Written by Katie Robinson
“Upcycling” was the unofficial word of 2020 for Gen-Z. DIY fashion has exploded in popularity since the pandemic, particularly amongst the eco-conscious younger generation (‘#upcycling’ has 11.1 Billion views on TikTok at the time of writing). So what is it about customised clothing that has people picking up a needle and thread for the first time?
Maybe it’s a revolt against the fast fashion alternatives also popular on TikTok, and many young people are reporting feeling ‘burnt out’ by fashion’s constant onslaught of newness. Upcycling can be a form of open rebellion, allowing DIYers to use fashion for expression rather than conformity - creating pieces that can’t be linked in bio or ‘gatekept’ because they’re completely unique.
Alternative research suggests it’s a reaction to rising prices and a growing consciousness of the wastefulness of fashion. Why spend money on replacing a ripped jacket when you can sew a cool patch on instead, fixing the rip and creating something completely unique at the same time?
Whatever your reason for customising clothing, the possibilities are endless: dyeing, painting, patching, bedazzling, embroidering, cutting, stitching… the list goes on. Whether you want to add an upcycled piece to your wardrobe or learn how to completely rework vintage jeans into a deconstructed denim skirt, we know the perfect place to start.
Ready to pick up the scissors? Get inspo and tips with these videos:
(https://www.tiktok.com/@yolandainthecity/video/7220528026105285934)
This creator uploaded a new way of upcycling your t-shirts everyday for a month - if you’ve got a pile of unworn tops in the back of your wardrobe, this one’s for you.
(https://www.tiktok.com/@cupyne_/video/7234905203894390042?q=upcycling%20diy%20ripped&t=1706161052531)
Feeling like ripping up your least-favourite pair of jeans and starting again? Get creative with this grungy jeans tutorial (note: you may want to keep the hoover on standby)
(https://www.tiktok.com/@caylinyvonne/photo/7184930552338795818)
If you want to understand exactly how transformative upcycling can be, look no further than these gorgeous creations for inspiration (one of which was SZA-approved)
(https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cyjhqp8RYcj/?igsh=djk3c2RybTRpYjI2)
Who says menswear has to be boring? Every look in this streetwear upcycling reel is dripping in personality - sometimes all you need is a few sewn-on patches to make it your own.
(https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cm7Lj4BDc6A/?igsh=cHZuZzA5OTE3ZXRq)
If you liked the above inspo, here’s a behind the scenes for a pair of upcycled cargos. Remember to hang on to those scraps when you’re chopping up your old clothes - you never know what they could make!
No time for DIY? Shop Upcycled pieces from our fave brands instead:
About the Brand: Deadwood is in the business of “material resurrection”, as they call it - using industry deadstock and factory offcuts as raw materials, the designer-duo has evolved from patchwork leather jackets to a whole collection of sustainable streetwear. Their latest offering, “Carpe Diem”, is a one-off capsule collection of reworked pieces and upcycled leather.
Shop for: From Japanese-inspired motorcycle jackets to slogan tees, Deadwood has something for every streetwear lover.
Genevieve the Label (@genevieve.thelabel)
About the Brand: Genevieve Maki’s passion project combines jewellery with an evolving idea of sustainability; using materials such as recycled pearls, upcycled materials and silver to create stunning art. Pieces vary from dainty clockwork belts and welded rings, to beautifully intricate chainmail headdresses which mix high fashion with mediaeval. One thing’s for sure: you won’t find anything like this on the high street.
Shop for: The perfect grunge details to complete your fit - perfect pieces of handmade upcycled jewellery and chainwork.
JJ Vintage (@jjvintage__)
About the Brand: Reworked vintage at its best - JJ’s Vintage reuses deadstock and offcuts of sustainable fabric in their collections, upcycling it into cool streetwear made to last. Born during the pandemic, the brand’s reworked Nike sportswear has become a cult classic on Instagram.
Shop for: Eclectic, DIY-inspired streetwear in gorgeous prints and colours.
Rolf Ekroth (@rolf_ekroth)
About the Brand: Ekroth is known for his modern streetwear with a 90s sportswear-inspired twist; inspired by his own teenage wardrobe and Finnish culture, his eponymous collection ranges from patchwork survival suits made from industry deadstock to exquisitely crafted crochet details and hand-painted patterns that feature throughout the collection.
Shop for: Gorgeous prints, one-of-a-kind patchwork pieces and a refreshingly new take on streetwear.
