As the world becomes increasingly aware of the environmental impact of fast fashion, more and more people are turning to sustainable and ethical alternatives. Recycled clothing is one such option that offers a solution to the textile waste problem. By repurposing used fabrics and materials, these brands are not only reducing waste but also promoting a circular economy. In this article, we’ll explore 6 recycled clothing brands that are leading the way in sustainable fashion. From upcycling vintage clothing to creating new garments from recycled plastic bottles, these brands are proving that fashion can be both stylish and eco-friendly. So, whether you’re a conscious consumer looking to reduce your carbon footprint or a fashionista who wants to stay on-trend, you’ll want to check out these innovative and inspiring brands.
Benefits of Recycled Clothing Brands
The fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to global waste and pollution. The traditional fast-fashion model encourages consumers to buy more, wear less, and dispose of clothing quickly, leading to a significant environmental impact. Recycled clothing brands aim to reduce this impact by repurposing materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. There are several benefits to buying recycled clothing, including:
Reducing Waste
Recycling clothing reduces the amount of textile waste that ends up in landfills. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans throw away 16 million tons of textiles each year. By buying recycled clothing, you’re helping to reduce this waste and promote a circular economy.
Saving Resources
Producing new clothing requires significant resources, including water, energy, and raw materials. By using recycled materials, clothing brands can reduce their environmental impact and save resources.
Lowering Carbon Emissions
The fashion industry accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions. By using recycled materials, clothing brands can reduce their carbon footprint and help combat climate change.
Promoting Ethical Practices
Many recycled clothing brands also prioritize ethical labor practices, ensuring that workers are paid fairly and work in safe conditions.
Supporting Innovation
Recycled clothing brands are often at the forefront of innovation, experimenting with new materials and production methods to create sustainable and eco-friendly clothing.
The Process of Creating Recycled Clothing
Recycling clothing is a complex process that involves several steps. The first step is collecting used clothing and textiles. This can be done through donations, thrift stores, or textile recycling programs.
Once the clothing has been collected, it is sorted by type of material and color. This is important because different materials require different processing methods. For example, cotton and polyester cannot be recycled together.
The next step is cleaning and processing the materials. This involves removing any buttons, zippers, or other non-recyclable components, as well as any dirt or stains. The materials are then shredded into small pieces and processed into yarn or fabric.
Finally, the recycled materials are used to create new clothing or other textile products. This can involve traditional sewing methods or innovative production techniques such as 3D printing.
How to Support Sustainable Fashion Through Buying Recycled Clothing
One of the easiest ways to support sustainable fashion is by buying recycled clothing. Here are a few tips for incorporating recycled clothing into your wardrobe:
Shop at Thrift or Upcycled Stores
Thrift stores are a great place to find vintage and second-hand clothing, including items that have been upcycled or repurposed. Shopping at thrift stores also helps support local businesses and reduces the amount of clothing that ends up in landfills.
Look for Recycled Materials
Many clothing brands now use recycled materials in their products. Look for items made from recycled cotton, polyester, or plastic bottles. These materials are just as durable and stylish as traditional fabrics and help reduce the environmental impact of clothing production.
Support Recycled Clothing Brands
There are several clothing brands that specialize in recycled clothing. By supporting these brands, you’re helping to promote sustainable fashion and reduce waste. Plus, many recycled clothing brands offer unique and stylish designs that you won’t find at traditional retailers.
1. For Days – Recycled Basic Clothing
For Days is a clothing brand that specializes in sustainable and recycled basics. The brand operates on a closed-loop system, which means that customers can send back their old For Days clothing to be recycled and receive a discount on their next purchase.
For Days uses a mix of recycled and organic materials to create their clothing, including recycled cotton and Tencel. The brand offers a range of basics, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, and leggings, all made in the USA.
2. TALA – Clothing from Recycled Materials
TALA is a clothing brand that uses recycled materials to create stylish and sustainable activewear. The brand uses a mix of recycled polyester and plastic bottles to create their clothing, which is designed to be both functional and fashionable.
In addition to using recycled materials, TALA also prioritizes ethical labor practices and sustainable packaging. The brand offers a range of activewear, including leggings, sports bras, and shorts, all made in Europe.
3. Happy Earth Apparel – Recycled or Organic
Happy Earth Apparel is a clothing brand that specializes in sustainable and eco-friendly clothing. The brand uses a mix of recycled and organic materials to create their clothing, including recycled cotton and plastic bottles.
Happy Earth Apparel offers a range of clothing for men and women, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats. The brand also donates a portion of their profits to environmental organizations.
4. Outerknown – Recycled Clothing Brand
Outerknown is a clothing brand that specializes in sustainable and ethical clothing. The brand uses a mix of recycled and organic materials to create their clothing, including recycled polyester and cotton.
Outerknown offers a range of clothing for men and women, including t-shirts, sweaters, and jackets. The brand also partners with various environmental organizations to promote sustainable fashion practices.
5. Girlfriend Collective – Recycled Materials to Clothing
Girlfriend Collective is a clothing brand that uses recycled materials to create stylish and sustainable activewear. The brand uses a mix of recycled polyester and nylon to create their clothing, which is designed to be both functional and fashionable.
Girlfriend Collective offers a range of activewear, including leggings, sports bras, and shorts, all made in Taiwan. The brand also prioritizes ethical labor practices and sustainable packaging.
6. Boyish – Recycled Cotton
Boyish is a clothing brand that specializes in sustainable and eco-friendly denim. The brand uses a mix of recycled and organic materials to create their denim, including recycled cotton.
Boyish offers a range of denim for women, including jeans, shorts, and jackets. The brand also partners with various environmental organizations to promote sustainable fashion practices.
BONUS: Try Upcycled Fashion with RE.STATEMENT
RE.STATEMENT is a clothing brand that specializes in upcycling vintage and second-hand clothing. The brand takes old clothing and transforms it into unique and stylish pieces that are both eco-friendly and on-trend.
RE.STATEMENT offers a range of clothing for women, including dresses, tops, and skirts. The brand also offers a custom design service for customers who want to upcycle their own clothing.
Conclusion
Recycled clothing brands offer a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional fast fashion. By repurposing used materials, these brands are reducing waste and promoting a circular economy. Whether you’re looking for basics, activewear, or denim, there are several recycled clothing brands that offer stylish and sustainable options. By supporting these brands, you can help reduce your environmental impact and promote ethical fashion practices.
