upcycling clothes are:
- Good for the environment.
- Lower production costs.
- Saves natural resources.
- Supports local companies.
- Appeals to consumers.
- Allows for more creativity.
Upcycling doesn’t just benefit the fashion industry but also provides the major personal benefits such as learning how to sew following zero-waste refashion principles. I believe it is super important to help make the movement something that everyone eventually implements, even if its on a minimal level.
What is the difference between upcycling and recycling?
Upcycling is reusing the materials to create a product of higher quality or value than the original. Recycling is converting the waste into reusable material.
There are three key differences between upcycling and recycling.
- To be considered upcycling, the new item must be worth more than the material it was made from.
- Upcycling tends to focus on keeping the material in the original state.
- Recycling tends to involve a mechanical or chemical process to create a new material.
Transform old clothes and fabric scraps into trendy and fashionable garments so they can flourish in their next life. If you’re into sewing and feel nimble with needles, you can turn materials like denim, men’s shirt, or old t-shirts into cute new clothes and diy fashion accessories.
What should I do with my old clothes?
There are many fun ways to make new clothes from old clothes. From denim jeans to old t-shirts, and men’s dress shirts, I’ve put together trendy ways you can refashion old clothes into wearable styles.
In order to refashion a plain tee into wearable pieces, you have no sew, easy hand embroidery or beginner sewing techniques to get started with. Be creative and bring new life into t-shirts that you will be excited to wear forever.
If you are new to upcycled clothing and also a sewing beginner, then it is highly recommended to use men’s dress shirts that are cotton and poplin material. They are easy to sew and the fabric doesn’t stretch at all. Create store-bought quality clothes like this puff sleeve blouse and mini skirt, we’ve covered outfits that get you through the day from work to happy hour.
Transform old jeans into a dress. Inspired by Alexa Chung, I re-created this cute mini dress featuring bow tie detail and princess seams along the front and back to give the dress a slim silhouette.
Baggu inspired DIY tote bag is classic bag silhouette for work and casual weekend. The simple bag comes with a free pattern and instructions that will guide you from beginning to the end. Make sure to choose sturdy cotton canvas fabric to accomplish this durable and fashionable look.
Midi or mini length silk slip dresses are essential to all fashionistas. Sew one to add to your classic wardrobe. I chose flexible shoulder straps to make it adjustable with cute tie detail on the shoulders, but you can change the design into regular strap as well.
Are you obsessed with Reformation wrap dresses? This wrap dress works for mini or maxi length, choice is yours. The puff sleeve detail gives feminine look. The best part of all is that you can make this dress without a sewing pattern. Let me show you how I did it!
What do you do with old clothes?
Share your upcycled clothing projects with me!
#FashionWanderer
