Guide on Upcycling Clothing for Sustainable Lifestyle.

 

Do you ever think about how fashion industries are generating waste per year? According to some reports, the fashion sector is one of the contributors to global waste. Let's not just talk about the cause but the solution to it. One of the best and most efficient methods to reduce clothing waste and attain more sustainable waste is Upcycling. On this page, you'll find out what upcycling clothing is and how one can perform it. 

 

When it comes to upcycling clothes at home, you may think upcycling can be done only at the textile factories, but this is not true. Actually, there are many people who are upcycling their old or used clothes and turning them back to life at home. Basically, you have to take your clothes and then turn them into another type of wear, like converting a t-shirt into a Halter Top by simply cutting and sewing it. 

 

What is upcycling?

 

Upcycling is nothing but a process of taking your old or discarded things to use them and turning them into something new and more valuable. Is upcycling clothes the same as recycling? Well, the point is to take your old clothes and convert them into something worth more than before without changing their form. On the other hand, recycling breaks it down and makes something else for use. If you are thinking about how to upcycle clothes at home, let's just find out below this line. 

 

 

What is the process of upcycling clothes?

 

Let's try to understand the process of upcycling clothes. It involves taking old or discarded clothes and turning them into something new and unique by cutting and sewing, adding new items, patching, or repurposing the cloth material. The design thinking model of the upcycling process has a few stages: Empathy and Definition, Ideation, Prototyping, and testing. 

 

How to customize old clothes?

 

Here are some creative ways to customize old clothes. If you think you are not crafty, then it's no longer an issue. Kindly go through the items below, and you will find the best ways to customize old clothes.

 

• Dye: Dye your old clothes, and they will become new ones. It will help you to hide those stains that make them odd to wear. Also know about tie-dye  for baby clothes.

 

• Patch and Embroider: Use a needle and thread to attach a patch over holes or rips and embroider on your clothes.

 

• Cutting: When your jeans or shirts get old, cut them into new shorts or tops and give them a fresh start. 

 

• Turn into something else: Cut and sew your old sweaters, jeans, or cotton clothes to make blankets, bags, and scrunchies. 

 

• Alternative use case: Use them to clean your house or give your pet dog a gift. Turn your woolen garments into a bed, blanket, toy, or pillow. 

 

 How to start repurposing clothes?

 

In case, you are looking for ideas, you can start repurposing clothes by following the points below. 

 

Shirts: Upcycle your unwanted shirts or T-shirts into many reusable items, such as halter tops, Crop tops, Aprons, skirts, bags, and more. 

 

Jeans: Jeans are one of those clothes that can be easily upcycled. You can turn them into tote bags, patch them, or simply dye them a new color. 

 

Skirts: Turn your old skirt into a headband or scarf. For the headband, use the waistband of the skirt and tie it around the head. For the scarf, cut your skirt into thin strips. Once you tie them together, a new scarf will be ready. 

 

Clothing Accessories: It would be fun if you upcycle your old bandana or belt into a headband. Cut your bandana into the size of your head by measuring them. Now, just tie it for a new stylish look.