Today we're constantly bombarded with new fashion trends. It can be easy to forget about the clothing we already have in our closets. We're so quick to get rid of clothes that we no longer wear, without giving them a second thought. But what if I told you that there was a way to breathe new life into those old clothes, and in doing so, help the environment? Read on to learn about how upcycling helps the environment. Upcycling and sustainability go hand in hand in fighting climate change.

The Sustainable Benefits of Upcycling Clothing

Upcycling is one of the most sustainable ways to keep your wardrobe fresh, and in this blog post, we'll look at putting a new spin on repurposed clothing.

How Does Upcycling Help The Environment?

Upcycling is the process of taking an old or unwanted item and transforming it into something new and beautiful. Unlike recycling, which involves breaking down the original item and using its materials to create something else, upcycling retains the original item's form. This means that upcycled clothing is made from existing garments, rather than new fabric, conserving raw materials. We are repurposing clothes and in that way, embuing them with new stories. And there are so many other advantages of upcycling clothes over recycling.

Why Upcycle?

Everyone knows the fashion and textile industries are very wasteful. To combat wasting natural resources, upcycling your clothes is a number one way to be more sustainable. By giving your clothes a second life, you're keeping them out of landfill. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average person throws away about 70 pounds of clothing per year. The EPA's a great place to do research to find upcycling facts. On another note, just think of all the additional plastic packaging and fossil fuels you're not buying into because you upcycled a garment you already own.

Environmental Benefits of Upcycling Clothes

So why is upcycling important? Upcycling reduces textile waste, conserves new or raw materials such as organic cotton. It also reduces the amount of water and energy needed to produce new clothing, and in the end, saves valuable resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Just think of all the air pollution and water pollution that doesn't occur because you're upcycling your clothes.

Did you know it takes about 700 gallons of water to make just one pair of jeans? You're saving all that water when you upcycle apparel. Learn more upcycling facts at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation site. 

Sustainable Fashion

In addition to being more sustainable, upcycling is also cheaper than buying new clothes. If you're on a tight budget but still want to keep your wardrobe fresh, upcycling is definitely the way to go. You can transform an old piece of clothing into something completely new for a fraction of the price of buying something brand new, plus you're incorporating waste materials into a used garment. An upcycled dress can be even more beautiful with the right techniques. It's a win-win-win. 

What Kind of Clothing Is Best To Upcycle?

With just a few creative touches, you can bring any item of clothing in your closet back to life! Investing in well-made organic fabrics and quality pieces will give them the longevity they need for some stylish upcycling. Revamp existing styles with confidence – it’s time to make fashion even more sustainable.

Why Should I Upcycle My Clothes?

Upcycling is also a great way to add your own personal touch to your wardrobe. When you buy new clothes off the rack, everyone has access to those same exact items. But when you upcycle, you can add your own unique spin to a garment, making it one-of-a-kind. If you're someone who enjoys expressing your personality through your clothing, upcycling is definitely for you. 

How to Upcycle Clothing

Now that you know all about the benefits of upcycling, you might be wondering how exactly one goes about doing it. Luckily, there are tons of resources available online that can show you how to get started. I love to save scraps and patchwork over holes. Sometimes I'll use wool roving to felt over moth holes. It's really rewarding to mend your own clothes. Currently I'm interested in upcycled sweaters. 

Where do you find upcycled materials?

I look at my scrap bags, any garment you want to donate, or do a clothing and scrap swap with your friends. The best scenario is to avoid using new materials. There are also a ton of upcycled clothing websites that can help you figure out 

So there you have it. Upcycling and sustainability aren't just fashion trends. Upcyling is a great way to be more sustainable and save money while still keeping your wardrobe fresh. There are tons of tutorials available online that can show you how easy it is to get started, just google "upcycling clothes for beginners". So what are you waiting for? Give upcyling a try today!