If you are here, it is because you are interested in sustainable fashion and would like to learn more about recycled clothing . Recycled clothing is a growing trend that gives new life to garments that might otherwise end up in landfill.

In this article, we will teach you everything you need to know about recycled clothing, such as what it is, how to make it, what its benefits are, among others. So don't waste time, keep reading!

 

What is clothing recycling?

Clothing recycling is a process where old or unused items of clothing are taken and given a new life by creating new garments or products, rather than disposed of in a landfill. Recycling clothing allows you to reuse materials and reduce textile waste.

However, garments slowly decompose in landfills, contributing to pollution and climate change . Therefore, recycling clothing is a sustainable way of living to reduce the impact of fashion on the environment and can be an economical and creative option to update your wardrobe.

 

¿Why is it so important?

Recycling clothing is essential for several reasons. First of all, it reduces the amount of textile waste that ends up in landfills and, therefore, it is an excellent alternative to reduce pollution and protect the environment.

Textile waste can take years to decompose, which means it takes up landfill space and emits greenhouse gases. Therefore, recycling clothing helps reduce the amount of energy, water and other natural resources .

Also, recycled clothing can be a creative and inexpensive way to update your closet. Instead of buying new clothes, you can recycle old clothes and create new one-of-a-kind, custom pieces.

In fact, you can find used clothing at lower prices at thrift stores and online, saving you money and reducing your carbon footprint.

 

Benefits

The benefits that recycled clothing brings are really significant, which is why promoting recycling is so important. Here are some of its benefits:

Waste reduction

Clothing recycling decreases the amount of textile waste that ends up in landfills, which helps preserve natural resources and reduce pollution . On the other hand, materials such as polyester and synthetic materials can take up to 200 years to decompose and therefore contaminate water and land.

Learn about the upciclying movement which puts waste to use to produce incredible and remarkable garments.

New jobs

Recycling large amounts of clothing can create jobs in the sustainable fashion industry and waste management. This can include jobs in the collection and sorting of used clothing, in the production of recycled clothing, as well as in the sale of recycled products.

Personalization

It allows people to create unique and personalized pieces that reflect their style and personality. Isn't that an amazing idea? By recycling old garments, you will be able to produce new clothes that perfectly fit your style and needs. Be creative and build your own wardrobe!

Saving money

It is a very economical option to update your wardrobe , since you can find used clothes at very low prices, if you compare it with the new clothes that you can get online. In addition, recycling old clothes will allow you to save money to cover your other needs.

Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions

By recycling clothing, you reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the production of new clothing. In fact, producing new clothes generally involves processes that require a lot of energy and resources, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and consequently to environmental pollution.

Promotes sustainability

Help raise awareness about the importance of reducing the environmental impact generated by fashion. In fact, by choosing used clothing and promoting the recycling of clothing, you would be contributing to the protection of the environment , as well as opting for a more sustainable life.

 

Phases of clothing recycling

Next, we explain each of them:

Classification

In this phase, the clothing and other textiles used are classified according to their quality and condition . Clothes that are in excellent condition are separated for reuse and donation, while clothes that are in poor condition are separated for recycling. The different types of fabrics are also classified for further processing.

Reuse

Clothes that are in good condition are reused. That is, it can be donated to charity, sold in thrift stores , or even resold online. Another option is creative reuse, such as turning old clothes into new clothes or accessories.

Recycling

Clothing that is not optimal for reuse is recycled instead of being thrown away. In fact, these textiles are broken down into fibers and used for the production of new textile products .

There are several ways to recycle textiles, such as mechanical recycling, which consists of fraying and converting the fibers into threads for the production of new fabrics. On the other hand, there is also chemical recycling, which involves the dissolution of textiles in chemical products for the production of new fibers and fabrics.

 

How to make recycled clothes?

Making recycled clothing is an excellent way to reduce textile waste and contribute to caring for the environment. Here are some steps to take to make your own recycled clothing:

Select the fabric

Look in your closet or thrift stores for old clothes or fabrics you no longer wear. You can also ask your friends or family members to donate their old fabrics to you.

Wash and dry the fabric

Be sure to wash the fabric before you start working on it to remove any dirt or stains. You could use some ecological detergent , since these are not abrasive, so the fabric would not be ruined.

Plan your design

Decide what kind of clothing you want to make and draw a pattern or idea of ​​how you want it to look. Use patterns that are your size.

Cut the cloth

Use scissors that are only for cutting fabric into the shapes and sizes you need for your design. Leave a gap of 1 cm after the pattern, because if you cut just the pattern, the garment will be a much smaller size when sewn than yours.

Join the pieces

Use a sewing machine or needle and thread to stitch the fabric pieces together. If you don't have a sewing machine, you can also sew by hand.

Decorate your clothes

 Add details to your clothing, such as buttons, patches, embroidery, among others.

Test and adjust

Try the garment on and make any necessary adjustments to make sure it fits well and looks good.
Remember that recycled clothing does not have to be perfect . The important thing is to have fun and experiment with different designs and techniques to create something that is both unique and environmentally friendly.

 

Recycled clothing ideas

If you have no idea how to make recycled clothing, then here are some ideas to implement and exploit your creativity. And if! All the garments are from our recycled clothing collection, made from plastic bottles and mattresses. AWESOME!

Xàbia Vichy shirt

We present our short-sleeved button-down shirt. Do you think you can create a similar one? Add all the accessories you want, just play!

Elba Gingham Green Short

A short is what everyone needs, they are very comfortable, fresh and also very easy to combine. Would you like to have it?

Noja Gingham jumpsuit

Look radiant and super comfortable! But with a jumpsuit made by you with recycled fabric. Would you like to try it? cheer up.

If you like our collection of recycled clothing, feel free to get each item from our Clotsy Brand online store. You will see that you can choose between garments with a vichy print for different occasions and styles thanks to its adaptability, garments made of organic cotton , sustainable dresses made with lyocell fabric from its " Respect " collection, viscose outfits, linen fabric , and corduroy-type fabric to accessories such as: handbags, stockings and more.

Each of the categories of our vegan clothing is suitable for all skin types, so they do not cause itchy skin . Go ahead and look amazing with these clothes that are also slow fashion !

 

 

Click here to see our entire collection of recycled materials.

 

Conclusion

Thanks to clothing recycling, it is now possible to produce new garments with pieces of fabric that are no longer used. It is a great opportunity to contribute to sustainability and reduce the pollution produced by the manufacture of new garments in the environment.

Before you think about throwing away your clothes, think about using them to create new pieces or donating them to those in need.

I invite you to read our article fast fashion social consequences and vegan leather .